by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We reported this week that an explosive new peer-reviewed report from ICF found that greenhouse gas emissions reductions from typical corn-based ethanol production have soared to 43 percent compared to 2005-era gasoline. The report projects that
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Analysis finds that U.S. corn-based ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent compared to gasoline, with additional benefits projected through 2022 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the release of a report studying the
(Environmental Research Web) Cultivating algae for food and biofuel could make a serious dent in our greenhouse gas emissions, as well as helping to save freshwater resources and reduce deforestation. Currently the emissions associated with land-use change and agriculture account for
(Committee on Genetically Engineered Crops: Past Experience and Future Prospects; Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources; Division on Earth and Life Studies; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) ... We received impassioned requests to give the public a simple, general, authoritative answer about
by Jan Rocha (Climate News Network) A sharp increase in the predicted global number of EVs prompts Brazil to rev up its promotion of low-carbon biofuels. -- By 2040, the number of electric cars in the world could have reached
by Bevin Fletcher (Bioscience Technology) Some semi-arid plants use a specific type of photosynthesis known as crassulacean acid metabolism, or CAM, to conserve water and flourish in semi-arid climates. Now scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory
by Paul Krajewski (High River Times) A waste diversion company is working toward constructing a one-of-a-kind clean refinery near High River to produce renewable diesel from landfill debris. After years of research and development, Cielo Waste Solutions is set to use
(EurekAlert!/PLOS) Two potential biofuel crops in Hawaii--sugarcane and napiergrass--may sequester more carbon in soil than is lost to the atmosphere, according to a study published January 4, 2017 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Meghan Pawlowski from University of
(PR Newswire) Coalition of 12 organizations set to launch FurtherWithFood.org, an online hub for information and solutions to cut food waste -- Today, The Rockefeller Foundation announced its collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection
by Robin Booker (The Western Producer) There are many innovative products and services available to Canadian crop producers that could help improve sustainability. However, the global food sector is struggling to find ways to reward growers who adapt sustainable technologies and
(New York State Senate) Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit: The 2016-17 budget extended the Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit from Jan. 1, 2017 until Jan. 1, 2020. It also requires that beginning in 2017, to qualify for the credit, each
by John D. Forcier (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) Most trash and recycled waste materials are being processed on a regional basis to maximize the economy of scale. There have been various attempts to gather and process organic waste materials
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2017? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2016 gives way
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “Why Animal-Free? We wanted a way to enjoy the dairy products we love – with zero compromise,” says Perfect Day Foods on its website. Bottom line, using biotech they have created milk crafted without the help of
Just before New Year’s Eve, Swedavia received its first sustainable aviation fuel at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. It marks the start of deliveries of sustainable aviation fuel through the Fly Green Fund and demonstrates Swedavia’s commitment to sustainable aviation. The fuel
by Dina Bacovsky, Andrea Sonnleitner (Task39 Newsletter) ... Domestic FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) production in 2014 was 292,009 tonnes based on rapeseed (72%), used cooking oil (19%), animal fat (8%) and fatty acids (1%). The feedstock was sourced mainly from the
(Green Car Congress) The US Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) released its new strategic plan, titled Strategic Plan for a Thriving and Sustainable Bioeconomy. The strategic plan—with a vision for 2040—lays out BETO’s mission to accomplish its vision in
(Algae Industry Magazine) Marine algae have the power to simultaneously fuel vehicles, recycle carbon dioxide, and provide nutrition to animals and humans,” said Ira A. Levine, a tenured Professor of Natural and Applied Sciences at the University of Southern Maine
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oberon Fuels is facilitating the growth of the DME transportation industry by converting biogas and other hydrocarbon rich waste streams to higher valued commodities such as DME. Using its proprietary small-scale process, Oberon makes DME
by Chen, Xiaowen; Kuhn, Erik; Jennings, Edward W.; Nelson, Robert; Tao, Ling; Zhang, Min; Tucker, Melvin P. (Energy & Environmental Science) Distilling and purifying ethanol and other products from second generation lignocellulosic biorefineries adds significant capital and operating costs to biofuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Velocys enables modular gas-to-liquids and biomass-to-liquids plants to convert unconventional, remote and problem gas and waste biomass into valuable, drop-in liquid fuels. After 15 years and some $300 million in investment, Velocys technology is headed for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News has arrived from Denver (the company) and the UK (the project and partners) that SynTech Bioenergy will build what it terms “a revolutionary clean-energy plant in the United Kingdom capable of carbon negative operation.” ... This
by Kieron Monks (CNN) Croton nut may be ideal fuel with high oil and protein concentration; Leading producers are expanding rapidly; Analysts say croton avoid ethical issues of other biofuels -- The Croton megalocarpus tree is common throughout much of East and Central
(International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)) Sustainable biofuels have an important role to play in Africa’s development. When biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol are produced and used in a sustainable way, they provide massive economic and environmental benefits. These include,
by Samar Niazi (Platts) The palm oil and PME story in 2016 was dominated by acute drought across Southeast Asia, caused by the most severe El Nino event since 1997-98. ... The after-effects of the El Nino caused a sharp drop
by Youssef Boudlal (ZAWYA/Reuters) The Tunisian Company of Petroleum Activities and the Borj Cedria Technology Management Corporation Park (TBC) initiated Tuesday research work to identify water treatment processes from the production of an oil field and their desalination for irrigation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) LanzaTech’s gas fermentation platform disrupts the current highly centralized global energy system by enabling the regional production of low-cost energy from local wastes and residues, including gases as varied as industrial flue gas, gasified biomass
by Chip Bowling (U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance/Washington Post) I consider myself an environmentalist, a conservationist and a farmer. This is an identity I share with many farmers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which spans more than 64,000 square miles
(Oregon State University) The use of residual forest biomass for rural development faces significant economic hurdles that make it unlikely to be a source of jobs in the near future, according to an analysis by economists at Oregon State University. In
(Infrastructure Canada & Government of Quebec/Biomass Magazine) Officials of the governments of Canada and Quebec visited the city of Varennes on Dec. 19 to break ground for construction of the biomethanation facilities of the Société d'économie mixte de l'est de
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Newlight, founded in 2003, is harnessing methane-based carbon emissions as a resource to replace oil and reduce the cost of plastics production–fundamentally changing both the economics and environmental impact of the plastics industry. The AirCarbon production
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, following on from the November release of their joint publication “The Black Book of Bioenergy”, Birdlife Europe and Central Asia has again teamed with Transport & Environment on a documentary set for release
by Javier Rico (Energias Renovables) Despite the fact that the European Commission is not very likely to focus on biodiesel from waste oils in the reform of the directive on renewable energies, its collection and treatment continues to offer opportunities
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the Energy Department (DOE) announced the selection of six projects for up to $12.9 million in federal funding, entitled, “Project Definition for Pilot- and Demonstration-Scale Manufacturing of Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biopower.” These projects, required to
by Emilia Terzon (ABC News) Former chef-cum-Darwin's "biodiesel warrior" Greg Henderson was elbow-deep in an industry of second-hand grease when the global price of crude oil started to tumble in 2014. Within weeks the humble entrepreneur was contemplating a price
by Nolan Pinto (India Today) The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has decided to imbibe Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet project 'Make in India' by utilizing biofuel in a big way. It has inducted 25 Scania buses that run
(Lux Research/Biodiesel Magazine) Biomass-based diesel and conventional electricity lead the race to meet new emissions reduction goals, and diversified energy companies are well-placed, according to Lux Research. Traditionally policies to promote greener transportation fuels have focused on mandating volumes of specific
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... the most innovative public-private policies are likely for some time to proceed out of regions, provinces and states. In some ways, in the United States the forces arrayed against the Renewable Fuel Standard will end up
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Regional Feedstock Partnership (the Partnership)—a multi-institutional collaboration of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, representatives from land-grant universities, and industry—was first established to address issues associated with the development of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With the Agile BioFoundry project, the National Lab consortium, in partnership with academia and industry, aims to achieve a 40% decrease in the energy intensity of current manufacturing processes. Plus, a 60% decrease in the carbon
by Brian Warshay, J. Jed Brown, Sgouris Sgouridis (The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment) Prospective evaluation of the lifecycle impacts of aviation biofuel production in Abu Dhabi, UAE based on a production system that integrates aquaculture, saltwater agriculture, and mangrove silviculture, termed an
by Dan Velasquez (Letter to the Editor, Des Moines Register) ... If we were not using home-grown ethanol, we’d be shipping more crude oil. The article pointed out that in the 30 years from 1985 to 2015, just over 88,000 gallons of
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/NewsOK) Regarding “Flaws in Renewable Fuel Standard aren't going away” (Our Views, Dec. 16): The Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires that refiners blend an increasing amount of ethanol and other biofuels into petroleum, has been
by Brian J. Walsh, et al. (Carbon Balance and Management) Net carbon sinks capable of avoiding dangerous perturbation of the climate system and preventing ocean acidification have been identified, but they are likely to be limited by resource constraints (Nature 463:747–756,
(Business Standard) The foundation stone for India's first second generation ethanol bio-refinery to be set up by Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL) at Bathinda in Punjab at a cost of Rs 600 crore will be laid on December 25, an official
by Enrico Belga Jr. (Rappler) Dubbed as 'Bio-Gab,' the group’s biofuel invention converts wild taro, which is hazardous to humans and animals, into a bioethanol that can fuel cars -- ... This need also motivated a group of college students from St
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Syngip talked here about the possibility of producing liquid hydrocarbons from waste feedstocks at costs as low as €100 per ton. ... What’s this deal all about? In two words, cheaper carbon. The Global Bioenergies story is
(National Biodiesel Board) USDA data show cost of food has declined -- As Americans set the table for another holiday meal this year, they are paying less for it, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Price Outlook. The Consumer
(University College London) UCL start-up bio-bean is turning more than 3,000 tonnes of waste coffee grounds into low-carbon fuel in a new partnership with coffee giant Costa. Waste grounds from more than 850 Costa stores are being transformed into biomass pellets
by Meghan Gordon (Platts) A US appeals court Tuesday dismissed a challenge by American biodiesel producers to the Environmental Protection Agency's decision allowing Argentinian biodiesel to qualify for US renewable fuel credits. The National Biodiesel Board trade group had argued that EPA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) California, the land of milk and honey when it comes to markets for biofuels. What’s up now, what’s coming, what’s working? Low Carbon Fuels Coalition chief Graham Noyes gave this illuminating overview at ABLC Next
by David DeGennaro (National Wildlife Federation) Since Congress passed into law in 2005 a federal mandate to blend corn-based ethanol and other renewable fuels into conventional gasoline, the increased demand for corn – which has supplied nearly all of these mandated
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Edeniq is a biorefining and cellulosic technology company. Edeniq delivers integrated process innovations that unlock sugars. These technological innovations uniquely combine mechanical and biological processes. Edeniq’s capital light and operationally efficient solutions can be easily integrated
by Mary Karugaba (New Vision) Staggering the commencement date would help government build capacity. -- ... Presenting the opposition’s views on the Biofuels Bills, 2016 to the parliamentary committee on Natural Resources, MP Simon Oyet argued that right now the country has
(World Petroleum Council) ‘Biofuels’ will be the 6th in the series of the WPC’s educational guides and will focus on the use of biofuels and their role in our current and future global energy supply. It is essential for the petroleum
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/The Intelligencer Wheeling News-Register) ... Food price inflation has averaged just 2.6 percent annually since 2005, compared to the 3.5 percent average from 1980-2004. It is important to note that one-third of every bushel of
Story by Todd C. Frankel and Peter Whoriskey; Photos and videos by Michael Robinson Chavez; Video editing by Jorge Ribas (The Washington Post) In the thin air of the salt flats here, nearly 13,000 feet above sea level, the indigenous Atacamas people
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Denmark has agreed plans to implement a 0.9% advanced biofuels blending mandate by 2020 for use in transportation. This news will provide a boost to second-generation biofuels. For example, biofuels made from waste materials. This puts
(NexSteppe) NexSteppe, a company dedicated to pioneering the next generation of sustainable feedstock solutions for biobased industries, announced today that the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has approved four NexSteppe sorghum hybrids for commercial sale in country.
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) A team from the University of California Davis conducted a study for the California Air Resources Board examining the feasibility of producing large quantities of renewable natural gas (RNG) fuels for use in transportation in
(Environmental Protection Agency) EPA’s report concludes that hydraulic fracturing activities can impact drinking water resources under some circumstances and identifies factors that influence these impacts -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing its scientific report on the impacts
(Vermont Business Magazine) ... Welch (Representative Peter Welch (D-VT)) will reintroduce the bipartisan Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Reform Act, which will reform the corn ethanol mandate while continuing to promote advanced biofuels, as well as the bipartisan Food and Fuel
(Turf Feeding Systems/PR Web) Turf Feeding Systems, a Houston company, is starting a new project and is contracted to design, build and manage the agriculture for a special BioJet fuel project in the Yucatan region of Mexico that is focused
by Dick Roche (EurActiv/Pannonia Ethanol) A response delivered by Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete in the European Parliament last week demonstrates just how dangerously out of touch with reality the executive is on a policy that impacts on the lives of
(University of Missouri) Switchgrass Can Improve Soil Quality on Eroded Farms, Study Finds -- The loss of fertile topsoil from agricultural fields is an economic problem for modern farmers. When runoff water washes topsoil from agricultural fields in areas with
(Nobina) ... HSL’s decision to award Nobina an environmental bonus of SEK 1.06 million is a result of Nobina’s offer to switch from diesel to biodiesel during 2017. Nobina’s switch from diesel to biodiesel covers 680 000 liters of
by Stafford “Doc” Williamson (DaoChi Energy/Biofuels Digest) Reported in the Feednavigator.com (Dec. 8, 2016) is news that soymeal has taken a step toward replacing fishmeal as aquaculture feed. The Battelle company, at the behest of the Ohio Soybean Council, has developed a non-fermentation method that
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
(Everglades Foundation) The Everglades Foundation (The Foundation) today officially kicked off its four-year, $10-million George Barley Water Prize at the “Tapping Innovation: Breakthrough Thinking, Action & Awards” event at the Miami Science Barge, unveiling the winners of the first two
(Austrian Network Biofuels Newsletter) The European Biogas Association (EBA) has published a new brochure aiming to serve as an introduction to biomethane in transport, going through its benefits and the challenges that lie ahead. Different chapters are dealing with Europe’s
(UFOP) “The 7% cap for biofuels made from cultivated biomass, first established in 2015, must be maintained beyond 2020.” With this position, the Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) rejects the proposal made today by the
(Algae Industry Magazine) The University of Queensland operates an Algae Energy Farm to cultivate and harvest microalgae for a range of uses, including as a feed supplement for beef cattle. Lead researcher Professor Peer Schenk said the farm shows that
(Air Liquide/Biomass Magazine) Air Liquide will design, construct and operate its first landfill gas (LFG) to renewable natural gas (RNG) purification plant in the U.S. at the Northeast Mississippi Landfill (NEML), in Walnut, Mississippi. The site, owned by the Northeast
(Dow AgroSciences/Business Wire) Dow AgroSciences, Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University and Agriculture Victoria Working Together on Essential African Root Crop -- More productive cassava plants, a root crop that is foundational for food security in Africa, will be made possible by
(Archer Daniels Midland/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Archer Daniels Midland Co. recently announced a project in which renewable natural gas, produced as a byproduct at ADM’s corn processing facility in Decatur, Illinois, will be distributed by Ameren Illinois into the nation’s natural
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Gevo has two proprietary technologies that combine to make it possible to retrofit existing ethanol plants to produce isobutanol, a four carbon alcohol which serves as a hydrocarbon platform molecule. They have developed an industrial
(Australian Renewable Energy Agency) Australia’s first advanced green fuels laboratory has opened its doors in regional Queensland, thanks to support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), allowing researchers to test biocrude on our shores for the first time. ARENA has
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Norway, the national government increased the biofuels content in fuets to 20% from 2020. Also, in their new budget, the government increased taxes on petrol to NOK 0,12 pr/l and NOK 0,35 pr/l. Tax
by Rebecca Chillrud (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) “Agricultural research must shift from measuring farm ‘performance’ by single indicators such as yield and profit, to evaluating success using a multidimensional approach that incorporates the three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social
by Dan Macrae (UPROXX) ... The Daily Show‘s Hasan Minhaj discovered, the U.S. Navy is currently embracing a new green era. ... On tonight’s edition of the Comedy Central news program, Minhaj investigated the navy’s shift into employing a biofuel strategy
(Punch) Nigeria needs 2.4 million litres of biodiesel daily to successfully implement the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Jatropha Growers, Processors and Exporters Association of Nigeria has said. The National President of JaGPEAN, retired Maj. Gen. J. Omosebi, stated this
CRISPY, sweet and a little bit salty, the pisang goreng is enjoyed as favourite tea time snack. Roadside stall owner Johar Melan uses vegetable oil to fry the banana fritters. Now, the used vegetable oil that is collected each month from his
by Megan Geuss (Ars Technica) Wastewater treatment plants rejoice—you may have a hot commodity on your hands. -- Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Labs (PNNL) have developed a new method for treating human sewage to create a biocrude oil product
(Nebraska Ethanol Board/KOOL Radio) In 2016, Nebraska drivers will save approximately $17 million by using ethanol-blended gasoline. The savings is based on lower prices for ethanol compared to wholesale gasoline and the state’s projected spark-ignition fuel consumption of 900 million
(Tech2) Scientists at Indian Institute of Technology – Kharagpur have unlocked the secret to ramp up yields of biofuel sourced from commonly found aquatic weeds such as water hyacinths. In a new study published on December 1 in Nature Scientific Reports,
by Ted Reed (The Street) United Airlines leads the global airline industry in its commitment to biofuel, targeting the use of 900 million gallons over the next 10 years. -- United Airlines (UAL) , which uses about 4 billion gallons
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Dec. 1, the Senate Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management held a hearing to discuss the U.S. EPA’s management of the renewable fuel standard (RFS) and two Government Accountability Office reports released on
(Total) Signature of a 10-year agreement to increase the amount of used cooking oil collected by 20% and supply the La Mède biorefinery in France -- SUEZ and TOTAL are joining forces to collect and recycle used cooking oil in France. As
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Founded by Dr. David Soane, a renowned serial entrepreneur and inventor in the field of materials science and surface chemistry, Crop Enhancement is developing formulations that employ advanced and environmentally friendly chemistry to eliminate or minimize
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Proof positive on the “best is yet to come” — check out the Danforth Plant Science Center. It’s tucked away in the major agri-complex that built up around Monsanto and others in the St. Louis
(Algae Industry Magazine) Angelo Paggi Matos, a doctoral student from Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), in Brasília, Brazil, has been awarded an honorable mention by MERCOSUL Science and Technology Awards — Category: Young Scientist, with a work entitled: Biochemical
by Anjaya Anparthi (Times of India) While launching nation's first ethanol-run Green bus service, Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari promised Nagpur will be the first city to have all its city buses run on biofuel. He said
(Lux Research/MarketWired) Renewable diesel and conventional electricity lead the race to meet new emissions reduction goals, and diversified energy companies are well-placed, says Lux Research -- Traditionally policies to promote greener transportation fuels have focused on mandating volumes of
by Patrick Kent (Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers’ Association/Euractiv) The key element of this renewable energy plan is that the ceiling for the crop biofuel component of EU transport fuels will be slashed from 7% to 3.8% by 2030. The
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) NG Fuels, which develops, owns and operates natural gas fueling infrastructure in the U.K., says that Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO)-approved renewable biomethane for transport is now available to customers at all of its fueling locations. According to the
by Dominique Patton (Reuters) China is aiming to produce 4 million tonnes of ethanol by 2020, doubling output from the current level, even as it keeps tight control over the use of food grains to make the biofuel, a government plan
by John J. Berger (Renewable Energy World) ... According to its Vision 2030 statement, the port seeks to become “an innovative hub for [an] energy transition [and a] circular and bio-based economy” that will create jobs, new products, and economic progress. A bio-based economy
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/News-Leader) The production of ethanol does not use food-based feedstocks, and the U.S. ethanol industry has not received any government incentive in the past five years. But readers wouldn’t know that from Martin Capages Jr.’s letter
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) The Canadian city of Surrey, British Columbia, prepares to open a new biogas plant fed by its residents’ kitchen scraps and yard waste, the fuel from which will power its collection fleet of CNG vehicles.
(Bentley University/PR Newswire) Bentley University research fellow Michael J. Walsh leads study finding algae food to have potential to mitigate climate change -- Scientists affiliated with the Marine Algal Industrialization Consortium have published a research article demonstrating the potential of
(The Villager) The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Colorado announced the winners of its 2017 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) on Nov. 7 at a celebration luncheon held at The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa. A Grand Conceptor Award, presented
by KSL (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) Lignin an ugly, unwieldy molecule! The term coined by most early pioneers within the renewables industry to describe Lignin. As large, and complex the molecule seems to be, that’s not its only possible form,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BETO. I think it’s Latin for “I forbid petroleum.” So while presidents have the Veto, technologists have the Beto. It’s most widely known in its modern variant, as the acronym for the DOE’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, the hearth and
by Alex Baldwin (edie.net) British transport is set for a significant low-carbon boost with several new Government consultations and funding schemed announced over the past few days in a bid to drive a green transport overhaul. -- A flurry of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Clariant’s sunliquid technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sugars, followed by fermentation to cellulosic ethanol, is flexible to be used to convert different feedstocks on a regional basis, for example corn stover in North
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, in Washington and Brussels, four news flashes on global renewable fuel volumes appeared on the radar. Can you safely ignore them and get on with other work, or is there something to get deeply
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ensyn uses its patented and proprietary RTP fast thermal technology to convert wood residues and other non-food, cellulosic biomass to liquid biofuels. Ensyn has had continuous commercial operations for more than 25 years. Its technology has
(Phys.Org) New research at the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus could significantly change ethanol production by lowering operating costs and simplifying the dry grind process. "There are currently more than 200 dry grind plants
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) The Great Plains lost more grassland to agriculture in 2014 than the Brazilian Amazon lost to deforestation, says a recent report from the World Wildlife Fund. And it argues that the continued expansion of cropland
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Government Accountability Office issued two reports Nov. 28 suggesting that the renewable fuel standard (RFS) program is unlikely to meet its targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and expanding the U.S. renewable fuels sector.
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, Novozymes came out swinging against the European Commission’s 2030 biofuels proposals, saying it’s a move backwards rather than forward, while the Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels from Clariant to Dong Energy welcomed the policy,
(UPM) UPM has successfully tested Finnish wood-based diesel fuel both in laboratory conditions as well as in traffic. The tests clearly demonstrated that UPM’s renewable diesel, UPM BioVerno, works just like the best diesel fuels. The laboratory tests of renewable UPM
(Fortress Paper/Lesprom.com) Fortress Paper Ltd. announces a strategic supplement to the already announced birch usage project (the "Birch Project") at the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill aimed at extracting hemicellulose from underutilized species such as birch (the " Hemicellulose Project"). The Hemicellulose Project
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Byogy has developed a catalytic platform that converts any source of ethanol, butanol, mixed alcohols, or related olefins, into full replacement, and cost competitive biofuels including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Byogy’s jet fuel is
by Jeff Rice (Journal-Advocate) Making ethanol doesn't rob the hungry of needed nutrition ... Ethanol has long been recognized as an additive to increase octane and help internal combustion engines burn cleaner. Until 2005, the chief oxygenation additive was primarily methyl
(ePURE) The European renewable ethanol association (ePURE) regrets the European Commission’s intentions to phase out, or significantly reduce, the use of conventional biofuels in Europe, contained in the proposed Renewable Energy Directive for the period post-2020, published as part of
(Biofuels International) The European Commission has released its long-awaited revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and proposed the phase-out of food crop-based biofuels from 2021. The EC also wants to simultaneously introduce a sub-mandate for advanced biofuels. It also proposes to introduce a
(Transport & Environment) Sustainable wood waste, agricultural residues, manure and other organic residues generated in Europe will only cover around 80% of the EU’s projected bioenergy use in 2030, a new analysis by green groups BirdLife Europe and Transport &
by Robert-Jan Bartunek, Sybille de La Hamaide and Alissa de Carbonnel (Reuters) The European Commission is considering halving the maximum amount of crop-based biofuels used in transport after 2020 over concerns they increase rather than reduce carbon emissions, according to
by Aswin Mannepalli (Philadelphia Inquirer) The King of Prussia company takes biowaste and converts it into useful materials such as bioplastics. So far, it counts Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates as a backer. He led a $14 million investment in the firm
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) The European ethanol industry is coming together in defense of ethanol as the European Commission has publicly announced that it is considering a gradual phase out of first generation biofuels produced from multiple crops including sugar
(UK Department for Transport) Consultation seeking views on proposed changes to motor fuel greenhouse gas reporting regulations. The changes suggest: creation of a certificate trading scheme to reduce the greenhouse gas emission levels of transport fuels allowing suppliers to capture credits
(UK Department for Transport) This consultation seeks the views of the public and stakeholders on proposed changes to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation Order (RTFO). In particular it concerns increases to the obligation level, the appropriate level for the contribution
by David Tenenbaum (University of Wisconsin-Madison) ... (James) Steele, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Winder-Bascom professor of food science, specializes in food, beverage and biofuel fermentation. Understanding how bacteria and yeast convert biomass into products has been his stock-in-trade for more than
(Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association) ... According to Mr Kent (ICSA president Patrick Kent), this strategy flies in the face of logic. The Commission which was supportive of biofuels has now decided to reverse its position without any scientific basis
(Biodico/Biodiesel Magazine) Biodico Inc. announced Nov. 29 that it has made its first delivery of biodiesel to the University of California, Santa Barbara. The biodiesel, which was produced from used cooking oil collected at the university, will fuel tractors and
(Frost & Sullivan/PR Newswire) Biogreen has demonstrated a strong commitment to the environment and society by actively removing harmful waste oils from the food chain -- Based on its recent analysis of the biofuels market, Frost & Sullivan recognises
by Katherine Bourzac (Chemical & Engineering News) Technology to produce fuels from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide faces scientific and economic challenges -- READ MORE and MORE (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Excerpt from Environmental and Energy Study Institute: Scientists are pushing
by Lexy Hamilton-Smith (ABC) A green start-up technology company has surprised scientists by producing a biofuel from old rubber tyres that can run turbo-charged diesel engines while reducing emissions by 30 per cent. Green Distillation Technologies (GDT) can produce 3,000 litres of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, a petition for Carbon capture and use support was presented to Marie Donnelly, Director Renewables, Research and Innovation, Energy Efficiency, European Commission DG Energy; 86 renowned companies and leading universities have already signed. The
(UPM) UPM has received the PPI Bio Strategy Award 2016 for its biofuels business in Brussels, Belgium.The PPI Awards are the only global awards that are dedicated to recognizing the achievements of companies, mills and individuals in the pulp and
by Theophilus Kumah* (Advanced Biofuels USA) With the issue of biofuels and renewable energy making waves all over the globe, it is therefore not surprising when Africa (particularly Ghana) is not left out on investing in the future of energy.
by Mark Elless (U.S. Department of Energy) Switchgrass, algae, forest trimmings, corn husks and corn stalks you can't eat these crops, and you would never put them on your table for Thanksgiving; however, together they make up a bountiful harvest
by James H. Stock (The Hill) ... In establishing the 2017 obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the EPA finally passed a major RFS milestone that will allow moving beyond the fruitless and acrimonious debate between big corn and big
(30 Dias de Noticias (Google translation)) It aims to boost production of biofuels and avoid contamination. -- The bill the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Antonio Bonfatti, which establishes the reuse of vegetable oils and fats used for frying
(USDA/Biomass Magazine) The USDA recently announced that the U.S. Forest Service has identified an additional 36 million dead trees across California since its last aerial survey in May 2016. This brings the total number of dead trees since 2010 to
by Jussi Rosendahl (Reuters) Finland's centre-right government said on Thursday it planned to lift the share of biofuels blended in transport fuel to 30 percent by 2030 to help meet the country's emissions reduction targets. ... Paper maker UPM-Kymmene has recently started
(Science Daily) An alternate use for sugarcane waste has been proposed by a research team in India. While sugar is falling out of favor around the world, sugarcane residue is becoming a useful commodity, they say. -- Indian researchers pioneer
(Revista Summa (Google Translation)) In order to generate an alternative and friendly fuel with the environment, a group of graduates biotechnologists Technology of Costa Rica (TEC) is, for four years, conducting research with whey and its transformation potential in biodiesel. This entrepreneurial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Since 2013, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has had an Algae Biomass project underway, under the direction of Dr. Phil Pienkos, aimed at “reducing algal biofuel production cost by developing advanced process options for the
by Mahmood Ebadian (Biofuels Digest/Biomass Supply Chain Consulting Ltd.) The procurement of low-cost feedstock has been the focus of the pioneering bio-conversion technology developers in commercializing their first industrial-scale projects. Low-cost feedstock is critical in such projects as most of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) One thing that is clear in hindsight from the flow of energy project investment between 2010 and 2014 is that investors believed in three predictions that didn’t come true: ... All of this turned out to be
(Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves) Shifting from a cookstove that burns traditional woodfuel to a stove that uses a cleaner-burning fuel such as ethanol may mitigate cardiovascular health risks in pregnant women, according to a new study led by a
(CapeCod.com) The town will receive $150,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program/Organics Capacity Project. ... Yarmouth’s efforts to disposing grease trap waste by generating it into biofuel will directly benefit from the funding. Technology which
by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) Currently over 866 million tons per year of CO2, or 2.4% of the world’s total, come from maritime sources. A report to the European Parliament predicts that maritime emission will account for up
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Whether it is partnering with COMAC to research aviation biofuels, launching a biojet program with Aeromexico and Mexico’s Airports and Auxiliary Services, or with the Port of Seattle and Alaska Airlines — or launching a
(Algae Industry Magazine) A group of educators and researchers from Cornell University, the Cornell Algal Biofuel Consortium (CABC), has published a comparative commentary in the December, 2016 issue of Oceanography, the quarterly journal of The Oceanography Society. The commentary sums up a
(Transport & Environment) The European Commission’s leaked draft proposal to continue supporting land-based biofuels until 2030 will increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from European transport over the period 2021-2030 by an amount equivalent to the emissions from the Netherlands in
by Antoine C. Schellinger (Biofuels Digest/ International Alliance Group) ... The EPA has performed lifecycle analysis on certain pathways and published them in the CFR as approved pathways. They are labeled with sequential alphabetical characters and currently range from A to
by Alicia Lindauer (U.S. Department of Energy/Renewable Energy World) Is it possible to increase vehicle performance and fuel efficiency while also slowing climate change through reduced greenhouse gas emissions? New research by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and funded by the
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