Advanced BioFuels USA – Truly Sustainable Renewable Future

Sampson County OKs Incentives Package for 2 Hog Waste Power Plants

by Michael Futch (Fayetteville Observer) Michigan-based NOVI Energy is moving forward with plans to build two anaerobic digester power plants in Sampson County after county commissioners approved incentives for the facilities. The proposed plants would bring at least 36 jobs to

January 17, 2016 Read Full Article

Energy Department Announces $15 Million for Advancements in Algal Biomass Yield, Phase 2 (ABY2)

(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced up to $15 million in funding to develop technologies that are likely to succeed in producing 3,700 gallons of algal biofuel intermediate (or equivalent dry weight basis) per acre per year

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

BioHiTech America Collaborates to Convert Food Waste to Energy

(BioHiTech Global Inc./Biomass Magazine) ... BioHiTech's Eco-Safe Digester utilizes an aerobic digestion process to convert food waste to grey water, also referred to as effluent. Typically the effluent is discharged safely into the sewage system and individual wastewater treatment facilities to

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Bringing Up Biofuel

by Rosalie Bliss (US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service) ... U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have advanced a process to produce a crude liquid called “bio-oil” from agricultural waste. The team is headed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Mitigation of International Aviation Emissions: The Flightpath from Paris to Montreal

(GreenAir Online) ... Of particular relevance is the development by ICAO of a global market-based measure (MBM) for consideration by the 39th Session of its Assembly later this year and intended implementation from 2020. Chris Lyle reviews some implications of

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Aircraft Operators Rack up over $1 Million in UK Penalties for Non-Compliance with EU ETS

(GreenAir Online) Following the civil penalties handed out to five aircraft operators last June (see article), a further 18 operators of corporate or VIP aircraft and two airlines have been issued with penalties for failing to surrender sufficient EU ETS allowances

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Reports from IMF and French Economists Call for Climate Taxes on International Aviation Fuel or Air Travel

(GreenAir Online) Two reports, one an International Monetary Fund (IMF) internal discussion note and the other by the Paris School of Economics (PSE), suggest taxing international aviation fuel or air travel could provide an equitable solution to raising global finance

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Ecological Farming: A Different Form of Agtech –Exclusive Report

by Louisa Burwood-Taylor (AgFunderNews) ... “Ecological farming is ‘AgTech’ but of a different kind. It is a return to the original definition of ‘technology’, which comes from two Greek words: technis, which means art, skill, craft or the way something is gained, and logos,

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Arkema Addresses Corrosion in Biodiesel Process

by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) One of the issues for biodiesel producers is corrosion of equipment by chemicals used in the production process. Pennsylvania-based chemical company Arkema has developed a low corrosion version of Methane Sulfonic Acid (MSA LC) that will

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Ethanol, RFS Are Points of Contention in Ag States

by Gene Lucht (Iowa Farmer Today) A pair of volunteers holds up a sign near a rally for Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz. It says “I’m caucusing for ethanol in 2016.” The message is clear. Ethanol supporters would like to remind farmers

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Questioning The Final RFS Rule, Part 2: The Meaning Of The Word 'Supply'

by Jonathan Coppess (Farms.com/Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois) This article looks specifically at EPA's interpretation of the word 'supply' in the waiver provision 'inadequate domestic supply' and what Congress intended it to mean. ... The waiver authority includes when

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

The Candidates and Media Are Getting the Iowa Ethanol Debate All Wrong

by Michelle Ye Hee Lee (Washington Post Fact Checker) ... The Fact Checker will explore an important distinction in the rhetoric over the ethanol mandate that has been mischaracterized by politicians, including Cruz, and even members of the media. The premise set

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Files Motion to Intervene in Ethanol Industry Lawsuit

(American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers) American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) President Chet Thompson announces the association’s decision to intervene in the lawsuit brought by the ethanol industry against the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) use of its general waiver authority

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

BESC Study Seeks Nature's Best Biocatalysts for Biofuel Production

(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Researchers at the Department of Energy's BioEnergy Science Center are looking beyond the usual suspects in the search for microbes that can efficiently break down inedible plant matter for conversion to biofuels. A new comparative study

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

New Dooly County Biofuel Plant to Bring 138 Jobs

by Kasandra N Ortiz (13WMAZ) People in Dooly County hope that their economy will be growing along with their trees. A company called Ensyn plans to add 138 jobs to their new biofuel plant. It will be built on a piece of property that has been

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Govt to Come out with New 'Larger' Policy on Ethanol Blending with Petrol in a Month: Nitin Gadkari

(DNA India) Gadkari said the new policy will seek to address a wider source of ethanol, including bio-wastes, over and above the main source sugar. -- Government will come out with a new 'larger' policy within a month to promote ethanol

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Little Falls Ethanol Plant Begins Renovation

by Vicki Ikeogu (SC Times) Construction has started at a Little Falls ethanol plant to convert it to a renewable chemical manufacturing plant. U.K.-based Green Biologics Ltd. owns Central Minnesota Renewables, formerly known as Central Minnesota Ethanol Cooperative. It's in the process

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Invisible Disaster of Aliso Canyon Leak May Give Methane Rules Momentum

by Eric Wolff (Politico Morning Energy) The massive methane spill at the Aliso Canyon storage field has pumped out at least 77,500 metric tons of gas since Oct. 23, and it will be months before the spill can be closed.

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Report Calls for Iowa Biochemical Tax Credit

by George C. Ford (The Gazette) Authors contend state offers 'discernible advantages' -- A report released Thursday (January 13, 2016) contends Iowa is better positioned than many other states to capture a large share of the emerging biorenewable chemical market,

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Cellulosic Biofuel: The Importance of Managing Biomass Supply Chain

by Ajay Shah (Renewable Energy World) Massive availability of agricultural waste, left unutilized in the field, and its potential to be converted to environmentally friendly biofuel has led to an increasing attention towards the advancement of cellulosic biofuel. ... Cellulosic biofuel

January 15, 2016 Read Full Article

Anti-Cruz Campaign Could Backfire on Ethanol, Backer Says

by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) The ethanol industry risks losing its long-standing political clout in presidential elections if Texas Sen. Ted Cruz wins the Iowa caucuses despite the industry's attacks on him, says Iowa Rep. Steve King. “If they fall short, then

January 14, 2016 Read Full Article

RFA Comments on DOE’s Innovative “Optima” Program

by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) had a call for information on Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Optima). The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) submitted comments stating that the Association agrees that “co-optimization of future

January 14, 2016 Read Full Article

London’s Cutting Back on Smokes

(Clean Fuels Community) After a successful two month trial period, one third of London's bus fleet will soon by powered by a biofuel-diesel hybrid, resulting in more than 21,000 tonnes of carbon emissions being reduced annually. Biodeisel producers Argent Energy has

January 14, 2016 Read Full Article

CORRECTED: Cruz Still Favors Slashing Ethanol Mandate Every Year for Five Years

by Timothy P. Carney (Washington Examiner) With some hasty blogging — and exacerbated by an Iowan's mistaken assertion about the ethanol mandate, Ted Cruz's shrewd answering, and the ethanol lobby's odd response — I contributed to some confusion about Ted

January 14, 2016 Read Full Article

One-Stop Shop for Biofuels

by Lynn Yarris (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) ... Led by Seema Singh and Blake Simmons, JBEI researchers have developed a “high-gravity” one-pot process for producing ethanol from cellulosic biomass that gives unprecedented yields while minimizing water use and waste disposal. The

January 14, 2016 Read Full Article

Crude Oil Tumble Hits Southeast Asia's Biodiesel Ambitions

by Naveen Thukral (Reuters) The world's top palm oil producers Indonesia and Malaysia may have to curb plans to channel more of the commodity into biodiesel as tumbling crude oil prices render the edible oil twice as expensive as its

January 14, 2016 Read Full Article

Japan Airlines to Build First Biofuel Plant for Its Planes

(4-Traders.com) Japan Airlines, or JAL, plans to build Japan's first plant that will turn waste into fuel to be used as biofuel in its planes, economic daily Nikkei reported Thursday. JAL is building its first demonstration complex in Chiba Prefecture,

January 14, 2016 Read Full Article

More Pain Seen ahead for U.S. Banks Exposed to Energy Loans

by Dan Freed (Reuters) U.S. banks exposed to energy-related loans will need to set aside even more money than previously expected to cover potential losses as oil prices near 12-year lows. Earlier on Wednesday, BOK Financial Corp became the third

January 14, 2016 Read Full Article

Campaign Collects Frying Oil

by Cristina Ávila (Brazilian Ministry of the Environment (Google Translation)) Product used in the kitchen will be directed to produce biodiesel by the Environmental Sanitation Company of the Federal District The Ministry of Environment (MMA) begins at home good sustainability practices

January 14, 2016 Read Full Article

Biofuel Vehicles Coming in Vogue

(Finland Times) The popularity of cars running on biofuel is growing and can still grow further, believes an expert. Flexifuel cars use E85 biofuel, which is 80-85 per cent ethanol. “Legislation allowing the installation of biofuel converters suitable for older vehicles

January 14, 2016 Read Full Article

The 30 Hottest Biobased Molecules for 2016

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the Digest has released the 30 Hottest Biobased Molecules for 2016, as voted by the Digest’s global readership. The Readers were surveyed over December and January, and rated more than 100 individual molecules

January 14, 2016 Read Full Article

Shell India to Build New Demo Biofuel Plant in Bangalore

(Biofuels International) Shell India Markets, the Indian arm of Royal Dutch Shell, has announced plans to build a five tonne/day biofuel demonstration plant using IH2 technology on the site of its new technology centre in Bangalore, India. IH2 technology is a

January 14, 2016 Read Full Article

Audi Beefs up Collaboration with French Biotech to Extend Biofuels Scope

(Biofuels International) Car giant Audi is entering a renewed collaboration agreement with French renewable energy firm Global Bioenergies to promote the development of biofuels. The two companies recently announced the delivery by Global Bioenergies to Audi of a first batch of

January 14, 2016 Read Full Article

Biodiesel Opportunities Abroad

by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Several U.S. producers, including Genuine Bio-Fuel, Hero BX and the now-defunct Promethean Biofuels, in addition to Miami-based biodiesel exporter and hopeful technology provider Lagosur, sketch out overviews of international developments. ... “Taxation, regulation, cost of production, market

January 13, 2016 Read Full Article

FOS Orders IFA to Pay Redress over Sipp Biofuel Investment

by Charles Walmsley (CityWire) The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has ordered a Rugby-based advice firm to compensate a client who invested a £13,700 pension pot in unregulated biofuel scheme Sustainable AgroEnergy. Sustainable AgroEnergy invested in jatropha oil, a form of biofuel, in

January 13, 2016 Read Full Article

Will Launch Buses in India that Run on Bio-Ethanol and Bio-Gas

by Mahesh Kulkarni (Financial Express) Swedish heavy-duty truck and bus maker Scania Commercial Vehicles India is bullish on India’s commercial vehicle market. The company, which has more than doubled its truck and bus sales in 2015, has geared up to launch

January 13, 2016 Read Full Article

IH2 Deep-Dive: Breakthrough Biofuel Technology Has Commercial-Scale In Sight

by Jim Lane (Renewable Energy World) ... The IH2 technology is a thermocatalytic conversion route for woody biomass and forest residues feedstock that has been estimated to produce drop-in renewable fuels at around ~$2.25/gallon (in 2014 dollars), based on a

January 13, 2016 Read Full Article

Switchgrass Key to Future Plant Hardiness?

(Agri-View/Renewable Energy World) The relationship between a prairie grass such as switchgrass and naturally occurring microbes may help shed light on growing hardier plants for livestock and humans. Understanding how microbes promote prairie grasses to grow in nutrient-deficient, marginal soils

January 13, 2016 Read Full Article

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad’s 2016 State of the State Address, Renewable Energy Excerpts

(compiled by Governors' Coalition for Biofuels) ... In the 1980’s, Iowa began investing in renewable energies like ethanol, biodiesel and wind. We were the first state to implement a renewable electric standard which I signed it into law in 1983. At the

January 13, 2016 Read Full Article

New Biofuels Could Cut Emissions and Preserve Land Used to Grow Food

by Nathan Collins (Pacific Standard) Researchers combine ecological and economic models to examine the benefits of growing grass as fuel. --- ... Fortunately, corn isn't the only source of ethanol—in particular, there are perennial grasses like switchgrass and miscanthus. Those options

January 13, 2016 Read Full Article

Rubio: 'Let's Be No. 1' in Renewable Energy

by Kyle Feldscher (The Washington Examiner) Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio told a crowd of voters in New Hampshire Tuesday that he wants the United States to lead the world in renewable energy. It's a surprising statement from a lawmaker who

January 13, 2016 Read Full Article

Obama, with No Elections Left to Lose, Drops Mention of Fossil Fuels

by Eric Wolff (Politico Morning Energy) President Obama's final State of the Union address made no mention of an "all of the above" energy policy, nor of natural gas or fracking, and it only mentioned oil to either criticize it

January 13, 2016 Read Full Article

Zoning Commission Denies Rehearing Request to Allow Fuel Transfer Station in South Bibb County

by Linda S. Morris (The Telegraph) The Macon-Bibb County zoning commission denied a request for the rehearing of an application that would allow a rail terminal and ethanol fuel transfer station. Houston, Texas-based Epic Midstream received approval in November from the

January 13, 2016 Read Full Article

Avoiding Common Pitfalls: The Digest’s 2016 8-Slide Guide to the USDA Section 9003 Loan Guarantee

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Department of Agriculture needs no introduction, but within USDA Rural Development is the Energy Division takes a leading role on biorefinery loan guarantees. How does the process work, what are the deadlines, how are applications scored?

January 13, 2016 Read Full Article

Compilation of US State of the Union 2016: Selected Remarks on Energy and Climate Change

(compiled by Biofuels Digest) "Gas under two bucks a gallon ain’t bad, either.” ... We need the same level of commitment when it comes to developing clean energy sources. Look, if anybody still wants to dispute the science around climate change,

January 13, 2016 Read Full Article

Defour Group and Transportation Fuel Consulting Post Responses to DOE Request Regarding Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines

(Defour Group/Transportation Fuels Consulting) Dean Drake of the Defour Group LLC (D4) and Gary Herwick of Transportation Fuels Consulting (TFC) have submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy's Request for Information about co-optimization of fuels and engines. Their response reflects their

January 12, 2016 Read Full Article

Economist: Blend Wall Debate Might Help Sluggish Crop Prices

by Nat Williams (The Southern News Services) ...The reasons include the Great Recession and falling gasoline prices, among a few other things. At issue is the federal mandate for ethanol inclusion as a component of motor fuels, according to Scott Irwin.

January 12, 2016 Read Full Article

CARB Releases FAQ on New LCFS Regulations in Advance of Deadline

by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... CARB has said that those meeting the January deadline will be guaranteed a carbon intensity (CI) rating this year. Ethanol pathways will be processed in the first batch, scheduled to be completed by the

January 12, 2016 Read Full Article

Indiana University Scientists Create 'Nano-Reactor' for the Production of Hydrogen Biofuel

(Indiana University Bloomington) Combining bacterial genes and virus shell creates a highly efficient, renewable material used in generating power from water -- Scientists at Indiana University have created a highly efficient biomaterial that catalyzes the formation of hydrogen -- one

January 12, 2016 Read Full Article

More Ethanol Coming to Selma

(The News and Observer) Two companies have announced ethanol expansion to Selma in recent months; Both will use rail cars and pipes to transport the fuel; The method is deemed safer and greener ... Archer Daniels Midland, a food-processing and commodities-trading corporation, announced in

January 12, 2016 Read Full Article

Renewable Fuel Standard Just Makes Sense

by Erin Torkelson (Des Moines Register, Letter to the Editor) Question: What bipartisan, commonsense law enacted in 2005 under President George W. Bush is directly responsible for creating more than 73,000 Iowa jobs, providing more than $5 billion in wages to

January 12, 2016 Read Full Article

Air Force Seeks Public Comments on Environmental Impact of Proposed Red Rock Biofuels Facility

(Wright-Patterson Air Force Base) USAF Announces a draft environmental assessment -- Red Rock Biofuels LLC, Integrated Biofuel Production Enterprise, Lake County OR This assessment is contained in three files: Part One Part Two Part Three AGENCY: United States Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory ACTION: Notice of

January 12, 2016 Read Full Article

Southern Online Bio Technologies Starts Operations at Bio Diesel Unit in Visakhapatnam

(Business Standard) Recieves supply order from APSRTC and LoA from Ministry of Railways, IRAOF -- Southern Online Bio Technologies announced that the Company's Bio diesel unit at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh which was effected due to Hudhud cyclone occurred on 12

January 12, 2016 Read Full Article

Biocatalytic Solutions: The Digest’s 2016 8-Slide Guide to Microvi Biotechnologies

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Microvi is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes biocatalytic solutions in the water, energy and chemical industries. The company’s core discipline is its MicroNiche Engineering platform technology, where the microenvironment of biological

January 12, 2016 Read Full Article

Pushmi-Pullyu: How Do Carbon Prices and Fuel Mandates Work Together in Breaking through a Fossil Fuel Monopoly? Or, Do They?

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sometimes, the set-up of the transition from fossil fuels is as pretty and impractical as Dr. Doolittle’s Pushmi-Pullyu. The Digest investigates. -- ... For example, a renewable fuel does not qualify under the Renewable Fuel Standard

January 12, 2016 Read Full Article

The Government Has Spent a Lot on Electric Cars, but Was It Worth It?

by Charles Lane (Washington Post) In August 2010, I proposed this wager to a fellow journalist: President Obama’s declared goal was to get 1 million plug-in hybrid and all-electric cars on the road in the United States by 2015. I

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Consumer Rebate: Legislation Puts Price on Carbon

by Barbara Vergetis Lundin (SmartGridNews.com) ... "... My Consumers REBATE Act takes the revenue generated from pricing carbon over time and puts it in the hands of consumers to empower individuals to become more efficient in their energy choices," said McNerney

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

ARF Releases Candidate Report Card on RFS Support

(America’s Renewable Future/Ethanol Producer Magazine) America’s Renewable Future recently released its final candidate report card. The report card places each presidential contender into a good or bad category based on their support for the federal renewable fuel standard (RFS). ARF

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Bill Aims for Long-Term Extension of Renewable Energy Tax Credits

by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In mid-December, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who is seeking the democratic presidential nomination, introduced legislation that aims to enact long-term extensions of several clean energy tax credits that benefit the bioenergy and biofuel sectors. The

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

California Sugarcane Ethanol Pathway Certified by CARB

(California Ethanol & Power LLC/Ethanol Producer Magazine) California Ethanol & Power LLC (CE+P) recently announced the certification of the carbon intensity (CI) pathway for its anticipated sugarcane and sweet sorghum ethanol by the California’s Air Resources Board. CE+P’s sugarcane ethanol will

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Ethanol Industry Reacts to API Criticism of RFS

by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen has spoken out to reject (American Petroleum Institute President and CEO Jack) Gerard’s claims. “I’m not sure what reality Jack is living in, but it is

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

New Funding Opportunity Commissioned by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)

(Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)) The Programme "Beyond Europe" supports Austrian companies, research and university institutes and other organisations in creating and extending collaborations. The Call is open for all topics. Funding is available for projects in all technical disciplines. The applicant must

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Advanced Biofuels Online Course Offered by McGill University and BioFuelNet Canada

(BioFuelNet Canada) BioFuelNet Canada, a national research network hosted by McGill University, is offering an online certificate course on advanced biofuels. BioFuelNet strongly recommends that the network’s Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) take this course, but anyone from outside the organization is

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Trump’s Trump Card in Iowa?

by Devin Henry (The Hill) Donald Trump is an unabashed backer of federal support for ethanol, a popular issue in Iowa that could provide the GOP front-runner with an effective closing argument against Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) ahead of the Feb.

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Study: Second-Generation Biofuels Can Reduce Emissions

(EurekAlert!/University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Second-generation biofuel crops like the perennial grasses Miscanthus and switchgrass can efficiently meet emission reduction goals without significantly displacing cropland used for food production, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Illinois

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Algae-Derived Biofuels Gain Traction as Commercial Viability Increases

(Eco-Business/Future Market Insights) Algaculture, the farming of algae for fuel, is gaining traction globally as governments and private players look to leverage on the potential of algae as a biofuel. Concerns about depleting oil resources and the environmental impact of

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Kolmar Scoops up U.S. Biodiesel Plant as Trader Seeks to Expand

by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Kolmar Group AG's U.S. unit has bought a small Connecticut biodiesel plant, the Swiss commodities trader's first ever acquisition of an asset, in a move that may stir hopes of renewed investment for the struggling biofuel

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts Become 2016 Chairmen of Governors’ Biofuels Coalition

(Governors' Biofuels Coalition) The Coalition announced today that Missouri Governor Jay Nixon will become chairman and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts will become vice chairman of Governors’ Biofuels Coalition this year. “For more than 20 years, the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition has worked

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Entsorga West Virginia Announces U.S.’s First Resource Recovery Facility to Utilize Mechanical Biological Treatment

(Entsorga West Virginia) Groundbreaking Held on January 6, 2016 in Martinsburg, West Virginia -- Entsorga West Virginia today announced the groundbreaking of the U.S.’s first resource recovery facility utilizing Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT). The state-of-the-art waste-to-solid fuel plant will be located

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Only Results Count: The Digest’s 2016 8-Slide Guide to Success with a Section 9003 Loan Guarantee App

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What is the Purpose of the Feasibility Study? How can I know if my project is feasible? What should I look for in choosing a feasibility study consultant? What does a successful proforma look like when oil

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Engineers Are from Mars, Business Developers Are from Venus

by Mark Warner (Warner Advisors LLC) ... In this case, we are substituting engineers and business developers, then focusing on the differences in how they view biotechnology commercialization and the resulting impact on their ability to successfully scale-up technology as a team.

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

E Pluribus, Unum: LanzaTech, Global Bioenergies Demonstrate The Biotechnology App Store

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Global Bioenergies, LanzaTech tighten isobutene partnership, the era of “swap-in, swap out” biorefining microbes comes clear, closer -- In France, Global Bioenergies and LanzaTech signed a new collaboration agreement to broaden the feedstock flexibility

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Facing U.S. Storm, VW Set for Easier Ride in Europe on Emissions Scandal

by Barbara Lewis and Kirstin Ridley (Reuters) Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) is unlikely to face U.S.-style fines in Europe over its emissions scandal because of a softer regulatory regime and its home country Germany's determination to protect its car industry, EU sources and

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Report: Methane a Rising Risk for Both Oil & Gas Sector and Investors

(Environmental Defense Fund) A first-of-its-kind report by Environmental Defense Fund shows that leading oil and gas companies are putting themselves and their investors at financial and reputational risk by failing to adequately disclose meaningful information on emissions of methane. The report,

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

UPDATE 1-Groups Kick off Legal Challenge to U.S. Biofuels Standard

by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Jan 8 Seven biofuel and agriculture groups have asked a U.S. court to a review the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standards for 2014, 2015, and 2016, according to a court filing on Friday, kicking off a widely-expected

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Algae Industry Magazine's 2015 International Readers’ Poll — Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

(Algae Industry Magazine) In any industry, a few incredible people make an enormous impact. The algae industry is fortunate to honor Algae Ambassadors that are great scientists and industry leaders. They are also superb educators for our next generation of

January 11, 2016 Read Full Article

Always Something to Learn at the Keystone Farm Show

by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Beginning the new year with a few days steeped in agriculture proved a great winter tonic, raising optimism that the seemingly ordinary people tromping through the York County Fair buildings at the Keystone Farm

January 08, 2016 Read Full Article

Bob Kozak Writes about Green Racing Developments from The Roar B4 the Rolex 24 in Daytona

by Robert E. Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) Ed note: Here are some initial notes from Bob Kozak, covering green racing developments at the Daytona International Speedway's Roar before the Rolex 24. Sounds like we are racing backwards instead of forwards. To

January 08, 2016 Read Full Article

Bacteria Attack Lignin with Enzymatic Tag Team

(Rice University/Science Daily) Research shows how nature handles lignin -- New research shows how bacterial enzymes team up to attack lignin. The findings could lead to more efficient processes for creating biofuels from wood, grass and agricultural waste, say scientists. The molecules

January 08, 2016 Read Full Article

Gevo to Supply Biofuel for Alaska Airlines Commercial Flight

by Steve Wilhelm (Denver Business Journal) Alaska Airlines says it will will partner with Gevo Inc., a leading maker of plant-based jet fuel, as the Seattle-based airline progresses from previous demonstration flights using Gevo's aviation biofuel to commercial flight sometime

January 08, 2016 Read Full Article

Virent Bio-Jet Provides More than 50% Reduction in Particulate Matter Emissions

(Virent) Rolls-Royce Testing Demonstrates Virent Synthesized Aromatic Kerosene (SAK) Bio-Jet Fuel Blend Provides Health and Environmental Benefits While Maintaining Engine Performance Bio-jet emissions testing by Rolls-Royce and supported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and

January 08, 2016 Read Full Article

Mack Trucks Green-Lights Renewable Diesel Fuel for Use in Mack Engines

(Volvo) Following extensive truck and engine testing, Mack Trucks today (January 7, 2016) signed off on the use of renewable diesel fuel in all Mack® engines. Renewable diesel fuel delivers performance similar to diesel refined from petroleum, but with several additional

January 08, 2016 Read Full Article

Great Green Fleet: The Digest’s 2016 8-Slide Guide to the US Navy’s Transition to Renewable Fuels

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Department of the Navy is now buying advanced, drop-in, cost-competitive, next gen renewable fuels. The biofuels sought can be blended in a range of 10 to 50 percent with conventional petroleum products and must meet

January 08, 2016 Read Full Article

‘When Ethanol Attacks,’ Starring Ted Cruz

by David Weigel (The Washington Post) (Wednesday, January 6, 2016) 11:45 a.m. ... "Because of this EPA wall, the market is currently dominated by low-level ethanol blends, such as 'E10' (10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline)," Cruz writes. "That has prevented

January 08, 2016 Read Full Article

Navy to Launch Great Green Fleet with 77 Million Gallon Buy of Cost-Competitive, Non-Food Advanced Biofuels Blends

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) They’re here. $2.05 per gallon, at-scale, domestically produced advanced renewable fuels — utilizing non-food feedstocks and based on next-generation technology. The Navy’s 7-year quest to diversify its fuel supply without paying more or changing its

January 08, 2016 Read Full Article

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: 11th Biennial SRWC Operations Working Group Conference — October 11-13, 2016 — Fort Pierce, FL DEADLINE: February 1, 2016

SRWC Science and Technology in an Uncertain Marketplace Short rotation woody crops (SRWC) are being developed as a sustainable supply of woody biomass for the production of bioenergy, biofuels and bioproducts as well as for traditional solid wood and fiber products. Recent