(Bullfrog Power) TD Bank Group and Beck Taxi lead the way as early adopters of Bullfrog Power’s green fuel Today (June 26, 2015), Bullfrog Power®, Canada’s leading green energy provider, is launching green fuel, a new solution to help advance the
Amyris Announces Total's Decision to Proceed With Jet Fuel Joint Venture and Plans to Restructure and Convert $175 Million of Outstanding Convertible Debt for Common Stock
(Amyris) Amyris, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMRS), the industrial bioscience company, today announced that it has agreed on key business terms with Total Energies Nouvelles Activités USA (a wholly owned subsidiary of Total S.A.) ("Total") for restructuring its fuels joint venture to open
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Swedish Train Operator to Convert Feet to Biodiesel by 2020
(Global Rail News) Swedish operator Inlandsbanan AB has said it hopes to convert its entire fleet of passenger and freight vehicles to bio-diesel by 2020. Inlandsbanan AB has received funding from the EU to assess the feasibility of converting its diesel
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
United Airlines Purchases Stake in Fulcrum BioEnergy with $30 Million Investment
(United Airlines/PR Newswire) Airline has opportunity to purchase at least 90 million gallons of sustainable aviation biofuel a year -- Single largest investment by a U.S. airline in alternative fuels United Airlines today announced an historic $30 million equity investment in U.S.-based
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
EnAlgae Publishes Economic Model for Offshore Cultivation of Macroalage
(EnAlgae) EnAlgae researchers have published an economic model to help to explore the economics of cultivating macroalgae at sea. The model and report can be found here as outputs WP2A7.06 and WP2A7.11. Both documents together are a study into the
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Oregon Declares Biomass Carbon Neutral
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) After a House vote of 44-9, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed a bill that exempts biomass-derived carbon dioxide emissions from regulation under certain air pollution laws. The bill defines biomass as nonfossilized and biodegradable organic
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Justin Trudeau's Environment Plan: End Fossil Fuel Subsidies, Invest in Clean Tech
by Trinh Theresa Do (CBC News) Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has unveiled myriad environmental promises in Vancouver, including hundreds of millions of dollars in clean technology investment and a continued focus on climate change. ... Within 90 days of the conference, a
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Big Oil’s Mouthpiece Distorts the Facts
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/The Hill) Sofie E. Miller may have left the Charles Koch Institute in 2012, but she clearly continues to do the bidding of her former employer and the rest of the oil industry (“RFS hurts
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Fueling the Sorghum Ethanol Coproducts Engine
by Kelli Fulkerson (Ethanol Producer Magazine/National Sorghum Producers) Producers work to expand markets for sorghum distillers and oil. While exports are undeniably the hottest market for grain sorghum right now with China set to buy over 70 percent of the 2014-’15
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Opportunities Can Enhance Ethanol Projects
by Sam A. Rushing (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Advanced Cryogenics Ltd.) For decades, carbon dioxide has been recovered from concentrated sources like fermentation and sold to a handful of merchant markets, primarily beverage carbonation, food and meat processing. There are several industrial applications
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Stoves that Save: Poet Partners to Fight Pollution and Deforestation in Haiti with Ethanol Cookstoves
by Janna Farley (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Deforestation and pollution have distressed the country’s environment and beauty. The chronic effects of disease, economic instability and social unrest, coupled with the infrastructure devastation from the 2010 earthquake, have positioned Haiti among the
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Cracking The Kernel For Higher Value Products
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Researchers hope phytate replicates the corn oil extraction success story, but the history of zein shows it can be a slow and difficult road to success. Diversification of coproducts is increasingly important to the
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Creating a Quality Image: Improve the Long-Term Storage Stability of Distillers Grains and Distillers Corn Oil
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In 15 years of traveling to foreign countries with the U.S. Grains Council to promote distillers grains and now distillers corn oil (DCO), Jerry Shurson says one of the most frequently asked questions is,
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Amyris Announces Successful Completion of Volkswagen Renewable Diesel Evaluation Program
(Amyris) Confirms Outstanding Performance and Environmental Benefits of Amyris’s Renewable Diesel Under Real-World Driving Conditions Amyris, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMRS), the industrial bioscience company, today announced the successful completion of a diesel demonstration program with Volkswagen of America, Inc. that was designed to
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
U.S. Oil Glut An EIA Invention?
by Leonard Brecken (OilPrice.com) In the latest weekly production data from the EIA, on the back of recent March revisions, the U.S. managed to post a 76,000 barrel per day increase in the lower 48. Production from Alaska fell by 61,000 barrels
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
European Biomass Conference and Exhibition 2015: Biomass: Challenges and Promises
by Maija Sihvonen* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 23rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) held in Vienna 1-4 June was a massive event with nearly 1300 participants from 76 countries and some 800 presentations. The event consisted of multiple parallel
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with…Gerard Brandon, CEO, Cellulac
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Cellulac has combined a biochemical and fluid dynamic engineering platform that removes 7 MW of energy out of the production of Lactic Acid, PolyLactic Acid, and Ethyl Lactate. Applications for use include: (i) as a bio-degradable plastic
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
BP, Novozymes, Scania, Shell Back Launch of “Biofuels for Europe” Info Site
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brussels, a new interactive website “www.BiofuelsforEurope.eu” launched today in the European Parliament to summarize the latest science on key biofuels issues using fact-based, understandable information. BP, Novozymes, Scania and Shell have sponsored the initiative in the
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
EU Green Lights €120M in Advanced Bioeconomy Projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brussels, The Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking, a public-private partnership between the EU and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), has approved the funding of 10 projects totalling €120 million to boost the EU capacity to
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Atlantic Biodiesel Opens State-of-the-Art Renewable Fuel Facility in Welland, Ontario
(Atlantic Biodiesel) Today (June 25, 2015), Atlantic Biodiesel officially opened its state-of-the-art renewable fuel facility located in the Niagara Greenbelt in Welland, Ontario. “This is an important day for Atlantic Biodiesel and for the greater Welland community,” said Michael Paszti, Chief
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Ceres Refocuses on Food, Forage Options as Brazilian Bioenergy Results Disappoint
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The news may come as a surprise to the broader community, since in March 2015 the company signed a multi-year collaboration agreement Raizen, a joint venture of Royal Dutch Shell and Cosan, to develop and produce
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable-Fuel Advocates Turn out at KCK Hearing, Give the EPA an Earful on Reducing Ethanol Targets
by Greg Hack and Kasia Kovacs (Kansas City Star) When the Environmental Protection Agency proposed lowering the country’s ethanol-use mandates for this year and next, it set up a public hearing to let people tell it what they thought. On
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Keystone XL Pipeline Debate: Canadian Oil Sands Crude Produces Greater Emissions Than Conventional Oils, DOE Study Finds
by Maria Gallucci (International Businesss Times) ... A new study funded by the U.S. Department of Energy found crude extracted from Canada’s oil sands region leads to greenhouse gas emissions that are 20 percent higher on average than emissions from conventionally
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Leather without the Cow: Flokser Launches Artificial Leather Based on DuPont Tate & Lyle, BioAmber Ingredients
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Unique synthetic leather fabric has 70% bio-content, based on BioAmber’s Bio-SA and DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products’ PDO ... Flokser has launched this new synthetic leather fabric under its SERTEX brand. The novel fabric comprises a
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Oregon Lawmakers Look to Swap LCFS for Fuel Tax
(Argus Media) Oregon governor Kate Brown (D) and a group of eight legislators have negotiated a proposal to kill the state's new low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) in return for a 4¢/USG rise in the gasoline tax that would pay for
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Bulgaria Is Falling Behind National Biofuel Targets – Audit Office
(Novinite.com) ... In order to comply with EU rules, Bulgaria has set itself the following mandatory national biofuel targets: 10% share of renewables and biofuels in transport and 6% share of the total greenhouse gas savings, taking into account only biofuels
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EnAlgae Research on Algae’s Sustainability
(Algae Industry Magazine) Two research papers recently published by EnAlgae scientists point to real potential advantages in using algae as a feed ingredient and as a wastewater treatment, but only with further improvements in algal technology. ... The first paper is an
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Environmental Life Cycle Impacts of Cellulosic Ethanol in the Southern U.S. Produced from Loblolly Pine, Eucalyptus, Unmanaged Hardwoods, Forest Residues, and Switchgrass Using a Thermochemical Conversion Pathway
by Jesse Daystar, Carter Reeb, Ronalds Gonzalez, Richard Venditti, Stephen S. Kelley (Science Direct) Highlights •Cradle-to-grave environmental impacts of biofuels from five major feedstocks in the Southern U.S. •Thermochemical conversion pathway studied for ethanol production •Global warming impacts, eutrophication, acidification, and other impacts studied •95% reduction
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Investment in Energy Technology to Hit $400 Billion by 2030
by Roseline Okere (The Guardian (Nigeria)) The International Energy Agency (IEA) has projected that increasing investment in renewable energy technologies in the power sector will increase from $270 billion in 2015 to $400 billion in 2030. ... It stated that lower oil prices
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
US Aims to Increase Ethanol Sales to PH
(Business Inquirer) Ethanol producers in the United States are keen on doubling exports to the Philippines under an aggressive expansion program that is centered on opening up the Asian market. Edward S. Hubbard Jr., general counsel for the US Renewable Fuels
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Once Shunned for Oil, Ethanol Makes a Return to U.S. Rails
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Sinking lease rates, weak crude prices and tough new safety measures for transporting oil by rail have spurred a resurgence in hauling ethanol on the U.S. rail network, as some train companies convert tank cars
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Hearings on Renewable Fuel Standard: Statement by DuPont
(Biofuels Digest) “DuPont believes the proposed 2014 to 2016 Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) rule is misguided and is a major step backward. Since the RFS was first enacted, the United States has quickly risen to lead the world in biofuels
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Hearings on Renewable Fuel Standard: Testimony of Brian Jennings, EVP, American Coalition for Ethanol
(Biofuels Digest) Thank you, my name is Brian Jennings, and I’m the Executive Vice President of the American Coalition for Ethanol. I’m pleased to report that more than 100 people representing ACE member companies will testify at today’s hearing, as
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Hearings on Renewable Fuel Standard: Testimony of Geoff Cooper, Senior Vice President at the Renewable Fuels Association
(Biofuels Digest) Good morning, my name is Geoff Cooper and I am representing the Renewable Fuels Association. By any measure, the RFS has been a tremendous success. It has stimulated growth in biofuel production, revitalized rural economies, reduced GHG emissions,
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Hearings on Renewable Fuel Standard: Testimony of Steve Murphy, GM, POET Biorefining-Laddonia & POET Biorefining – Macon
(Biofuels Digest) Good afternoon, My name is Steve Murphy and I am the General Manager for two POET Biorefining plants. ... I am here to make one and only one point today. What this proposed rule does will harm those who
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Mould Unlocks New Route to Biofuels
(University of Manchester) Scientists at The University of Manchester have made an important discovery that forms the basis for the development of new applications in biofuels and the sustainable manufacturing of chemicals. Based at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), researchers
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Cabinet Approves the Biofuels Bill, 2014
(Uganda Media Center, Office of the President) Although Government has a policy in place (The Renewable Energy Policy for Uganda, 2007) which provides for the blending of biofuels with fossil fuels (Petroleum Fuel) in regulated proportions, the Oil Marketing Companies
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Valentin Perez, Project Manager, SINMT
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... My company is building the first bioethanol plant using sugarcane in Mexico. We will sell ethanol to Pemex and other companies. The scope of the project is not only the plant, but also the support to
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Thompson, Coons, Moran, Poe Bill Will Level the Playing Field for Renewable Energy
(Real Estate Rama) Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act would give renewable energy projects access to a tax advantage currently available only to oil, gas, and coal projects U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA-05) and Ted Poe (R-TX-02), and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE)
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Danforth Plant Science Center Receives $8M for Big Data Research Program to Advance Development of Key Bioenergy Crop
(Danforth Plant Science Center) Understanding key phenotype-to-genotype associations will enhance efforts to bring products to market -- The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center announced today it was awarded an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA–E TERRA program.
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Developers of Biodiesel Fuel Refinery Say It Will Mitigate Toxic Effects on School Children
by Jessica Tempfer (StGeorgeUtah.com) Biodiesel fuel could soon be supporting Southern Utah’s economy and would also help sustain cleaner air and a healthier environment. Such is the goal of Anderwood Ventures, a company working toward economic growth in Southern Utah through alternative fuel
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Govt to Use 20% Diesel Requirements through Bio-Diesel
by Jayanta Mallick (The Hindu) The Union Shipping Ministry has decided to utilise 20 per cent of its diesel requirement through bio-diesel at 12 major ports. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping after inaugurating country's first bio-diesel dispensing
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Innovative Microvi Bio-Ethanol Technology Validated at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
(Microvi/PR Newswire) Microvi Biotechnologies, a leading innovator of biocatalytic processes, working with the Advanced Biofuels Process Demonstration Unit (ABPDU) at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), has demonstrated breakthrough improvements to biological ethanol production. Microvi's technology uses engineered biocatalyst composites
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Here's How Sea-Tac Airport Plans to Get Airlines to Use More Biofuel
by Steve Wilhelm (Puget Sound Business Journal) John Creighton wants Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to be the first in North America to offer biofuels fuels to all airlines. He and other members of the Seattle Port Commission are working to create financial
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
RIP Cobalt Technologies or…How Commercializing Butanol Technology is Like Riding the Tour de France
by Sam Nejame & James Evangelow (Biofuels Digest/Promotum and Chemical Strategies) Sad to say Cobalt Technologies is dead – no really they’re dead – it’s not just double secret probation anymore. Although you’d almost not even know it given how quiet the
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Under Secretary of Energy Franklin Orr: Keynote Address at the DOE Bioenergy 2015 conference
by Franklin Orr (Biofuels Digest/Bioenergy 2015) Biofuels are a very important part of America’s economic and energy future. On the geopolitical side, from Ukraine to the Middle East we see events that threaten energy stability. We see domestic manufacturing fighting its
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Senator Amy Klobuchar: Keynote Address at the DOE Bioenergy 2015 Conference
by Senator Amy Kolbuchar (Biofuels Digest/Bioenergy 2015) I want to spend a moment looking at the badness in our energy policy, with a look back in history. Our first bad moment was after 9/11, we were united and the President
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
‘Green Bond’ Sales Struggle
by Mike Cherney (The Wall Street Journal) Flat pace of new green bonds in the first part of 2015 perplexes the market’s supporters -- A flattening in “green bond” sales this year is highlighting the uncertainty facing the market for the
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
FREEDOMWORKS KEY-VOTES RFS AMENDMENT
(Politico Morning Energy/Bay Planning Coalition) The House won’t take any votes on its Interior-EPA appropriations bill until next month, but a conservative group already is urging Republicans to back an amendment to defund the Renewable Fuel Standard. FreedomWorks sent the
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
The Need For A New Fuel Paradigm: Transitioning From Legacy Fuels to Modern Efficient Fuels
by Bill Brandon (Leaders in Energy) ... This two-part White Paper presents the proposition that we need to transition away from the legacy fuels we use today to modern liquid and gas fuels[1] that: 1) reduce or eliminate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Up with Octane and Down with Aromatics: Continuing Health Risks with Petroleum Fuels and the Need for Engine Efficiency
by Bill Brandon (Leaders in Energy) Our country has seen many transitions in travel technologies and fuels. In the first installment I reviewed our transition from 1) barley and oats for our horses and mules to high carbohydrate corn for
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Energy Shows Record Growth in Power Sector, but Few Gains in Heating and Transport
(Associated Press/Fox Business) The growth of renewable energy outpaced that of fossil fuels in the electricity sector last year, with a record 135 gigawatts of capacity added from wind, solar, hydropower and other natural sources, a new study shows. That's more than
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Martin O'Malley: Zero out Fossil Fuels by 2050
Martin O'Malley (USA Today) ... New technologies now put an independent clean energy future decidedly within our reach as a nation. ... I would keep domestically produced oil and gas in the U.S. READ MORE
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Taurus Energy Poised to Bring 2nd Generation Yeast to U.S. Market
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A company based in Lund, Sweden, recently received a welcome notification from the U.S. EPA, indicating the company’s 90-day Microbial Commercial Activity Notice review has been completed without objections. This puts Taurus Energy AB
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Advanced Diesel Technologies Featured During Sustainable Transportation Day In Washington D.C.
(Diesel Technology Forum/PR Newswire) ... Advanced Biofuel Capabilities Enhance Diesel as a Sustainable Transportation Option -- Diesel engines found in vehicles ranging from passenger vehicles all the way to large tractors are capable of operating on blends of high quality, bio-based
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Metro Councilwoman: We Won't Let Biofuel Plant Build in West Louisville
by Caitlin Bowling (Louisville Business First) An informational meeting Thursday evening between a couple dozen community members and a representative from Nature's Methane LLC became heated yesterday as the residents repeatedly stated that they don't want the Indiana company to build a
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Just How Ethical Are Biofuels?
by Tim Sandal (Digital Journal) One subject sure to divide opinion is biofuel. Are they a a sustainable energy supply or a product harmful to the environment? Swiss Federal Laboratories have developed a new way to answer this question. ... To help
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Why Biofuels Can't Replace Oil
by Jude Clemente (Forbes) ... To be a viable alternative for petroleum, a biofuel should provide a net energy gain, offer clear environmental and economic benefits, and not reduce food supplies and/or increase their costs. ... A vital concept when considering alternatives to
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Looking at Next-Generation Biofuel, Converting Waste into Fuel: Brekelmans of Shell
by Anilesh S Mahajan (Business Today) Shell Global's Harry Brekelmans is very optimistic about the India story. Brekelmans sits on the board of the Executive Committee of Royal Dutch Shell PLC and is the director in-charge of projects & technology. He,
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Researchers Examine Alternative Switchgrass Breeding Methods to Increase Biofuel Production
(AZO CleanTech) Using switchgrass to produce biofuel is one way to decrease the United States’ dependence on oil, but growing it and making it profitable can be complicated. Switchgrass is an excellent candidate for biofuel production. It is an adaptable plant
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Boeing Completes Flight Using 5% US Biodiesel
by Militsa Mancheva (SeeNews Renewables) Under the latest stage of its ecoDemonstrator 757 programme, US aerospace group Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) successfully completed on June 17 the first flight with a fuel blend containing US-made green diesel. The 757 flew from Seattle to
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with…Valerie Reed, Senior Advisor for Bioenergy and Natural Resources, USDA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... As Deputy Director I am focused on integration of the various aspects of the supply chain and advancing technologies within each of these areas to result in cost competitive biofuels between now and 2022. ... I would
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
House Appropriators Shortchange Rural America on Jobs and Economic Growth, AgEC Says
(Agriculture Energy Coalition/BusinessWire) The House Appropriations Committee’s Fiscal Year 2016 Agriculture Appropriations Bill would reduce mandatory spending levels for important Energy Title programs, including the Renewable Energy for America Program, Biomass Crop Assistance Program, and the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuels Association of Australia Congratulates Bipartisan Approach as Momentum for Biofuels Increases
(Biofuels Association of Australia) The Biofuels Association of Australia (BAA) welcomes the bipartisan agreement on the taxation of biodiesel and ethanol produced in Australia. The agreement will see the excise rate payable on biodiesel phased in in equal increments over the
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Energy Department Announces Funding to Develop Aggregate Purchasing Models
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department today (June 8, 2015) announced up to $2 million to support aggregate purchasing models for plug-in electric and other alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, subsystems, components, alternative fuels, and refueling/charging infrastructure. Aggregated
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
API Announces First Commercial Implementation of GreenBox+ Technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Backed by a $10M investment from Natural Resources Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program and an additional $4.4M from the Québec Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, the Cabano plant
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Ethanol Report from Washington DC
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... Regarding the June 25 public hearing on EPA’s proposed volume obligations under the RFS, Dinneen says the agency has already received about 250 requests to testify and he is encouraging everyone possible to turnout. “I want
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Public Hearing for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Standards for the Renewable Fuel Standard Program
(US Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a public hearing to be held in Kansas City, Kansas on June 25, 2015 for the proposed rule ‘‘Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Standards for 2014, 2015, and
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Building Markets for Ethanol Exports
by Cindy Zimmerman (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Expanding export markets for U.S. ethanol was the focus last month as a group of industry representatives to Mexico and Japan on trade missions coordinated through a partnership between the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA),
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Applications for Loans and Grants to Create Jobs and Support Rural Economic Development
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is accepting applications for loans and grants to support business expansion, create jobs and increase economic opportunities in rural communities. "Small businesses are the engine that drives job creation and
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
The Boon of Reduced Oil Consumption
By Brian Deese and Jason Furman (The Washington Post/senior adviser to President Obama/Council of Economic Advisers) ... A new report this week by the Council of Economic Advisers documents that this drop in consumption is one of the biggest surprises in
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Kinder Morgan Appeals Georgia Denial of Palmetto Pipeline
by Dave Williams (Atlanta Business Chronicle) A Houston-based energy company is going to court to challenge Georgia’s rejection of a proposed $1 billion petroleum pipeline. Kinder Morgan Inc. has filed a petition in Fulton County Superior Court asking for a
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Franken Discusses RFS
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) Minnesota Senator Al Franken calls the revised Renewable Fuels Standard an improvement from EPA’s proposal two years ago but still a step backwards for the industry. Franken tells Brownfield he went right to President Obama after
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels a Potential Election-Year Issue for Iowa Voters
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Renewable fuels could be an issue in the race for the White House as indecisive voters in Iowa look for a way to whittle down a crowded field of Republican candidates, trade groups and polling
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Josep Samnick, Department of Administration and Finances, Indocam Group
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The main gaol of INDOCAM GROUP is to achieve the sensitization of the 380 mayors in cameroon permit that the financment of pilot incubator(technipol) be availaible and usefull(problems with the administration of the Yde’s university Find technical
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
EU Set to Meet Green Energy Goal but UK, Netherlands Trail
by Susanna Twidale and Barbara Lewis (Reuters) * Renewable energy to account for 15.3 percent in 2014 * France, Malta, Belgium and Spain also need to boost efforts * Transport challenge proving difficult (Adds reaction, detail on transport sector) The European
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
European Renewable Ethanol Industry Releases Annual State of the Industry Report
(ePURE) On the occasion of its annual general assembly, the European renewable ethanol association (ePURE) has today released its annual 2015 State of the Industry Report. The annual report offers a comprehensive look at the European ethanol industry, its market and policy
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Mercedes, Toyota, Isuzu, VW – B10 Biodiesel No Go
(Paultan.org) Following BMW Malaysia announcing it found “technical challenges” running its diesel engines on B10 biodiesel (10% palm-based biodiesel/90% petroleum diesel blend, will reportedly be implemented nationwide by October), and that its engines can take up to B7, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia,
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Implementing the RFS with a "Push" Strategy: What Happens after 2016?
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily) .. In our first farmdoc daily article (June 3, 2015) after the release of the (RVO) proposal, we analyzed whether the renewable (ethanol) mandates proposed by the EPA, while lower than statutory levels, were still
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
NMMA Endorses Use of Gevo’s Isobutanol in Marine Fuel Market
(Gevo/Biomass Magazine) Gevo Inc. has received a key endorsement for the use of its renewable isobutanol by the marine industry, following support and recommendation for the use of isobutanol by the National Marine Manufacturers Association as an effective, less damaging,
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Genomatica Advances Development of Feedstock for Biochemicals
(Genomatica/Biomass Magazine) Genomatica announced significant progress in harnessing cellulosic biomass for commercial production of high-quality chemicals rather than just fuels. ... Genomatica has developed clear guidance for biomass pretreatment technology developers to enable their technologies to work better with commercial bioprocesses for
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Publishes Final Rules on Biobased Products
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 15, the USDA’s Office of Procurement and Property Management published two final rules in the Federal Register related to biobased products. One rule amends regulations concerning the voluntary labeling program for biobased products,
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Farmers, Biofuel Industry Calls on Congress to Leave RFS Alone
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 17, Fuels America hosted a press call during which American farmers and representatives of the biofuel industry discussed how legislative changes to the renewable fuel standard (RFS) would threaten America’s security, consumers, climate
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Renewable Fuel Standard Management Scrutinized at Hearing
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) U.S. EPA Acting Assistant Administrator Janet McCabe fielded dozens of hard questions and endured heavy scrutiny during a June 18 hearing held to discuss the agency’s management of the federal renewable fuel standard (RFS). Chairing the hearing
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Washington Finds Unlikely Ally in OPEC as Biofuels Debate Rages
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) The lowest oil prices in over six years have fueled a resurgence in U.S. gasoline use in recent months as more Americans take to the road. Demand is expected to climb 1.5 percent this year to nearly
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
U.S. Researchers See Auto Fuel Standards Driving Technology
by David Morgan (Planet Ark) U.S. cars and light trucks will become more fuel efficient and safer -- but also more expensive -- by the end of the next decade, as a result of increasingly stringent environmental standards, a new research
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
The US Bioeconomy: $369B and 4 Million Jobs Strong, says USDA; Changes to the BioPreferred program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Washington, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the release of a new report that shows the U.S. biobased industry in 2013 contributed four million jobs and $369 billion to the US economy. He also announced changes under
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
ARPA-E Awards $30M in High-Risk, High-Reward Moonshot Program to Transform Energy Crops
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Six projects land major multi-year awards for Project TERRA, Tramsportation Energy Resources from Renewable Agriculture In Washington, ARPA-E announced awards totaling $30 million for projects seeking to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Pope Blames Climate Change on Humans in 183-Page Call for Action
by Devin Henry (The Hill) Global warming is happening, human activity is causing it and more needs to be done, especially by the world’s governments and policymakers, to stop it, Pope Francis writes in his landmark encyclical on the environment,
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Key Excerpts Related to Fossil Fuels from Pope Francis' Encyclical on the Environment
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) The following are key excerpts from Pope Francis' Encyclical, “Laudato Si,” or “Praised Be,” in which he calls for renewable fuel use, energy efficiency, transition from harmful, smoky cooking fuels that foster deforestation, and other
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Syngenta Working with Iowa FFA Chapters to Support Ethanol
(Syngenta) -FFA members to engage race-goers at the American Ethanol 200 presented by Enogen - Fundraising initiative will benefit flex fuel infrastructure and local FFA chapters -Funds to be matched by Syngenta Syngenta and lowa FFA members will team up again this
June 18, 2015 Read Full Article
NASCAR Fans Support Ethanol, Reach Out to EPA
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) NASCAR fans are serving as an important source for support of ethanol and letting the Obama Administration know their displeasure over the government’s proposal on how much of the green fuel is to be mixed into
June 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Nebraska Governor Talks Biofuels in Europe
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts is on an agricultural trade mission trip to the European Union with stops in Italy, Belgium, and Denmark. The trade mission, being coordinated jointly by the Nebraska Departments of Agriculture and Economic Development, includes
June 18, 2015 Read Full Article
What Food Safety Act Means for Ethanol Plants
Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law in 2011 and this summer the rulemaking for the new act might finally be complete. Because it includes safety of animal food as well as human food,
June 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Ohio Corn Marketing Program Awards First Ethanol Infrastructure Grant
(Ohio's Country Journal/Ohio Ag Net) The Ohio Corn Marketing Program (OCMP) is pleased to announce Speedway LLC (Speedway) as the first recipient of The Ethanol Infrastructure Grant Program. Speedway, based in Enon, Ohio, will use the grant to increase ethanol
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
After Delays, Biodiesel Business to Open
by Eric Blaisdell (Times Argus) After two years of legal battles and obstacles, Black Bear Biodiesel will be open for business Saturday. ... Once the ground thawed this spring, he said pumps were installed. Local woodworker Ben Graham also built a
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Joule Wins Key Patent for Direct Conversion of CO2 to Hydrocarbon Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Massachusetts, Joule, the pioneer of liquid fuels from recycled CO2, announced the issuance of an additional patent on the direct, continuous production of hydrocarbon fuels – extending its ability to target the highest-value molecules
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Comment Period Open on Proposed Discretionary Changes to BCAP
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA has announced its intent to prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) to assess the potential environmental consequences associated with proposed discretionary changes to the Biomass Crop Assistance Program. A public comment
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Usage of Non-Petroleum Fuels on the Rise, Yet Vehicle Sales Stall
by Braden Kelner (Power Source) Non-petroleum fuels are being used for transportation in amounts not seen in 60 years, according to federal data. Alternative fuels — ethanol, natural gas and electricity — have more than doubled their share of the transportation sector since the
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Fuel Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Clean Air Act Crimes Connected to Renewable Fuels Scheme
(Environmental Protection Agency) Philip J. Rivkin faces more than 10 years imprisonment and $51 million in restitution -- Philip Joseph Rivkin, a.k.a. Felipe Poitan Arriaga, 50, today pleaded guilty to a Clean Air Act false statement and mail fraud as part
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Bioenergy and Biofuels Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass via Anaerobic Digestion and Fisher-Tropsch Reaction
(US Department of Agriculture/Ohio State University) The long term goal of this project is to commercialize an integrated anaerobic digestion system (iADs) that promises cost competitive bioenergy and biofuels production from lignocellulosic biomass. The specific objectives of this proposal are
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
New Report Shows U.S. Biobased Products Industry Contributes $369 Billion, 4 Million Jobs to American Economy
(US Department of Agriculture) 2014 Farm Bill provisions will expand opportunities in the biobased sector by promoting advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased product manufacturing efforts Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the release of a new report that shows the
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
How Climate Change Deniers Got It Right — But Very Wrong
by Tony Dokoupil (MSNBC) It turns out the climate change deniers were right: There isn’t 97% agreement among climate scientists. The real figure? It’s not lower, but actually higher. The scientific “consensus” on climate change has gotten stronger, surging past the famous
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
DOE Offers Funding to Develop Aggregate Purchasing Models
(NGT News) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced up to $2 million to support aggregate purchasing models for plug-in electric and other alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, subsystems, components, alternative fuels, and refueling/charging infrastructure. According to the DOE,
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
From Florida to California on Just One Tank of Renewable Diesel?
(NGT News) A team of motorsport enthusiasts is aiming to drive a car from the Atlantic Coast of Florida to the Pacific Coast of California on just one tank of Neste NExBTL renewable diesel fuel. As part of what Neste has
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Iowa Delegation Asks EPA to Hold Ethanol Hearing in State
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Iowa's congressional delegation asked the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday to hold a hearing in the state about the agency's recent proposal lowering how much ethanol must be blended into the gasoline supply through
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Blog: E15 Momentum Increases, One State, One Station at a Time
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The end goal is to double the amount of fuel pumps offering blends like E15 and E85. At the end of last week, June 12, the USDA announced that the grant period will soon
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Ricketts: Danish Company's Interest in Nebraska Expansion Cooled after EPA's Ethanol Proposal
by Russell Hubbard (World-Herald) Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said on the last day of his European trade mission that federal rulings on ethanol mandates are obstructing the expansion of a growing Danish company with a substantial Cornhusker State presence. Novozymes, a
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Will Steiner, General Manager, Hawaii Oil Seed Producers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) HOSPRO is dedicated to battle the 95+% import of petroleum for energy and electricity generation by promoting the development of tree based oil seed crops. We are focusing on oil palm a proven producer in
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
In Blow to Big Oil, EPA Says Oil Refiners Recover RINs Costs
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Oil companies ultimately recover their costs of complying with the U.S. biofuels program, according to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analysis that marks the regulator's clearest challenge yet to a key criticism of the policy. The report,
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Researchers Develop Process for Drop-In Aviation Biofuel
(Department of Energy/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory/ECNMag.com) While biofuels have proven to be an effective, renewable, low-carbon alternative to gasoline and diesel, jet fuels pose unique challenges. These challenges have now been met with a new technique developed by researchers at
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
U.S. Buyers Scoop up Brazilian Ethanol Amid RIN Revival
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Oil traders are rushing to import ethanol from Brazil for the first time this year after U.S. regulators moved to increase use of advanced biofuel, opening a wide spread in the niche biofuel credits market. The premium
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
US Navy Could Create Thriving Biofuel Hub in Queensland, Palaszczuk Says
(Australian Associated Press/The Guardian) Queensland premier visits Pentagon in trade mission to US and says navy’s goal to shift to renewable energy could aid industry at home -- The US navy could help create a thriving biofuels industry in regional Queensland,
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Beer By-Product Turned into Biofuel
(Scoop Culture/DB Export) Drink Beer And Save the World --- Today (June 15, 2015), DB Export is announcing it is on a mission to harness the power of drinking beer to save the world. In a New Zealand first, DB Export
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Top 10 “Things to Do” While Waiting on the USDA 9003 Solicitation
by Cynthia Thyfault (Westar Trade Resources/Biofuels Digest) The biobased products and fuels industry has been anxiously waiting for the new USDA Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. Authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill and with the addition of new
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Why We Have a Joint BioEnergy Institute: The Story of Ionic Liquids
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... You see, JBEI’s team believe they have come up with the solution in a new generation of ionic liquids. What are ionic liquids, anyway? They are environmentally benign organic salts. In this case, salts that are liquids
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Want to Fix the World? Start by Making Clean Energy a Default Setting
by Chris Mooney (The Washington Post) ... Rather than acting like perfect homo economicuses, they’ve found, we’re highly swayed by the energy use of our neighbors and friends — peer pressure, basically. At the same time, we’re also heavily biased by the
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Unlocking the Biofuel Energy Stored in Plant Cell Walls
by Cherie Winner (Pennsylvania State University) By virtue of their chloroplasts, plants are superb harvesters of solar energy. They use it to build leaves, flowers, fruits, stems, and roots. We harvest a small percentage of that energy in the form of
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Science Advisory Board Biogenic Carbon Emissions Panel Schedules 3 Teleconferences
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA’s Science Advisory Board has announced the SAB Biogenic Carbon Emissions Panel will hold three teleconferences over the next several months to review the EPA’s biogenic carbon emissions framework. The agency held
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Fuels America Holds Call to Discuss New EPA Memo on RIN Prices
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On June 11, Fuels America hosted a conference call to discuss a memo from the U.S. EPA that demonstrates the renewable fuel standard (RFS) does not increase—and, in fact, works to decrease—retail gas prices. ... Geoff
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Op-ed: Biofuels Are Cleaner Energy that Should Be Encouraged
by Kent Bushman (Salt Lake Tribune/Utah Farmers Union) ... And the news just keeps getting better, as new technologies are increasing ethanol yields while improving efficiencies and allowing ethanol biorefineries to make better use of natural resources. In fact, over the past
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with…Veronica May, GM, UOP’s Renewable Energy & Chemicals
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Our groundbreaking renewable fuel technologies produce drop-in diesel, jet fuel and liquid biomass from a range of sustainable sources. We have commercialized those technologies in the U.S. and Europe in recent years. ... We are seeing more
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Queensland Issues Biofuels Mandate Discussion Paper, Launches Public Forums
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, the Queensland state government has released the Towards a clean energy economy: achieving a biofuel mandate for Queensland discussion paper, which outlines key issues associated with the proposed mandate and provides details on the
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Renew America’s Renewable Future Releases Coalition List
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, America’s Renewable Future (ARF) has publicly released a diverse coalition of partners that includes Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Iowa Corn Growers, Growth Energy, and POET among many others. ARF released the following statement: “We
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Neste going Google and Google going NEXBTL
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Finland, the world’s leading producer of renewable fuels, Neste is going Google by introducing Google Drive for Work services to its personnel globally. Being at the forefront of technology development Neste is taking the
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
An Amazon.com for Bioenergy Supply Chain Logistics
by Bill Levy (Pacific Ag/Biofuels Digest) ... Amazon has become the world’s largest retailer by winning at logistics. They simply found (and keep finding) ever more efficient ways to meet demand with supply. And that’s the name of the game
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Shatter the Blend Wall with High Performance Bio-Gasoline
by David Gogerty and Ronan Rocle (Global Bioenergies/Biofuels Digest) ... And there are indeed interesting developments: using new synthetic biology techniques, we can now target the best-of-the-best in gasoline molecules—isooctane. This high-performance fuel, which is expected to be produced by fermentation at
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Proposed RVO Raises Multiple Questions for Illinois Economists
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA’s May 29 proposed renewable volume obligations (RVO) is under scrutiny by University of Illinois economists in recent FarmDocDaily posts. Jonathan Coppess examines the argument that EPA appears to be turning the
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Clinton Outlines Commitment to Renewable Energy at First Major Campaign Rally
by Jennifer Yachnin (E&E/Governor's Wind Energy Coalition) Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Saturday pitched an aggressive commitment to promoting renewable energy, vowing to make the United States a “clean energy superpower” if she wins election to the White House
June 15, 2015 Read Full Article
CALL FOR POSTERS: International Conference on Microbial Hydrocarbon Production — October 25-27, 2015 — Frankfurt, Germany DEADLINE: August 31, 2015
The transport sector depends on a secure supply of liquid and gaseous fuels for a long time to come. For this the future importance of sustainably produced alternative biobased fuels is expected to increase. Thereby the so-called drop-in biofuels can play
June 12, 2015 Read Full Article
Future Fuels: Can Biofuels Make Gasoline Cleaner, Cheaper?
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Governors' Biofuels Coalition held a briefing examining the current state and potential future of the transportation fuel supply. While combustion engines are more efficient and cleaner
June 12, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Finding on Aircraft Emissions Can't Be Counted on to Motivate Biofuels Development and Deployment
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In the world of renewable jet fuel, hopes that the Environmental Protection Agency's finding that greenhouse gases from aircraft pose a risk to human health might lead to incentives for development and use of aviation
June 12, 2015 Read Full Article
CALL FOR PAPERS: Progress in Biomethane Mobility -- October 27-28, 2015 -- Schwäbisch Hall, Germany DEADLINE: July 15, 2015
The transport sector must play its part in implementing the German government’s Energy Concept. The lead target for the transport sector is the reduction of final energy consumption by some 10 percent by 2020, and by about 40 percent by
June 12, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with ... Thomas D. Foust, Director, Bioenergy, Biofuels and Bioproducts Research Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Short Term: We have been focused on developing hydrocarbon biofuels conversions technologies since 2012 and I would like to see these reach the pilot scale demonstration scale. Long Term: As a national laboratory sometimes we have
June 11, 2015 Read Full Article
New OPEI Survey Shows Consumers Remain Ill-Equipped for Newer Fuel Options at the Pump
(Outdoor Power Equipment Institute/PR NewsWire) Improved Consumer Education on Ethanol Fuel Options in the Marketplace Needed, Says OPEI ... Consumers are ill-equipped to make smart decisions about new gasoline choices entering the marketplace, such as fuel blends greater than ten percent
June 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Motorists to Put Ethanol to the Test
(My Sunshine Coast) KAP member for Mount Isa Rob Katter will be working hard at the bowsers tomorrow morning (June 9, 2015), pumping discount Ethanol fuel for Brisbane motorists to put to the test. Fueling up with Minister Mark Bailey and
June 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Biosev Sees Higher Cane Output and Sugar Prices
(AgriMoney.com) ... It was in ethanol that Mr Chammas (Rui Chammas, the Biosev chief executive) sounded a note of caution, despite the market for the biofuel proving relatively buoyant, helped by moves by Brazil to reintroduce taxes on gasoline and raise
June 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Training Program Teaches Diesel Mechanics about Biodiesel
(Iowa Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) A federal grant has helped expand a program to educate diesel technicians about biodiesel throughout the Midwest. Working in conjunction with the Iowa Biodiesel Board, the regional Clean Cities initiative makes the “Biodiesel for Diesel Technicians” program
June 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Sustainable, Available, Reliable Affordable Bioeconomy Feedstocks: The Hottest Slides from ABFC 2015
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the advanced bioeconomy, the question for some time has been “how do you fund it?” or “how do you make it?”. But now, feedstock is becoming the key variable, it’s a case of “where
June 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Drop in Oil Prices Means No Drilling in Canada’s Biggest Shale Reserves
by Robert Tuttle (Bloomberg News) The news was bittersweet for Canada’s Northwest Territories. While the region found out last week that its Canol and Bluefish formations hold Canada’s largest shale oil reserves, the slump in prices means no one’s drilling
June 11, 2015 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA Moves toward Regulating Aircraft Emissions
by Valerie Volcovici (Planet Ark) Agency announces an Aug. 11 hearing, a 60-day window for the public to weigh in -- The Obama administration on Wednesday released a scientific finding that greenhouse gases from aircraft pose a risk to human health,
June 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Ethanol and Butanol: Symbiotic Partners for a Modern Fuel
by Bill Brandon and Richard Ezike (Biofuels Digest) The debate touting butanol over ethanol as a ‘better’ fuel component has gone on for quite some time in biofuel circles. Those who support butanol point to three key factors: • Butanol has
June 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Amid Low Prices, US Oil Output May Be Nearing Peak
by Jay Fitzgerald (Boston Globe) Is America’s energy boom coming to an end? As companies shut down oil- and gas-drilling rigs and lay off thousands of workers who toiled in shale fields in North Dakota, Texas, and elsewhere, many analysts
June 08, 2015 Read Full Article
DDGS Challenges, Old and New
by Kurt A. Rosentrater (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Distillers Grains Technology Counci) ... At the recent Distillers Grains Technology Council’s 19th Distillers Grains Symposium in Kansas City, the latest and greatest issues to impact distillers grains production and use, and thus the fuel
June 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Gevo’s Wood-Derived Jet Fuel to Be Used in Test Flight
(Gevo/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Gevo Inc. has announced a breakthrough to its fermentation technology that will allow it to produce isobutanol from cellulosic feedstocks such as wood waste which can then be converted into Gevo's alcohol-to-jet fuel. Gevo currently makes isobutanol from
June 08, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Input on RIN Quality Assurance Plan ICR
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA recently published a notice in the Federal Register soliciting public comments on a proposed information collection request (ICR) related to the voluntary renewable identification number (RIN) quality assurance program under the
June 08, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Publishes Final VAPG Rule, Opens Comment Period
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In May, USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service published a final rule for the Value-Added Producer Grant program and opened a 60-day comment period that closes on July 7. ... According to USDA Rural Development, the
June 08, 2015 Read Full Article
More Pumps Needed to Deliver Biofuels
by Jan Koninckx (Des Moines Register/DuPont) ... With the vast majority of gas pumps only delivering gasoline that is a 10 percent ethanol blend (E10), consumers have been locked out of buying higher blends of renewable fuels. For blends like E15 and
June 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Iowa Legislature OKs E15 Infrastructure Investments for Iowa Renewable Fuels Grants
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, the state legislature passed legislation that allows E15 infrastructure investments to become eligible for Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure grants. Previously, the infrastructure program funds were only available for blender pumps and dispensers offering E85.
June 08, 2015 Read Full Article
How Mankind Blew the Fight against Climate Change
by Bill McKibben (350.org/The Washington Post) ... Exxon Mobil wouldn’t invest in renewable energy, ( Exxon Mobil CEO Rex) Tillerson said, because clean technologies don’t make enough money and rely on government mandates that were (remarkable choice of words) “not sustainable.” He