Advanced BioFuels USA – Truly Sustainable Renewable Future

Reassessment of Inter-related Biofuel, GHG and FFV Policies Needed

(25 x '25) Reports out of Washington this week that the Obama administration’s lengthy delay in releasing a final 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuel blending rule due to a White House desire to re-evaluate the blending requirements in context

July 18, 2014 Read Full Article

Oil Lobby Turns Focus to EPA in Ethanol Fight

by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The American Petroleum Institute (API) is focusing on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its fight to reduce the ethanol blending mandate, conceding that there’s little short-term hope in congressional action. Bob Greco, API’s director of downstream

July 18, 2014 Read Full Article

Research Projects to Improve Plant Feedstocks for Bioenergy Production: Departments of Agriculture and Energy Announce Projects in 10 States

(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (July 17, 2014) announced the selection of 10 projects that are being awarded funding aimed at accelerating genetic breeding programs to improve

July 18, 2014 Read Full Article

Aviation Industry Publishes Fuelling the Future, Calls for Urgent Review of UK Government Sustainable Aviation Fuels Policy

(Sustainable Aviation) - Potential to reduce UK aviation’s carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes per annum by 2030, and by 18% by 2050, through the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels, finds independent analysis by sustainable energy experts E4tech - Contribution of

July 18, 2014 Read Full Article

Australia Repeals Its Carbon Tax

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, the newly installed Senate, which changed over its membership on July 1st following elections late last year, endorsed a series of bills (already passed in the House of Representatives) eliminating the carbon tax

July 18, 2014 Read Full Article

Back in My Arms Again: The Supremes Take on Patent Law in the Era of Synthetic Biology

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Key ruling in Gevo, Butamax case links it to the upcoming Teva case, going before the Supreme Court this fall. In Colorado, Gevo filed a fascinating 8-K this week, relating that a United States District Court judge granted

July 18, 2014 Read Full Article

Energy Department Awards $3.5 Million to Develop Cost-Competitive Algal Biofuels

(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department announced today (July 17, 2014) $3.5 million for an algae project aimed at accelerating the development of sustainable, affordable algal biofuels. This research project supports the Department’s goal of producing 2,500 gallons of

July 18, 2014 Read Full Article

Creating Sustainable Supply Chains for Cellulosic Biofuels

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Growers reporting increased yields, revenues with stover harvest. Natural Resources Conservation Service says “By making wise management decisions, removing residue can be done sustainably.” What are the opportunities and the must-knows, for growers and project

July 18, 2014 Read Full Article

Biobased Companies Take A Closer Look At Sustainability

by Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical & Engineering News) Thanks to the emerging bioeconomy, renewable substances made from plants can now be found in places as varied as car interiors, laundry detergent, and plastic bottles. But as the industry works feverishly to

July 18, 2014 Read Full Article

Edeniq and Global Bio-Chem to Develop and Commercialize Corn Stover to Industrial Sugars Conversion Technology

(Edeniq/BusinessWire) Edeniq, Inc. (“Edeniq”), a cellulosic sugar producer, announced it has signed a letter of intent with Global Bio-chem Technology Group Company Limited (“Global Bio-chem,” HKG:0809) to develop and commercialize processes to convert corn stover to industrial sugars for use in the

July 17, 2014 Read Full Article

LowCVP News: UK Auto Sector Renaissance Driven by Low Carbon Policy Focus - New

(Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) A major new report published today (15 July 2014) at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership’s Annual Conference shows the UK automotive sector has been revitalised by consistently applied policy centred on cutting carbon. Carried out for LowCVP

July 17, 2014 Read Full Article

Solar Fuels: How Close, How Real?

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Could a liquid fuel technology emerge that connects solar PV to the efficiency of electric engines — but, this time with long driving range and near-instant refueling instead of laborious recharging? And, could the liquid fuel

July 17, 2014 Read Full Article

What Mad Men Can Teach Us About Renewable Energy

by Brian F. Keane (Huffington Post) I mentioned to a reporter the other day that I suspect the so-called "Climate Deniers" are not so much denying the science of climate change, but rather they are rejecting the message we've framed for

July 17, 2014 Read Full Article

Vietnam Veteran Praises Braley in New Television Ad Broadcast Statewide

(VoteVets.org) A Vietnam Veteran from Des Moines is featured in a new television ad campaign, today, praising Congressman Bruce Braley’s work to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard. The ad, sponsored by the veterans organization VoteVets.org, will air in the coming

July 17, 2014 Read Full Article

EcoEngineers Publishes Fact Sheet on the Final QAP Rules

(EcoEngineers) On July 2nd, 2014, the EPA released the final rules regarding the QAP program requirements for the RFS2. These rules will go into effect as of January 1st, 2015 and have a number of important aspects and changes for producers of

July 17, 2014 Read Full Article

Syngenta, FFA Collaborate on Fundraising at Iowa Speedway Event

(Syngenta/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Syngenta and lowa FFA chapters will be joining forces to increase awareness of the benefits of American ethanol and to raise money to support flex fuel availability – and the FFA – at the American Ethanol 200

July 14, 2014 Read Full Article

NGFA Proposal to the STB Could Benefit Shippers of Ethanol, DDGS

by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On July 7, the National Grain and Feed Association announced it submitted an extensive proposal to the Surface Transportation Board, urging the STB to establish new rules and procedures that captive grain shippers could

July 14, 2014 Read Full Article

ITA Accepting Nominations for Export Advisory committee

by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The International Trade Administration recently published a notice in the Federal Register announcing it is reestablishing the renewable energy and energy efficiency advisory committee and accepting nominations for its membership. The committee was first established

July 14, 2014 Read Full Article

Why Were This Company’s Computers Attacked Millions of Times This Year? Algae.

by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) About 16 months ago, a Florida-based biofuel company called Algenol noticed that its Internet service was slowing down. In checking that out, Jack Voth, Algenol’s information technology chief, stumbled on something odd: a telnet

July 14, 2014 Read Full Article

Renewable Fuel Makes Ukraine Less Vulnerable

by Jerry Perkins (Des Moines Register) If Ukraine can build a renewable energy sector based on its vast agricultural production, it won’t need Russian energy and could, perhaps, protect its sovereignty to a much greater extent than it can today

July 11, 2014 Read Full Article

Corn Ethanol Benefits Farmers, Community, Industry

by Heather Meade (Daily Advocate) There are seven operational ethanol plants in Ohio, one of which is located just outside of Greenville - The Andersons, Inc., which was opened in conjunction with the Marathon Petroleum Company out of Toledo, in

July 11, 2014 Read Full Article

South Carolina Nets Grants for Transportation Biofuels

by Chuck Crumbo (GSA Business) The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded two grants totaling $150,000 to the S.C. Clean Energy Business Alliance aimed at developing transportation biofuel investments for commercial and military use. The alliance, which announced the grants at Wednesday’s

July 11, 2014 Read Full Article

CALL FOR PAPERS: Dupont Summit 2014 on Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy December 5 Washington, DC DEADLINE: October 5, 2014

The purpose of the Dupont Summit is to promote interdisciplinary dialogue about pressing issues related to science, technology and the environment. The conference mirrors the interest of the PSO and its partners in promoting conversation about current policy concerns. Presented every

July 11, 2014 Read Full Article

Growth Energy Expresses Concern Over Continued Rail Shipment Delays

(Growth Energy) In response to a recent order by the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which called on specific rail providers to resolve backlogs of rail cars for grain orders, but failed to address the substandard rail service for the delivery

July 11, 2014 Read Full Article

Embrapa Agroenergia Will Monitor Quality of Biodiesel

(Channel: The Journal of Bioenergy) In partnership with several institutions to develop a Agroenergia Embrapa study the proposal to monitor the entire production chain of biodiesel and identify issues that may affect the quality of the product. The objective is met

July 11, 2014 Read Full Article

Cobalt, Andritz Sign Exclusive Partnership to Integrate Biobutanol, Pre-Treatment Processes

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cobalt Technologies signed an exclusive global cooperation and supply agreement with Andritz to integrate Cobalt’s proprietary lignocellulosic process for the production of n-butanol with Andritz’s customized pre-treatment systems. The primary alcohol, n-butanol is a widely used

July 11, 2014 Read Full Article

Mötley Crue, Poison Alert: INVISTA, BASF, and Genomatica Team for Sustainable Spandex

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We hear from the whispering winds of Wichita that INVISTA, the redoubtable owner of the Lycra and Stainmaster brands, amongst many others, has introduced the only commercial offering of a bio-derived spandex available globally and

July 11, 2014 Read Full Article

Gettin’ Yer Benjamins: DOE Finalizes $4B Loan Guarantee Program for Renewables

by Jim Lane and Mark Riedy (Biofuels Digest) This week in Washington, the Department of Energy’s Loan Program Office announced the Final RenewableEnergy and Energy Efficiency Projects Solicitation for its up to $4 billion loan guarantee program under Section 1703

July 11, 2014 Read Full Article

American Ethanol Weekend Preview

by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) American Ethanol is racing into Newton, Iowa for an exciting weekend at the Iowa Speedway. It’s an ethanol-powered packed event for American Ethanol. This weekend features the American Ethanol 200 presented by Enogen on Friday July 11th

July 10, 2014 Read Full Article

N.C. Funds 6 Cellulosic Biofuel, Bioenergy Research Projects

by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) North Carolina recently awarded six projects a total of $500,000 through the state’s Bioenergy Research Initiative, which is a program of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Special consideration is given to projects

July 10, 2014 Read Full Article

Maryland Company Looking to Turn Iowa Trash into Fuel

by Dar Danielson (RadioIowa) A Maryland-based company says it can save more than 100,000 tons of waste material from going into landfills with two facilities it plans to build in Iowa this year. Fiberight has been approved to build a $20

July 10, 2014 Read Full Article

Drill More, Produce More, Pay More? | Commentary

by Bob Dinneen (Roll Call/Renewable Fuels Association) In recent months, the petroleum industry has boasted about U.S. crude oil production reaching its highest level in more than a quarter-century. But what they fail to note is that increased domestic drilling has

July 10, 2014 Read Full Article

U.S. Senators Press for Probe of Report that Oil Companies Blocked Ethanol

by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) Two U.S. farm-state Senators on Wednesday urged federal regulators to investigate allegations raised by a biofuel trade group that the oil industry uses "strong arm tactics" to prevent widespread use of higher blends of ethanol in gasoline. A

July 10, 2014 Read Full Article

Optimus Technologies First to Receive EPA Approval on Advanced Biofuel Conversion Solution for Commercial Trucks

(Optimus Technologies/MarketWatch) As an alternative to CNG, creates new opportunities for advanced biofuel providers. Optimus Technologies today (July 8, 2014) announced two significant milestones that are changing the U.S. commercial truck industry. First, it is the first to receive U.S. EPA

July 10, 2014 Read Full Article

Simple Air-and-Water Fuel Soon to Take Off

by Karin Kloosterman (Israel21c.org) An Israeli professor is poised to ramp up production of an exciting alternative to polluting jet fuels and natural gas. An Israeli research team from Ben-Gurion University has developed something that seems like fuel for the futuristic

July 10, 2014 Read Full Article

Aemetis Announces U.S. EPA Approval and E.U. ISCC Certification for Distilled Biodiesel

(Aemetis) Company produces high-quality distilled biodiesel at India plant Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced that the company has received EPA approval for the issuance of D4 RINs upon the importation into the U.S. of biodiesel produced from waste fats and oils (WFO).

July 10, 2014 Read Full Article

Neste's Renewable Diesel to Reduce Carbon Footprint of Flow Fest

(Neste Oil Corp./Biodiesel Magazine) Neste Oil is supporting the environmental goals of this year's Flow Festival in Helsinki by supplying 100 percent NEXBTL renewable diesel to generate electricity for the event. Thanks to NEXBTL diesel produced from waste and residues, the

July 10, 2014 Read Full Article

A Biodiesel Business Is Opening in Plainfield

by Kathryn Flagg (Seven Days Vermont) ... While Vallee's Red Store sits vacant, Black Bear Biodiesel is gearing up to open its doors — and pump its first gallons of recycled vegetable oil — later this month. It will be the first

July 10, 2014 Read Full Article

Questions and Answers on the Outcome of the Second Call for Proposals under the NER 300 Programme

(Europa.EU) ... NER 300 is one of the world's largest funding programmes for innovative low-carbon energy demonstration projects. The programme aims to successfully demonstrate environmentally safe carbon capture and storage (CCS) and innovative renewable energy (RES) technologies on a commercial scale

July 10, 2014 Read Full Article

Sinopec, Sapphire Energy Project Unveiled in China; Wins US-China EcoPartnerships Nod

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest has heard from China that Sapphire Energy’s and Sinopec’s algae-derived renewable crude oil project has been selected for the U.S.-China EcoPartnerships program, and that the announcement is being made overnight US time in

July 10, 2014 Read Full Article

National Grid: Electricity Prices Could Increase Twofold within 20 Years

(Energy Market Price) Electricity prices could double by 2035, while gas prices might increase by 43%, according to forecasts released by the National Grid on Thursday. The research document entitled “Exploring the future of UK energy” says that wholesale electricity price

July 10, 2014 Read Full Article

Washington State the Center of Climate Change Solutions

by Gleen Farley (KING 5 News) In 2011, Alaska Airlines was the first carrier in the country to fly regular passenger carrying flights using bio-fuel. It replaced 20 percent of the jet fuel with a crystal clear liquid - refined industrial

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Algenol's Algae-Based Biofuel: The Next Generation in Renewable Energy

by Jenna Iacurci (Nature World News) Algenol, an up-and-coming company that specializes in algae-based biofuels, has developed and perfected its revolutionary technology, likely securing its spot as the next generation's leader in renewable energy. In collaborating with University of Toronto scientists,

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Pain at the Pump: Exxon, BP, ConocoPhillips, Chevron & Shell Earn “F” in Consumer Choice Report Card

(Renewable Fuels Association) A new “Consumer Choice Report Card” released by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) grades some of the largest, most well-known retail gasoline chains based on whether they are providing consumers with alternatives to regular gasoline that cost less,

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Platts Webinar – European Road Fuels

by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) Tim Worledge, the Associate Editorial Director of Platts Agriculture relayed some of the history and the status quo of the biofuel industry in Europe during a webinar hosted by Platts and Aspect Enterprise Solutions

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Algae Biofuel Can Help Meet World Energy Demand, Researchers Say

by Mary-Ann Muffoletto (Phys.org) Microalgae-based biofuel not only has the potential to quench a sizable chunk of the world's energy demands, say Utah State University researchers. It's a potential game-changer. "That's because microalgae produces much higher yields of fuel-producing biomass than other traditional

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Algae Offers Green Way to Boost Nutritional Value of Pet and People Foods

by Steve Dale (My Pet World/Chicago Tribune) Current and future trends in food for pets and people were among topics addressed at the 30th Alltech Annual International Symposium May 18-21 in Lexington, Ky. The theme of the conference was "What If?"

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

New TV Ad on Iraq Turmoil, Rising Gas Prices: No Better Reason Why the EPA Must Preserve the RFS

(Americans United for Change) With oil prices on the rise in response to the deteriorating situation in Iraq, Americans United for Change announced a major new ad campaign encouraging the EPA not to turn its back on a secure, safe,

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Montana State University-Led Team Receives $10 million to Pursue Innovative Research in Energy

(Montana State University) Montana State University is the lead institution on a new $10 million, four-year project to form a research center focused on innovative energy research. The Biological Electron Transfer and Catalysis (BETCy) Energy Frontiers Research Center (EFRC) will be

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Angola’s Biocom Project to Begin Ethanol and Sugar Production in 2014

(Macauhub) Companhia de Bioenergia de Angola (Biocom), an Angola-Brazil partnership based in Angola’s Malange province, is due in September of this year to start producing 120 megawatts of electricity, the company said in a statement. Biocom also said that in September

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Cellulosic Ethanol Deemed Good Fit in Idaho

(Capital Press) IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — As the first commercial cellulosic ethanol plants open in the U.S. this year, energy experts say Idaho is well positioned to follow the leaders with a small facility that would convert barley and wheat

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

In New Twist, RFS Could Boost Electric Vehicles

by Amanda Peterka (E&E Publishing/Greenwire) The federal policy used to build up the nation's ethanol and advanced biofuel capacity could soon be harnessed to spur the development of electric vehicle infrastructure. In a final rule issued last week, U.S. EPA said it

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Saudi Arabia Plans To Raise Fuel Economy--But Not Gas Prices

by John Voelcker (Green Car Reports) ... Now, another country is discussing new regulations that would require both new and imported used vehicles to meet minimum gas mileage standards. That country is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Energy use exceeds growth The reason

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

BP June 2014 Statistical Review of World Energy: 53 Years of Oil Left

by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) BP’s 63rd annual Statistical Review of World Energy was recently released. Some key findings. Oil Prices Stay Above $100/Barrel for Third Year In the face of these disruptions and heightened risks to supply, average oil

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Murphy USA Stations Opens First of 7 Planned E15/E85 Additions in Iowa

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, Murphy USA is now offering E15 and E85 at its Indianola, Iowa location. The fueling site is the first of seven Murphy USA locations in Iowa to begin offering these higher ethanol blends.

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Pond Biofuels: Algae Eats Cement Plant Pollution

by David Dodge and Duncan Kinney (Beacon News) Algae is a pretty important organism. It’s used in food, fertilizer and sewage treatment. Oh, and algae can also eat raw industrial smokestack emissions for breakfast to create pond biofuels. Steve Martin was so

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Report: Jobs Added, Investments Made in County’s Industrial Base

by Christopher Edmunds (The Selma Times-Journal) Dallas County gained 246 new jobs in 2013, according to a recent report released by the governor’s office. In addition to the new jobs, the 2013 New & Expanding Industries Report showed that seven companies invested

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Students get First-Hand Look at STEM

by Ashley A. Smith (News-Press) Groups of high school students walked past cylinders of green liquids and watched scientists experiment on algae. As each of the Algenol Biofuels scientists explained to the students the process of turning algae into ethanol, they also

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Aurora Algae Farm Throws Down Green Guantlet in Oil State

by Tina Casey (Clean Technica) We’ve been following the Aurora Algae company’s progress in Australia for a couple of years, so imagine our surprise when all of a sudden the company popped up deep in the heart of oil country. Earlier

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Aviation Biofuel Takes Flight

By Zoe Martin (Iowa Farmer Today) After years of research, biofuels in the aviation industry are almost ready for take off. The requirements to replace jet fuel at 40,000 feet present a challenge, but airplane manufacturers such as Boeing have set goals

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Sustainable Algae Cultivation Making Headway

(Phys.org) Four years after the first optimistic calculations, the experimental cultivation of algae appears to be meeting expectations. Production costs have been more than halved, while the profit made on some crop components already exceeds production costs. According to René Wijffels,

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Chicken Council Targets Renewable Fuel Standard

(Capital Press) As the federal government is set to lower the Renewable Fuels Standard for this year, the National Chicken Council asserts that diverting the corn supply to ethanol has resulted in more than $44 billion in higher feed costs to

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

New Crops Get Green Thumbs Up

(GreenvilleOnline) Officials at Clemson have released 21 new crop varieties that will help meet the needs of farmers growing food, fiber and fuels needed by South Carolina’s economy. These varieties include four Roundup Ready varieties of soybeans approved by the S.C. Crop

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Ethanol Industry Asks for Relief from Rail Delays

by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The ethanol industry Monday urged a federal regulator overseeing the nation's railroads to provide relief for shippers of the renewable fuel who have faced delays. Growth Energy, which represents ethanol manufacturers, told the Surface Transportation

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

ANDRITZ to Deliver Pre-Treatment Technology for Fiberight’s Blairstown Waste-to-Biofuel Project, USA

(ANDRITZ) International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order to supply equipment, engineering, and field services for Fiberight’s cellulosic ethanol plant in Blairstown, Iowa, USA. Start-up is planned for the first quarter of 2015. The ANDRITZ technology will be used for

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Legendary Investments Rises As Bosques Progresses Jatropha Cultivation

by Steve McGrath (LSE/Alliance News) Legendary Investments PLC saw its shares rise early Monday after it said that Bosques Energeticos EBE S.A. de C.V., one of its portfolio companies, has secured more land on which to grow its recently cultivated

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Biofuel Advancement Threatened: How Can We Save the Renewable Fuel Standard?

by Jan Koninckx (DuPont Industrial Biosciences/Renewable Energy World) Advanced biofuels are no longer a futuristic hope — they are here. This year, three companies including DuPont will turn on commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol biorefineries, the result of billions of dollars in

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Algae Production Industry News

(National Algae Association) The National Algae Association is pleased to announce that one of its algae incubator program companies, Natural Algae Production, LLC of Louisiana, has broken ground on a new 10 acre algae farm. NAA believes hundreds of commercial

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Honeywell's UOP Green Fuels Technology Selected By Petrixo To Produce Renewable Jet Fuel And Diesel

(Honeywell UOP/MarketWatch) Facility will be the first commercial-scale renewable jet fuel production facility outside of North America UOP LLC, a Honeywell HON +0.06% company, announced today that its green fuels process technology has been selected by Petrixo Oil & Gas to

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Brazilian Airline GOL to Make First International Commercial Flights With Newly Approved Amyris-Total Aviation Biofuel

(Amyris/GlobeNewsWire) International Flights From Florida to Sao Paulo Using Sugarcane-Derived Renewable Jet Fuel Support GOL Environmental Performance Objectives Amyris (Nasdaq:AMRS) has partnered with Brazilian airline GOL (NYSE:GOL) to begin the first commercial route with farnesane, the recently approved renewable jet fuel. GOL

July 09, 2014 Read Full Article

Injection Wells Blamed in Oklahoma Earthquakes

by Eric Hand (Science Magazine) So far in 2014, Oklahoma has seen more earthquakes than California—and seismologists are increasingly blaming them on the injection of wastewater from oil and gas operations. A study published online this week in Science links four of Oklahoma's

July 07, 2014 Read Full Article

In Silico Optimization for Production of Biomass and Biofuel Feedstocks from Microalgae

by Philip Kenny, Kevin J. Flynn (Journal of Applied Phycology) Optimization of the production rate of biomass rich in N (e.g. for protein) or C (e.g. for biofuels) is key to making algae-based technology commercially viable. Creating the appropriate conditions to achieve

July 07, 2014 Read Full Article

UPM and WWF Finland Enter Versatile Cooperation

(UPM) The Biofore Company UPM and the conservation organisation WWF Finland have agreed on versatile cooperation covering promotion of sustainable wood-based biofuels as well as sustainable forest management and sourcing of raw materials in Finland. "Promoting sustainable forest management and ensuring the sustainability of biofuels

July 07, 2014 Read Full Article

Hemp: The Feedstock that Dare Not Speak its Name

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We first started tracking hemp back in 2009, when a 43-acre biomass trial launched in California that features hemp as a feedstock. The notoriety of hemp’s cousin, marijuana, has created both passionate supporters and opponents

July 07, 2014 Read Full Article

Biotech Feels a Chill from Changing U.S. Patent Rules

by Kelly Servick (Science Magazine) A year after the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling that human genes cannot be patented, the biotech industry is struggling to adapt to a landscape in which inventions derived from nature are increasingly hard to

July 07, 2014 Read Full Article

The Political Problem behind Our Crumbling Highways

by Paul Waldman (The Washington Post) ... The Congressional Budget Office says that starting next year, the fund won’t have enough money to meet its obligations, and keep in mind that means just the projects that are already in progress. New projects would

July 07, 2014 Read Full Article

Don’t Turn Your Back on the RFS

by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) With no end in sight on the turmoil in Iraq and oil prices and gas prices on the rise as a result, Americans United for Change (AUFC) have launched a new ad campaign encouraging the U.S.

July 03, 2014 Read Full Article

EPA Establishes Quality Assurance for RINS

by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) In addition to the final rule approving crop residue as a cellulosic feedstock, the Environmental Protection Agency yesterday established a “voluntary quality assurance program” for renewable identification numbers, or RINs. The program is designed to maintain liquidity in the

July 03, 2014 Read Full Article

DF Cast: Finding Ways to Increase Ethanol Blends

by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) ... In this edition of the Domestic Fuel Cast, we hear from Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis, Dean Drake with the consulting company the Defour Group, Scott Zaremba, president of Zarco Incorporated, and Ken Parrent, the ethanol director for

July 03, 2014 Read Full Article

World's Cocoa Crop Could Get a Big Boost from a Simple, Non-Toxic Spray

by Seth Palmer (Phys.Org) Cocoa farmers this year will lose an estimated 30 to 40 percent of their crop to pests and disease, and with chocolate prices having risen globally by roughly two-thirds in the past decade, concern is growing

July 03, 2014 Read Full Article

Statoil Employed Judge in Own Legal Dispute

by Erlend Skarsaune (Aftenbladet.no) The Biofuel entrepreneurs sued Statoil to clear their names of allegations of corruption. The judge in charge was offered a job by Statoil, accepted, and continued working with the case. The aggrieved parties have fought to be cleared

July 03, 2014 Read Full Article

Ethanol Sector Wages Outpace Other Nebraska Industries

(Nebraska Ethanol Board) Over the last decade, wages earned in Nebraska’s ethanol production sector outpaced all other manufacturing groups in state, according to the Nebraska Department of Labor’s Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program. In 2013, the average annual

July 03, 2014 Read Full Article

Ottawa Biofuel Launches Crowdfunding Campaign to Expand Production

by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, Ottawa Biofuel has launched a $50,000 crowdfunding campaign through IndieGoGo to fund expansion. Specifcally, the company is looking to make the transportation, storage, and processing cleaner and more efficient and improve on-site safety, including

July 03, 2014 Read Full Article

Joule’s Quest for Fuels from CO2, Sunlight and Water

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... From Massachusetts, word arrived from Joule this week that the EPA has favorably reviewed the company’s Microbial Commercial Activity Notice for Joule’s first commercial ethanol-producing catalyst. This clears the catalyst for commercial use at the

July 03, 2014 Read Full Article

Prospects of Utilising Biomass in Europe

by Aino Siirala* (Advanced Biofuels USA)The 22nd European Biomass Conference & Exhibition took place in Hamburg, Germany in June 2014. The conference gathered 1085 attendees from 66 different countries: researchers, policy makers, industry and business people to communicate and learn

July 03, 2014 Read Full Article

How Two Small New York Towns Have Shaken up the National Fight over Fracking

by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) The multibillion-dollar Anschutz Exploration Corp., which helped make its founder, Philip Anschutz, one of the richest men in America, filed a lawsuit three years ago against Dryden, a small town in Upstate New York. The issue: Dryden

July 03, 2014 Read Full Article

RFA Pleased with EPA Approval of Corn Fiber as Cellulosic Feedstock

(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a final rule approving additional Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) pathways. Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), commented, “We are very pleased that EPA has finalized

July 02, 2014 Read Full Article

Duckweed Has Great Potential as Biofuel

by Sue Pike (seacoastonline.com) Duckweeds are the world's smallest flowering plants. These tiny plants float on still and slow-moving water the world over. With the warm spring weather you can find duckweed growing along the edges of most local ponds and

July 02, 2014 Read Full Article

LCFS Developments: Proposal to Simplify Application Process

by John Sens (EcoEngineers/Biodiesel Magazine) On May 31, the California Air Resources Board held a workshop outlining some of its proposed changes to the low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) program. Among the changes proposed were those related to the new

July 02, 2014 Read Full Article

Rule on Crude-by-Rail Shipments Is Priority Over Hazmat Fee, Foxx Says

by Tom Curry (Roll Call) Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx says he won’t immediately push Congress to enact a proposal offered by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and other mayors for a federal fee to be imposed on shipments of hazardous materials passing through cities. “It’s something

July 02, 2014 Read Full Article

NAST Hopes to Produce Bio-Fuels from Water Hyacinth in Phewa Lake

by Sangeet Sangroula (MyRepublica.com) Managing water hyacinth, also known as jal kumbhi, which has been defacing the scenic beauty of Phewa Lake in Pokhara, has been a nightmare for the local authorities. But researchers at Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)

July 02, 2014 Read Full Article

Freedom from High Gas Prices

(Renewable Fuels Association) Sadly, drivers are expected to see skyrocketing gas prices this Independence Day as analysts at GasBuddy predict that Fourth of July prices will reach their highest level in six years. Tom Kloza, GasBuddy’s chief oil analyst, remarked, “Fear about what

July 02, 2014 Read Full Article

Declining Gasoline Prices Still Costing Americans $1.4 Billion Every Day During This Holiday Week Celebrating Independence

by John Funk (The Plain Dealer) ... One reason for this year's decline in prices since May is the price of ethanol. Ethanol, which is mixed into every gallon of fuel sold at a level of 10 percent, is much less costly

July 02, 2014 Read Full Article

Converting Biomass to Fuels

by Aaron Dubrow (National Science Foundation) Researchers use NSF-supported Stampede supercomputer to improve catalysts for conversion Scientists from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are using the National Science Foundation-supported Stampede supercomputer to improve biofuel production by determining how certain enzymes break down

July 02, 2014 Read Full Article

Bipartisan Letter Calls for President Obama to Continue Growth Under Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)

(Congressman Adam Kinzinger) In a bipartisan letter to President Barack Obama, Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Collin Peterson (D-MN), and 50 Members of Congress urge the President to increase the amount of biodiesel fuels allowed to enter markets under the 2014

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Japan’s Isuzu, Euglena to Begin Biodiesel Development With Algae

by Chisaki Watanabe (Bloomberg) Isuzu Motors Ltd. (7202) and Euglena Co. (2931) will work together to develop a new kind of biodiesel using algae, with a goal of establishing the technology by 2018. The companies want to develop a type of

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IndyCar Returns to Iowa with 50 More Laps

(Iowa Corn Growers Association) Iowa Corn renews title sponsorship of IndyCar Series race in 2014 as the Iowa Corn Indy 300 ... “If race car drivers can power the elite IndyCar on E85, we want consumers to feel confident that they are doing

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Quad County Corn Processor Produces Iowa’s First Cellulosic Biofuels at Scale

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, the first ever gallons of commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol produced in Iowa flowed from Quad County Corn Processor’s distillation unit this week, according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. This marks the commissioning of

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The Greensome Foursome: POET, Novozymes, Abengoa, NexSteppe on the Industry Outlook for 2014

by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As several major cellulosic biofuels ventures head for scale in 2014, we look at the companies, the major barriers (as they see them) for further capacity-building, sources for future investment, and a focus on feedstock. In

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Bio-Fueling the Navy

(BIOtechNOW) ... However, it also takes real marketplace demand—often led by a few significant “early adopters”—to put a new technology to the real-world test. One very large early adopter, which also has a major presence in San Diego, is the

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Pass the Mustard: Why Carinata Is Taking Root as Biofuel

by Don Konantz (Calyx Bio-Ventures/Renewable Energy World) Navigant Research forecasts that the “global biofuels production will reach 61 billion gallons by 2023, replacing nearly 6 percent of global transportation fuel production from fossil sources and generating $70 billion in new

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Ceres Initiates Field Evaluations of its Biotech Traits in Sugarcane

(Ceres) Ceres, Inc. (Nasdaq: CERE), an agricultural biotechnology and seed company, will evaluate a number of its biotech traits in sugarcane in South America. Plantings were recently completed and preliminary performance observations will be available by the end of the