by Rob Nikolewski (Watchdog.org) It’s possibly the most controversial mandate on the books — a requirement under the Renewable Fuel Standard that billions of gallons of ethanol be mixed into the gasoline American consumers put into their tanks. But there’s a new Congress
Antarctic Algae under Experimentation to Produce Biofuel
by Analia Murias (FIS) A team of researchers at the Central University of Ecuador studies the use of Antarctic algae to produce biodiesel to serve as an alternative source of renewable energy to fossil fuel. Scientists working at the Faculty of Chemistry
January 09, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Jeff Ovens, Biofuel Manager, Cathay Pacific Airways
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific Airways is committed to carbon neutral growth and has demonstrated this with a recent investment in MSW to Fuels company, Fulcrum Bioenergy. Aside from Fulcrum, Cathay is actively seeking opportunities
January 09, 2015 Read Full Article
VC Surprise: Spruce Capital, Xeraya Capital Announce First Close of New $150M Biogreentech Venture Fund
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As a newly-closed venture fund opens for business with a distinctly Malaysian flavor, we look at the state of venture capital and the new role of integrated sovereign investment. From California and Malaysia comes the news
January 09, 2015 Read Full Article
The 4 Smarter Things Congress Could Be Doing than Voting on Keystone Again
by Chris Mooney (The Washington Post) ... For environmentalists, it symbolizes the increasingly urgent need to keep fossil fuels in the ground. For Republicans, it symbolizes everything they hate about how environmentalists seek to block industrial projects. But when Congress focuses
January 08, 2015 Read Full Article
State Panel OKs Rules for Alternative Motor Vehicle Fuels
by Steve Law (Portland Tribune) The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission voted Wednesday to approve operating rules for the state’s Clean Fuels Program, which mandates an overall 10 percent reduction in carbon emissions from gasoline and diesel fuel over the next
January 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Gasoline Price Plunge in U.S. Slowed by Higher Ethanol Costs
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) The biggest plunge in U.S. gasoline prices since 2008 is slowing as higher ethanol boosts the cost to make the motor fuel. Ethanol futures surpassed gasoline last month for the first time since March. Faced with
January 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Rising Capacities, Shift to Distributed Models and Policies Are Top Advanced Biofuels Trends, Says E2 Report
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The E2 report is something of a hybrid — for one, it includes actual biodiesel production, but in the case of other fuels, it reports production capacity rather than production, and includes projects which are
January 08, 2015 Read Full Article
New Research Links Scores of Earthquakes to Fracking Wells Near a Fault in Ohio
by Michael Wines (The New York Times) Not long after two mild earthquakes jolted the normally steady terrain outside Youngstown, Ohio, last March, geologists quickly decided that hydraulic fracturing operations at new oil-and-gas wells in the area had set off the
January 08, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Nominations for Technical Subcommittee
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is requesting nominations for its Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee, which provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with independent advice, council and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of
January 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Sensenbrenner Introduces Legislation Requesting Redundant E15 Study
by Gary Truit (Hoosier Ag Today) On Tuesday, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) once again introduced legislation – H.R. 21 – that would hinder the growth and expansion of E15. The legislation would revoke current approval of E15 and require additional
January 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Nigerian Company Sells Cooking Fuel Below Government Subsidized Kerosene Price, Targets 10 million Households by 2017
(Green Energy & Biofuels) Lagos, Nigeria – January 5, 2015. In what the UN Secretary General Banki-Moon declared as the year of Sustainable Energy for All, we are pleased to announce today the world’s single largest energy democratic revolution towards
January 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Mechanics Corner: FAME, NERD, GTL and Pond Scum: Powering Equipment in the Future
by Allen Schaeffer (Progressive Dairyman/Diesel Technology Forum) ... Moving to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel was the biggest change in diesel fuel in the last 50 years, and now it’s already been nine years since that happened. Next up is expanded use
January 08, 2015 Read Full Article
The Year That Wasn’t
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Ethanol production and blending broke records. Exports picked up. E15 and E85 sales increased. And the first cellulosic ethanol gallons were produced. So here, in satiric tribute to the year that wasn’t,
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
World Needs Wake-up Call
by Mike Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Renewable fuels like ethanol are part of the solution to global warming, writes Mike Bryan, of BBI International. Although some believe it is a hoax, science is not on their side. ... Australia’s Prime Minister Tony
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Spotlight on Iowa
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine digs into the details of ethanol production in Iowa and how the industry got started. When Jerry Mohr, president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association board of directors, talks to politicians, he
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Putting Data to Work
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) JMP, a data analysis software from SAS Institute, can help ethanol producers get a jump on plant efficiency and profitability. There’s no question ethanol plant lab workers do a lot of testing and record a
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Benchmarking the Ethanol Lab
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Quality control depends on accurate test results, but how do ethanol labs control their own quality? Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) standards for the front and back end of an ethanol plant are clearly set out
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Speeding Cyanobacteria Growth “Brightens” Biofuel’s Future
by Mary Beckman (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/R&D Magazine) Rapidly growing bacteria that live in the ocean and can manufacture their own food hold promise as host organisms for producing chemicals, biofuels and medicine. Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Bart Carpenter, Technology Director, URS Corporation (now part of AECOM)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... I help bioprocessing companies translate their science into practical engineering solutions using the best technology available. Oftentimes, our engineering expertise helps our clients make significant improvements to their core technology. I also help clients understand
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
First Cassava Shipment of Major Deal Leaves Port
by George Styllis and Ouch Sony (The Cambodian Daily) The first shipment of cassava in a major deal between a subsidiary of Chinese biofuel firm Henan Tianguan Group and a Cambodian logistics company left Cambodia on Friday, according to the
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Bridj Launched a New Mobile App & Evening Bus Service
by Nick DeLuca (Bostinno) On Monday, January 5, pop-up bus service Bridj launched a new mobile app as part of its beta testing. The sleek new platform is available for both iOS and Android users to download for free. Bridj uses
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
US Energy Policy Review Reveals US Doesn’t Have an Energy Policy
by Jared Gilmour (Christian Science Monitor) US oil and gas production have boomed, but the country still lacks a coherent energy strategy, according to an International Energy Agency review. The report credits the US for reducing greenhouse emissions, and encourages
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Nominations for New Agricultural Science Committee
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has published a notice in the Federal Register inviting the public to nominate scientific experts to be considered for appointment to its Science Advisory Board Agricultural Science Committee. According to the notice, the
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
#PumpUpBiodiesel Social Media Campaign Raises Grassroots Biodiesel Support
(National Biodiesel Board) Participants used the hashtag #PumpUpBiodiesel on both Twitter and Facebook throughout the month of November. This hashtag reflected the industry's goals of growing biodiesel to 10 percent of the diesel market by 2022, and increasing RFS volumes. NBB
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Patenting Strategies in the Biodiesel Industry
by Benjamin C. Spehlmann (Banner & Witcoff Ltd./Biodiesel Magazine) Obtaining a desirable scope of coverage, as defined by patent claims, involves a number of important considerations. Being mindful of these points can improve the chances of effectively protecting a biodiesel
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
2014: Renewable Chemicals Review
by Doris de Guzman (Green Chemicals Blog) ... 2014 is the year of commercial production for cellulosic ethanol and further commercial production and marketing milestones for bio-succinic acid. Myriant, Succinity and Reverdia are all now in commercial bio-succinic acid
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Five Lufthansa Group Airlines to Use Biokerosene Mixture at Oslo Airport
by Kurt Hofmann (Air Transport World) Lufthansa Group will be fueling its aircraft at Oslo Airport with a biokerosene mixture, becoming the first airline group to sign this kind of contract with Norwegian oil company Statoil Aviation. Beginning in March, Statoil will
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Governor McAuliffe Announces New Virginia Bioscience Initiative
(Augusta Free Press) Governor Terry McAuliffe on Thursday announced a Virginia Bioscience Initiative, kicking off the effort with a public and private sector roundtable discussion on the commercialization of university bioscience research at the State Capitol. University representatives and bio
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Blue Ridge Biofuels Expands Biodiesel Production
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Blue Ridge Biofuels is expanding biodiesel production by renting space and installing processing equipment at the Catawba County EcoComplex, a LEED Silver certified facility in western North Carolina powered by methane gas from an adjacent
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
E2 Report: North America's Advanced Biofuel Industry Produced 800 Million Gallons in 2014
( Environmental Entrepreneurs) Smart clean fuel policies in OR, WA, CA and at federal level could drive additional job growth, improve air quality, generate more homegrown energy North America’s advanced biofuel industry reached a production capacity of more than 800 million gallons in 2014,
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Oregon Helps Spark National Surge in Biodiesel Production
by Wendy Culverwell (Portland Business Journal) Clean fuel policies in Oregon, Washington and California are helping drive the advanced biofuel industry. In its fourth annual report on the state of the advanced biofuel industry, Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) reports the U.S. capacity
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Why Bacteria Could Be the Answer to a Future without Oil
by Jeff Errington (The Conversation) ... Historically petroleum has been used to develop the chemicals needed for products such as pesticides, food supplements and make-up. Although many of the building blocks required to make these chemicals occur naturally, trying to take those
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Read the Label!
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association) Every week I hear from consumers with questions on ethanol and what it does to their fuel. Most don’t understand that the composition of gasoline, along with the refining process, has changed dramatically over
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Joe Jobe, CEO, National Biodiesel Board
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Our top goal is securing a strong RFS including conservative growth in the RVO. We are also working on extending the biodiesel tax credit and developing sound state policies. We are expanding access to Bioheat
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
CyRide Boosts Biodiesel Use under New Agreement
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Ames' CyRide should be a little more environmentally friendly, under an agreement with biodiesel producer Renewable Energy Group. The Ames-based renewable fuels company said it began providing a biodiesel blend to CyRide, the transit
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Biotech Energy Crop May Be Regulated as Weed
by Mateusz Perkowski (Capital Press) Ceres Inc. has developed a biotech variety of sorghum for ethanol production but USDA is thinking of regulating it as a noxious weed. Genetically modified sorghum used for ethanol production doesn’t fall under USDA’s biotechnology regulations, but
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuels and the Oil Price, Gloomy Gus, Energy Bear, Express Train to Mood Hell
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oil prices are down, energy stocks are plunging, and the investor mood is giving Lord of the Flies a run for its money for mix of peril, fantasy and pessimism. So why is the hard
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Praj Contracts Order for Uganda's Largest Ethanol Plant from Kakira Sugars
(Praj/PR NewsWire/CNBC) Sustainable Technology resulting in generation of 50-60% power requirement through captive cogen unit; Employs Praj's latest ECOSMART technology for multi-product distillery producing fuel ethanol as well as premium grade beverage alcohol; Biocompost from the plant to be used
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
With Oil Prices Low, Now’s the Perfect Time for Congress to Raise the Gas Tax
by Editorial Board (The Washington Post) THE PRICE of crude oil dipped below $50 a barrel on Monday. National gasoline prices average a little over $2 a gallon. On principle and on politics, now is the best time Washington has
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Calif. Governor Wants to Slash Fuel Use, Grow Renewables
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) proposed Monday to cut in half the gasoline and diesel fuel used by vehicles and get half the state’s electricity from renewable sources. Brown set out both proposals in his
January 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Is Cellulosic Ethanol the Next Big Thing in Renewable Fuels?
by Sena Christian (EarthIsland.org) For a long time it seemed like turning the inedible parts of plants into a commercially viable biofuel, known as cellulosic ethanol, was nothing more than a pipedream. The enzymes needed to release sugars from cellulose
January 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Falling Oil, Gasoline Prices Cut into E85's Advantage at the Pump
by Jay Withrow (World-Herald/Omaha.com) ... Historically, E85 fuel, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, has been up to $1 per gallon cheaper than regular unleaded. However, recent cheaper crude oil and subsequent declining gas prices have dropped
January 06, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Accepting Comments on Preliminary Biomass Sorghum Analysis
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is accepting public comments on its preliminary analysis of the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the growth and transport of biomass sorghum for use as biofuel feedstock through Jan.
January 06, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Observes Kick Off of the International Year of Soils
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today begins its celebration of the International Year of Soils to highlight the importance of healthy soils for food security, ecosystem functions and resilient farms and ranches. "Healthy soil is the foundation
January 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Falling Crude Prices Pressure Ethanol Makers
by Jacob Bunge And Jesse Newman (First Enercast Financial) ... Falling profit margins for the $40 billion U.S. ethanol industry may cause some companies to scale back production in 2015, analysts and industry executives say. Still, many observers think ethanol
January 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuels Mandates Around the World: 2015
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who mandates what in biofuels? 64 countries have targets or mandates — but how much where, and when, and what? In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Hope vs Change
by Michael McAdams (Biomass Magazine) ... Sen. McConnell has promised a return to regular order. That means lots of votes on lots of potentially contentious issues. It will be interesting to see if he follows through on that pledge given
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
PSALM Rejects Proposal for Ilijan to Shift to Diesel
by Lenie Lectura (Business Mirror) ... There is a proposal for Ilijan to use pure diesel from biodiesel when the Malampaya natural-gas facility goes offline from March 15 to April 14, 2015. ... The Santa Rita and San Lorenzo power plants of
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
RN Wins First Plant for Biofuel Production
by Virginia France (Portalnoar/google translation) The factory, located in Guamaré functioned as technological basis of Petrobras Biofuel and will begin operations for the commercial segment The Rio Grande do Norte won the first biodiesel plant. With investments over $ 5 million from
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Biotech Firm Working to Develop Tobacco as Biofuel Crop
by Daniel Ryntjes (CCTV America) A U.S biotechnology company is pioneering tobacco as a renewable biofuel crop. Unlike most bio-tech firms, Tyton BioEnergy Systems is not working in a science park close to a university. Instead it’s chosen to locate
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Fry-Oil Biofuel Businesses Suffer as Gas Prices Fall
by Natalie O'Neill (New York Post) Plunging oil prices mean lean times for the owners of greasy spoons no longer able to cash in on their excess fats, The Post has learned. When a barrel of crude oil was going for
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Emerging Technology and Global Energy Demand: A Conversation at AAAS
by Carole Abourached* (Advanced Biofuels USA) This discussion about Emerging Technology and Global Energy Demand was hosted by the award-winning reporter, David Kestenbaum of NPR Planet Money. [caption id="attachment_58641" align="alignleft" width="300"] Panelists from left: David Kestenbaum,Dan Arvizu,Sarah Ladislaw,Bruce Logan, Grant Karsner.
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Iranian Scientists Synthesize Biodiesel Fuel from Soya Oil Using Nanocatalysts
(Fars News) Iranian researchers from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad succeeded in the production of biodiesel fuel from soya oil to reduce pollutions caused by fossil fuels. They have suggested a nanocatalyst that facilitates and speeds up the synthesis process. ... The production
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel from Unmarketable Oranges
by Floro Mercene (Tempo) The town of Mihama in Mie Prefecture, Japan, is known as “the town where you can pick Mikan (Mandarin oranges) all year long. The mikan is the most popular fruit in winter in Japan. It has
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Grant Funds Research into Nanomaterials Effect on Feedstock Yield
(University of Arkansas at Little Rock/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Arkansas Science and Technology Authority has approved grant funding for a UALR biology professor who says nanomaterials could increase the germination rate and biomass yield of bioenergy crops. Mariya Khodakovskaya, associate professor
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Efficient Producers Approved for Expanded Ethanol Production
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Nine ethanol producers received approval recently under the U.S. EPA’s efficient producer petition process. It allows those producers to generate renewable identification numbers (RINs) above the registered volume that was grandfathered in under the
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Bioenergy Education in Progress: Working Towards the Future
by Austine Decker (NEWBio) In November 2013 , Paul Heasley, an instructor with State College Area High School’s (SCASD) Career and Technical Center in State College, PA, received funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for a Biomass Education Center. Heasley
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
UMass Amherst Lignin Research Sheds Light on How Plants Adapt to Environmental Stress
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Massachusetts, new research may advance our understanding of “how the relative proportions of biopolymers,” like lignin, “are controlled in plant tissue”. The study, led by Sam Hazen at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with…Tim Burns, Co-Founder, Board Member, bioprocess Algae
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... although fuels will not be the first market that we enter, we will continue to support those efforts as long as we can demonstrate long-term profitability in fuels while accelerating parallel efforts for commercialization in
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Production of 500 Daily Litres of Bioethanol from Food Waste
(Investigación y Desarrollo/Alpha Galileo) From waste generated in the processing of cereals, scientists from the Center for Research and Assistance in Technology and Design of the State of Jalisco (CIATEJ), eastern state of Mexico, have produced bioenergy in the form
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
2014 YIR — Algae Turns up Everywhere Part 1; Companies Driving the Industry Part 2; Honorable Mentions Part 3
(Algae Industry Magazine) ... Algal oil for fuel may not have been the driving force it once was, but research and diversification have pushed through barriers in human and animal health, foods, feeds, and personal care products. Algae has exploded
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
New Information on the Environmental Impacts of Stump Wood Energy through 3D Modelling
(Finnish Environment Institute/Alpha Galileo) Tree stumps and root systems are a significant but controversial source of bioenergy in Finland due to their environmental impacts. Now Finnish and Norwegian researchers have developed a new method that can produce accurate three-dimensional (3D)
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Oil’s Swoon Creates the Opening for a Carbon Tax
by Lawrence Summers (The Washington Post) The case for carbon taxes has long been compelling. With the recent steep fall in oil prices and associated declines in other energy prices, it has become overwhelming. There is room for debate about the
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Top 10 Bioeconomy and Biofuels Predictions for 2015
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we reach the end of 2014? Not the intrepidSS Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and peer into tomorrowland. 1. The Year of Supercritical, and thermal conversion.
January 02, 2015 Read Full Article
NASA Should be the Key to the Crucial Development of Large Scale Bio-Jetfuel and Rocket Fuel End-to-End Production
by Robert E. Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In looking at ways to jump-start this country’s bogged down production of biomass based jetfuel (Jet-A, JP-5, JP-8) and rocket fuel (RP-1/2), the early history of the US space program should serve as a
January 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Government May Find Ethanol Fix for Liquor, Oil Companies
by Rajeev Jayaswal & Madhvi Sally (Economic Times) The battle for alcohol between the liquor industry and oil companies is likely to end. The government plans to allow petrol blending with ethanol produced from non-edible plants. Currently, ethanol produced from sugarcane
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Government Relaxes Fuel Blending Rules
(New Zimbabwe) Government has further reduced the mandatory fuel blending with ethanol to 5% from 15% owing to low sugar cane supply. Mid this year government increased the mandatory blending level to 15% [E15] from 10%. In a statement this week Energy
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Cusat Scientists Isolate Algae Capable of Producing Biofuel
(Times of India) The highly polluted backwaters of Cochin estuary could be a rich source of biofuel, as a research team of Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has managed to isolate a micro-algae capable of producing biodiesel. The algae,
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
China Biodiesel Industry Report, 2014-2017: The World's Ten Largest Biodiesel Producers Contribute to Nearly 75% of Global Production
(live-PR.com) ... During 2006-2013, global biodiesel output grew rapidly from 6.5 billion liters in 2006 to 24.6 billion liters in 2013, at a CAGR of 20.9%. There are little changes in the global distribution of biodiesel production, mainly concentrated in Europe,
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
The Warning Signs Are There: Finite Fossil Fuels Will Continue to Cost More
by Tim Rudnicki (Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Historical GasBuddy.com price charts tell some contrasting stories about the average retail price of gasoline over the last eleven years. A gallon of gasoline skyrocketed from a low of $1.44, when a barrel of crude oil
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Immobilized Enzyme Technology Enters Commercial Stage
by Ahmed Tafesh (TransBiodiesel/Biodiesel Magazine) TransBiodiesel supplies its flagship product to the biodiesel production industry under the brand name TransZyme A, providing the best use cost when dealing with high-FFA feedstock, delivering greater yields and efficiencies to biodiesel producers. TransBiodiesel entered the
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Darling to receive $65 Million from Reinstated Tax Credit
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Darling Ingredients Inc. announced that it expects to receive about $65 million from the reinstated $1 per gallon federal blenders tax credits for renewable diesel and biodiesel signed into law by President Obama Dec. 19. The tax
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Continual Improvements to Continuous Flow Production
by Ming Chai and Gus Kellogg (Greenleaf Biofuels/Biodiesel Magazine) As most biodiesel start-ups will find, the relatively simple academic theory of converting triglycerides into alkyl esters is not so simple in the real world. Add into the mix a continuous
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Ever-Evolving Biodiesel Technology Developments
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... Even so-called conventional chemical processing is riddled with original approaches and unique twists. A cookie-cutter industry biodiesel is not. While too many technologies exist in this field to report on, Biodiesel Magazineoffers an overview of
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
In Face of Uncertainty, Industry Must Fight On
by Joe Jobe (Biodiesel Magazine) As we put another year in the books, I am extremely proud of how the biodiesel industry came together to respond to the adversity faced in 2014. We have certainly seen more than our share
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Prof. Publishes Paper on Microbial Biofuel Production
(Hofstra University) Javier A. Izquierdo, PhD, assistant professor of microbiology, has co-authored a research paper for the publication Biotechnology for Biofuels. The work reported in this paper is of high relevance to the field of microbial biofuel production. Currently, the cellulosic
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with…Karl Seck, President, Mercurius Biorefining
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... converts any biomass into drop-in, hydrocarbon jet fuel and diesel as well as green chemicals. The technology is called REACH which stands for Renewable Acid-hydrolysis Condensation Hydrotreating, describing the three steps of the process. ... We have
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with…Lynn L. Bergeson, Managing Partner, Bergeson & Campbell
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. focuses on chemical product regulation, including renewable and biobased products regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), emerging chemical product technologies (bio, nano, and synthetic biology), and related international chemical
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with…Gert Caspritz, CEO, Rho Renewables
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Rho’s R&D efforts are directed towards the generation of genetically modified yeast capable of making various high value aromatic specialty chemicals, the high energy/high octane biofuel Rhoctane(TM), styrene and selected flavors and fragrances. Rho has
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Chukwuemeka Kanu, Owner, Global Creks Resources Nigeria
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We undertake the representation of foreign firms willing to establish in this Africa, and Nigeria in particular. Our major areas are mainly marketing of products, establishment of cottage industries and other technological development and Agriculture.
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Dr. Donald L. Smith, McGill University, CEO and Scientific Director of BioFuelNet
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... BioFuelNet is a not-for-profit company whose objective is to network all elements (academic, industry, government) of the advanced biofuels community in Canada in order to accelerate development of a sustainable advanced biofuels industry. We
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Barry Farquharson, CEO, Nova Green
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Nutrition products are edible, functional fibre, and diabetic safe sugars. Remnant becomes activated biochar, ultimately for super-capacitors. ... Improved private investor participation is the big roadblock. Established, profitable industries that don’t need incentives (such as oil/gas, which
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Croda Investing in 100% Sustainable Non-ionic Surfactants by Consuming Bio-ethanol
(Croda) Croda International Plc, manufacturers of speciality chemical ingredients that enhance everyday consumer and industrial products, today announced its plans to make a significant investment at its Atlas Point manufacturing site in Delaware, North America that will enable the site
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
The 41 Weirdest Things Ever Used to Make Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bunnies, liposuction fat, Prince Charles’ leftover wine, day-old whale, the human poo bus, fire ants dipped in hexane, old beer, raging fireballs, vibrating blobs, dope, and even the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Take your pick and,
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
In Colombia, a Palm Oil Boom with Roots in Conflict
by Nick Miroff (The Washington Post) Long before the massacre, when Mapiripan was just a faraway little place not worth fighting for, Aida Gordilla and her family came to the wide-open grasslands outside town and fenced off a homestead. They
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Cantwell Says She’ll Play Defense as Ranking Dem on Senate Energy Panel
by Kyung M. Song (Seattle Times) U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell is set to take over her party’s top seat on the Senate Energy Committee. But Cantwell’s pro-environment agenda likely will find little traction under Republican control of the Senate ... Democrats
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
New Conversion Process Turns Biomass 'Waste' into Lucrative Chemical Products
(Purdue News) A new catalytic process is able to convert what was once considered biomass waste into lucrative chemical products that can be used in fragrances, flavorings or to create high-octane fuel for racecars and jets. A team of researchers from
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Harvard Researchers Report Bacteria Breakthrough in Mass-Chemical Production
by Jessica Bartlett (Boston Business Journal) A Harvard geneticist may have unlocked the code to large-scale chemical and biofuel production, saying that researchers used the theory of evolution to trick bacteria into mass-making useful chemicals. Reported in the Proceedings of the National
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Groundbreaking Biofuel Project Brings New Life to Cornish Mine
by Jamie Doward (The Guardian) Scientists hope clean-up operation at tin mine will lead to global environmental benefits A pioneering research project to clean up a flooded Cornish tin mine is using algae to harvest the precious heavy metals in its
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Backers Say Factory Will Buy $26 Million from Farm Sector
by Sean Ellis (Capital Press) The head of a proposed ethanol and food-processing facility near Greenleaf, Idaho, says the plant would purchase $26 million worth of farm commodities from Idaho farmers each year. He also says it would be the
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
2014 Brought Ethanol Both Ups and Downs
by Andy Eubank (Hoosier Ag Today) This year has been one of both good news and bad news for the ethanol industry. Renewable Fuels Association CEO Bob Dinneen says there was enough positive happening to call this an extraordinarily exciting
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Great Lakes Ag Technology Business Incubator Celebrates Opening
(County of Ottawa, Michigan/Ethanol Producer Magazine) At a grand opening in early December, Ottawa County, Michigan, announced the official kick‐off of the Great Lakes Ag‐Tech Business Incubator. The incubator, a non‐profit corporation, will specialize in helping farmers and entrepreneurs turn their
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Says Corn Acres to Decline, Yields Increase in Decade Ahead
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) USDA long-term projections call for slightly lower corn acres to be planted over the next decade while corn yields steadily climb. The USDA will release the complete long-term supply, use and prices projections
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Minnesota Ethanol Plant to Produce N-Butanol, Acetone in 2016
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The sale of Central MN Ethanol Co-op, a 21 MMgy corn-ethanol plant in Little Falls, Minnesota, closed on Dec. 23. Green Biologics Inc. plans to continue ethanol production until sometime in 2016, when it
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Aided by Controversial Federal Program
by Henry C. Jackson (Capital Press/Associated Press) The refinery in Hugoton, Kan., built by Seville, Spain-based Abengoa, is the largest cellulosic biorefinery in the world. At the RV Park he owns in a remote corner of southwestern Kansas, Jan Leonard is
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Poll: More Americans Say They Prioritize Alternative Energy to Fossil Fuels
by Ryan Holeywell (FuelFix) A new survey shows vastly more Americans think the country should prioritize developing alternative energy sources over expanding fossil fuel production. Survey respondents favored developing alternative energy sources like wind, solar and hydrogen over coal, oil and
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
You Can Turn E.Coli Bacteria into Microscopic Fuel Factories
by Mark Hay (Good Magazine) At some point in your life, Escherichia coli has probably brought you to your knees topray to the porcelain god. Common bacteria that often live harmlessly in the guts of most animals, a few strains
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Using 90% Biodiesel Reduce Pollution, Say Experts
(La Journada - google translation) Juan Pablo Rangel Chavez, researcher Celaya Institute of Technology conducted a study that indicates that using biodiesel in public transport is cheaper than diesel and help reduce the 90 percent contamination. The fuel used as feedstock
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Joel A. Balbien, Consultant, TechNavi
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... 1. Technological breakthroughs and supportive public policy for economical CO2 recycling at massive scale; 2. Burying the Food vs Fuel and chemicals issue through energy & chemical cropping on marginal land and accelerated utilization of
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Petroleum Marketers Ask for State Help to Replace Underground Fuel Tanks
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Owners of the state’s gas stations and convenience stores are asking Iowa lawmakers to set up a state grant program to replace aging underground storage tanks for gas and diesel. Dawn Carlson is president
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
FEATURE: Taiwan Regressing in Biofuel, Waste Oil Policy
by Elizabeth Hsu (Taipai Times) ... At a time when most industrialized countries have found bright solutions for dealing with waste cooking oil, Taiwan seems to be stuck in the dark ages, with unethical businesses showing that they are willing
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Raizen, Iogen’s Brazilian Cellulosic Ethanol Project, in Pictures
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s the world’s first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol facility utilizing (waste) sugarcane bagasse as a feedstock. And the first of what Raizen says will be a network of seven full commercial-scale plants. What does it
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Delaware-Size Gas Plume over West Illustrates the Cost of Leaking Methane
by Joby Warrick (The Washington Post) The methane that leaks from 40,000 gas wells near this desert trading post may be colorless and odorless, but it’s not invisible. It can be seen from space. Satellites that sweep over energy-rich
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Emission Factor for Tropical Peatlands Drained for Oil Palm Cultivation
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) In January 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published an analysis of the life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with palm oil–based biodiesel and renewable diesel. The results of the analysis indicate that, when compared with the
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
Yellow Hose Program Brings Price Stability to E85 in Michigan
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A Michigan ethanol plant has had success with its Yellow Hose program, blending E85 and supplying area retailers, as well as sales at an on-site fuel pump. Carbon Green Bioenergy LLC blends E85 at the
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
Forget “Policy Reform”, “Messaging” Says Industry: Surprises Abound in the 2015 Bioeconomy Agenda Poll Results
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Instead, you pointed to “bolt-ons”, “policy stability”, “financing”, “supply chain” and “focusing on winners” as the advanced bioeconomy imperatives for 2015. You’ve told us, in many communications, that the industry needs focus — and needs, specifically, to focus
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Sam Burkett, President, BioBlend Renewable Resources
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... BioBlend makes and sells high performance industrial lubricants that are biobased, biodegradable and ultra-low toxicity. ... While we do not have the answer to every application today, in many cases the Bio alternative performs as well or
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
PacificAg Can Save Ethanol Plants Time & Money
by Talia Bang (Ag NewsWire) PacificAg, the country’s largest and most experienced biomass harvest company in the country, can help ethanol plants developing or expanding operations into the production of cellulosic ethanol, save time and money on supply chain development.
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
Q-RINs Emerge in the Renewable Fuels Market
(Genscape/Biodiesel Magazine) After the U.S. EPA's final Quality Assurance Plan rule established a new, unified QAP program over the summer, Q-RINs have been successfully transferred in the RIN market. “[In December] we received confirmation from a RIN buyer that
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
10 Biggest Bioeconomy Blockbuster Stories of 2014: Asia and Oceania
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The East is Green. Asia is confirmed as “the new Brazil” as project developers head en masse to the friendly receptions in Asian countries — based on energy diversification and rural development opportunities. Whether you look
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuels Program under Review
by Riza T. Olchandra (Philippine Daily Inquirer) Energy authorities are calling for more investments in biofuels as officials review a current program mandating the blending of biodiesel and ethanol in locally distributed diesel and gasoline. There has been market buzz that
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
10 Biggest Bioeconomy Blockbuster Stories of 2014 (EU, Middle East and Africa)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aviation biofuels on the rise, in the skies” tops the trend list; drop-in and cellulosic ethanol projects; M&A and cap raises, and action from strategic investors and customers dominate the headlines this year. You might know
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
U.S. Navy Flies Supersonic With Gevo ATJ
(Gevo) Multiple Test Flights Conducted on F/A-18 "Hornet" Using a 50/50 ATJ Blend The U.S. Navy, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), and Gevo, Inc. (Nasdaq:GEVO), the world's only commercial producer of renewable isobutanol, announced today the first successful "alcohol-to-jet" (ATJ) supersonic
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with…Oleg Padalko, Director, N-f-P Partnership
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Main areas of activity:waste minimization programs for industrial enterprises planning and implementation,MSW flows,incl. landfills, analytical description and management programs, pyrolysis, gasification and hydrothermal liquefaction of waste and not usable biomass for CHP production. ... Next 12 months
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
U.S. Department of Energy Launches SBIR/STTR Phase 0 Assistance Program
(Dawnbreaker/PR NewsWire) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has officially launched its first ever SBIR/STTR Phase 0 Assistance Program, aimed at helping eligible small R&D businesses and individuals successfully apply for SBIR/STTR federal funding from the DOE. Since the program
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
The DOE’s Shifting Worldview for Biofuels Deployment, Now through 2030
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Feedstock costs and challenges come under the microscope as the DOE reports new data on algae-based feedstocks and terrestrial crops too. Can algae-based biofuels reach full commercial scale by 2030? The Digest investigates. Twice this year, the
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
Innovative Integrated Microalgae Cultivation to Be Demonstrated at One-Hectare Unit in Southern Portugal
(Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research) A consortium of biotechnology experts, including experts of Wageningen UR, has started to build a one-hectare pilot unit for the production of microalgae in Portugal. This unit will demonstrate an innovative integrated approach to
December 23, 2014 Read Full Article
Small but Tough: Iridium Nanoparticles Resist Deactivation in Biofuel Production
(Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Scientists characterized catalysts to determine ability to convert methane to more valuable fuels Results: Steam reforming turns methane from biomass into a mixture that can be further converted into transportation fuels. By combining experimental and theoretical approaches,
December 23, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Hans van Klink, Director Project Development, Dutch Sustainable Development BV
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Betaprocess is a vacuum extraction technology which opens cells of organic material. Ideal for the production of green chemicals. NewFoss is a technology which via acidification and filtration split organic material in three streams, organic,
December 23, 2014 Read Full Article
Two Biorefinery a Total of EUR 33.3 Million to Support Energy
(Finland Ministry of Employment and the Economy) The Ministry of Employment and the Economy granted 17/12/2014 Bioethanol Finland Oy, EUR 30 million to support energy Kouvola Myllykoski planned bioethanol facility investment. Neste Oil Corporation was granted, respectively, just under 3.3 million to
December 23, 2014 Read Full Article
West Sacramento Says No to Ethanol Trains
by Tony Bizjak (Sacramento Bee) The city of West Sacramento and a Texas-based gasoline company are battling over whether it’s riskier to ship large amounts of ethanol through city streets on trains or on tanker trucks – a dispute that
December 23, 2014 Read Full Article
To Clean up Air in Cities, Government Plans Biofuel, Electric Buses
(Times of India Economic Times) The government is set to come out with policies to introduce clean fuels such as biodiesel, bioethanol and electricity for public transport vehicles and school buses in big cities to tackle air pollution, road transport
December 23, 2014 Read Full Article
Lawsuit Puts Biodiesel Use under Spotlight
(China Daily/Ecns.cn) Yingding Biofuel Technology Co Ltd, the privately owned Chinese biodiesel producer, has won its monopoly case against the country's biggest oil refiner, China Petrochemical Corp Ltd. The company had accused the industry giant of blocked sales of its fuel
December 23, 2014 Read Full Article
10 Biggest Bioeconomy Blockbuster Stories of 2014 (Americas)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) POET-DSM, Abengoa, Enerkem, GranBio, Raizen plant openings lead the list; REG’s M&A campaign, EPA’s RFS debacle, are other key trends. They said that cellulosic fuels were “five years away, and always will be,” but five major
December 23, 2014 Read Full Article
Conventional Gasoline Models are Expected to Represent Less Than Half of Vehicles Sold Worldwide by 2017
(Navigant Research) Stop-start capability anticipated to be the most important innovation in improving fuel efficiency, report concludes A new report from Navigant Research analyzes the emerging global market for technologies that improve fuel economy, including global market forecasts for light-duty vehicle
December 23, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Fellowships for Future Agricultural Scientists
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of more than $15 million for fellowships to train and develop the next generation of scientists who will lead
December 23, 2014 Read Full Article
Powerdyne to Deliver Jobs and Investment to Terre Haute
(Powerdyne/PR NewsWire) Powerdyne Renewable Fuels ("Powerdyne") www.powerdyne.com, a frontrunner in the national renewable fuel industry, announces it will be investing hundreds of millions of dollars to construct a Sewage-to-Diesel Fuel Facility in Terre Haute, IN which will create hundreds of
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
$3M Grant Supports Bioenergy Development
(State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry) Work focuses on making renewable feedstocks more affordable The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded up to $3 million to the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) to
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
RFA Comments on FDA Animal Food Supplemental Rulemaking
(Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration last on its supplemental rulemaking proposal outlining best practices for the regulation of animal food under the Food Safety Modernization Act. The FSMA lays
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
USGC Ethanol Assessment Team Finds Potential in the Philippines
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council recently led a delegation of industry leaders representing the USDA, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy to the Philippines to assess factors contributing to the large exports of U.S. ethanol to
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
New Conversion Process Turns Biomass 'Waste' into Lucrative Chemical Products
by Elizabeth K. Gardner (Purdue University) A new catalytic process is able to convert what was once considered biomass waste into lucrative chemical products that can be used in fragrances, flavorings or to create high-octane fuel for racecars and jets. A team
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Request for 2015 Research Proposals— DUE Feb. 28, 2015
(New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association) The New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association is requesting proposals for 2015 soybean research and education. Proposals must be received no later than 4 pm on February 28, 2015 at: NYCSGA PO Box 605 Sackets
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Can Brazil Get Its Ethanol Mojo Back?
by Mac Margolis (Bloomberg View) Brazilian airline Gol set out earlier this year to launch the world's first commercial flight powered partly by renewable fuel made from sugar cane. Fermenting ordinary sugar into jet fuel ended up being the easy bit.
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
House Oversight Committee to Feature New Energy, Cybersecurity Subcommittees
by Esther Whieldon (SNL) The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will feature a new subcommittee in 2015 dedicated almost entirely to energy issues and another that will examine cybersecurity, incoming Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, announced Dec. 17. The new Interior Subcommittee,
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
EPA: Nearly 6 Million Cellulosic RINs Generated in November
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has released renewable identification number (RIN) data for November, reporting that more than 1.38 billion RINs were generated during the month, including nearly 6 million cellulosic RINs. According to the EPA, 5.99
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Sorry, Mr. Matthews, Fossil Fuels Are Not the Way to Go: PennLive Letters
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/PennLive) In a recent diatribe on Pennlive, ("Don't subsidize renewable energy; fossil fuels are the way to go," Dec 15), Merrill Matthews wrongly states that corn ethanol is more expensive than gasoline and receives subsidies.
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
E15 Ethanol Blend Arrives in Sioux City
by Dave Dreeszen (Sioux City Journal) Motorists in Sioux City now have another choice of ethanol-blended gasoline. The Murphy USA station next to the Walmart Supercenter at 3400 Singing Hills Blvd. recently became the first metro area retailer to sell
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Ethanol Report on RFS Anniversary
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) December 19, marks the seventh anniversary of the signing into law of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 which expanded the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In this Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with…Dr. Isaac Berzin, Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Qualitas Health
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Qualitas Health develops nutrition ingredients based on microalgae using proprietary technologies for strain selection, sustainable algae farming, harvesting and oil processing. The first product, Almega PL, is already on the US market. It is an
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Second Generation Biofuels Market is Expected to Reach $23.9 Billion, Global, by 2020 - Allied Market Research
(Allied Market Research/PR Web) According to a new report by Allied Market Research titled, "Global Second Generation Biofuels - Size, Industry Analysis, Trends, Opportunities, Growth and Forecast, 2013 - 2020", the global second generation biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) market would reach
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Financing, Supply Chain Are Top Advanced Bioeconomy Priorities for 2015, Say Readers in New Digest Poll.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Blend Wall Busters, R&D Bang for the Buck and Policy Stability rate slightly behind. Better Technical Readiness Assessment rates much lower. Readers come up with 63 alternative “calls to action”. A new Digest poll
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Fancy Writing on Paper Made from Seaweed?
by Allan Koay (The Star Online) The Algae Research Lab in Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, smells like the sea. ... Prof Dr Phang Siew Moi, director of the university’s Institute Of Ocean And Earth Sciences, and her colleagues and students
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
New report available: Biorenewables Financing Under the Microscope
(Nextant) Broadly felt concerns about the long-run economics of petroleum-based feedstocks, the future of the global economy, and the environment have motivated industries and governments to pursue avenues to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Consequently, some of the world’s biggest players in
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Five Myths about Gas Taxes
by Paul Bledsoe (The Washington Post) A dramatic 40 percent drop in oil prices since June has prompted new discussion aboutraising the long-static federal gasoline tax and has many states considering gas tax hikes as well. At the federal level, Congress
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Novozymes Sticks to Biofuel Growth Plan Despite Oil Price Rout
by Teis Jensen (Reuters Africa) Denmark's Novozymes , the world's largest enzymes producer, will stick to its plans to develop transportation fuel made from agricultural waste, despite an oil price rout that has left oil-based products cheaper for
December 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Three Ways Renewables Could Benefit From Low Oil Prices
by Jeff McMahon (Forbes) ... International Energy Agency director Maria van der Hoeven and U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz appeared together Thursday at the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington DC, where van der Hoeven presented the findings of IEA’s 2014 review
December 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Biomass Feedstock Survey – Producer Participation Wanted
(Biomass Blog) The Mississippi State University Department of Agricultural Economics is reaching out to agricultural producers in the Southeast region and asking them to participate in an on-line survey. The survey is part of a study titled “Policies to Develop
December 19, 2014 Read Full Article
To Clean up Air in Cities, Govt Plans Biofuel, Electric Buses
(Times of India) The government is set to come out with policies to introduce clean fuels such as biodiesel, bioethanol and electricity for public transport vehicles and school buses in big cities to tackle air pollution, road transport minister Nitin
December 19, 2014 Read Full Article
UPDATED: Finland Provides Money to Build Cellulosic Ethanol Plant
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The government of Finland announced Dec.17 that it granted $36.8 million (€30 million) to help build a cellulosic ethanol plant. A separate project to produce biogasoline, biodiesel and smaller amounts of other renewable products