The Institute for Sustainable and Renewable Resources, in Danville, Va., is studying the potential to use the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosis), a perennial native sunflower species, as a feedstock for producing ethanol. The institute is a research center jointly affiliated
Dewatering Process Announced by Algae Venture Systems
A technological breakthrough that dramatically reduces the cost of removing water from algae – making algae an economically feasible source of fuel was announced by Algae Venture Systems, an Ohio company. Algae VS process slashes the cost of harvesting, dewatering and
May 05, 2009 Read Full Article
Drop In, Tune Out, Turn On
"The era of synthetic drop-in fuels is upon us," writes Biofuels Digest editor Jim Lane. Drop In: The future does not lie in ethanol and biodiesel, though they may well provide important fractions of the renewable fuel supply for years to
May 05, 2009 Read Full Article
Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy Funding Opportunity Announcement
This is the first solicitation for the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E). ARPA-E is a new organization within the Department of Energy (DOE), created specifically to foster research and development (R&D) of transformational energy-related technologies. … ARPA-E will
May 04, 2009 Read Full Article
Federal "Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy" (ARPA-E) Created
In late April, 2009, President Obama announced the launching of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), a new Department of Energy organization modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the defense agency that gave us the Internet, stealth aircraft,
May 04, 2009 Read Full Article
Federal Energy Frontier Research Center Awards
The White House announced on April 27, 2009, that the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science will invest $777 million in Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) over the next five years. In a major effort to accelerate the scientific breakthroughs needed
May 04, 2009 Read Full Article
Biotech 2009 Life Sciences: Navigating the Sea Change Released; Survey of BioGreenTech Horizons Addresses Collapse of Traditional Financing Structure for Biotech Sector
In California, Burrill & Company released its 23rd annual industry report, Biotech 2009 Life Science, subtitled Navigating the Sea Change. The report contains extensive analysis and perspective on the performance of the biotech/life sciences industry in 2008 and forward projections for
May 04, 2009 Read Full Article
Minnesota's 5% biodiesel mandate takes effect May 1, 2009
Minnesota’s new 5 percent biodiesel mandate takes effect on Friday, May 1, 2009, becoming the first state at that level. A 2 percent mandate was enacted in 2005 despite concerns the renewable fuel would have problems in the cold Minnesota winters.
May 04, 2009 Read Full Article
Worldwatch Institute Features 3-Part Series on Palm Oil in Indonesia
Part 1: Global Palm Oil Demand Fueling Deforestation The benefits of the oil palm are difficult for Indonesia to ignore. Once planted, the tropical tree can produce fruit for more than 30 years, providing much-needed employment for poor rural communities. And
May 04, 2009 Read Full Article
Southern Online Bio Technologies To Establish Third Biodiesel Plant In India
Southern Online Bio Technologies Ltd. (Southern Online Bio Technologies), an India-based internet services provider, is planning to establish a third (jatropha and pongamia-based) biodiesel plant by the end of 2009. The company also said that its second plant is being
May 04, 2009 Read Full Article
THE GREEN CHALLENGE STORY
Five years ago, a group of determined government officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy were about to throw caution to the wind and think unlike…well, government officials. They needed something to demonstrate to
May 01, 2009 Read Full Article
Chocolate-Powered Racecar Presented as Cost-Cutting Car of the Future
The World First Racing team at the Warwick Innovative Manufacturing Research Center in Britain announced late last month that it has built an environmentally friendly Formula Three car powered by vegetable oil and waste chocolate. The car also includes a
May 01, 2009 Read Full Article
Sirona Fuels Launches Jatropha Community Farming in Haiti
Sirona Fuels, an emerging leader in alternative fuels, announced that it has begun Jatropha planting operations in Haiti over the past month in a joint venture with 3C Missions, an organization that has established a relief fund for over 1,100
May 01, 2009 Read Full Article
Food and Crop Waste: A Valuable Biomass Feedstock
With virtually all of the biofuels currently produced in the United States sourced from either soybeans or corn, there is significant interest in developing a diverse array of biomass feedstocks that will not compete for food resources. Dedicated energy crops
May 01, 2009 Read Full Article
Senator John Thune (R-SD) Introduces Indirect Land Use Bill
"Following California's recent decision to use flawed models to estimate ethanol's environmental impact, I am concerned that the EPA could soon apply similar standards that will handicap renewable fuel relative to regular gasoline," said Thune. "Congress has asked EPA to
May 01, 2009 Read Full Article
Dynamotive to Supply Sawdust for Arkansas BioOil Plant
Dynamotive USA, Inc. executed a long-term contract for the supply of feedstock for a planned 200 TPD BioOil® plant to be developed in southern Arkansas. Contract envisages the supply of 220,000 green tons per year of green residues (sawdust) for
May 01, 2009 Read Full Article
County Pledges $500,000 toward New Biofuel Plant
Lee County, Florida, Commissioners voted 3-2 to help fund the construction of a biodiesel processing plant by pledging $500,000 to Florida BioFuels LLC. The plant, which has no site or start date for construction, would have Lee County as its
May 01, 2009 Read Full Article
Regional Partnership to Develop Algal Biofuels Gets Backing of San Diego Leaders
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and others said the San Diego region, now home to more than 500 biotechnology companies, could become a major center for renewable energy development, as scientists from UC San Diego, The Scripps Research Institute and
May 01, 2009 Read Full Article
U.K. Algae Biofuel Co. BioMara Launches
Researchers funded by a consortium of European governments and institutions to investigate algae strains most optimal for remote rural biofuel production. BioMara, a Scottish-Irish research project, has secured €6 million ($8.1m) to produce biofuel from algae. Research is to be led
April 30, 2009 Read Full Article
Camelina Information from Sustainable Oils
Camelina sativa is a member of the mustard family, a distant relative to canola, and the new darling of biodiesel production. Camelina plants are heavily branched, growing from one to three feet tall producing seed pods containing many small, oily
April 28, 2009 Read Full Article
Life Cycle Analysis of Camelina-based Renewable Jet and Diesel Fuels Shows 84-89% GHG Savings Compared to Petroleum Fuels
A life cycle analysis (LCA) comparing camelina-derived renewable jet and diesel fuels to petroleum fuels and biodiesel found that the green jet and green diesel fuels are lower in fossil energy demand and also lower in GHG emissions compared to
April 28, 2009 Read Full Article
Can 100% of Jatropha Plant be Commercially Viable?
Most Jatropha growers currently plant and harvest Jatropha curcas primarily for its pure plant oil (PPO) for use as biofuel and biodiesel. However, it is shown that PPO only accounts for a mere 14% of the usable resources in every
April 28, 2009 Read Full Article
Biosynthetic and Metabolic Pathway Engineering at Novacta Biosystems
Commercially valuable products can be generated from different microorganism such as bacteria, yeasts and algae. These include biofuels, bulk chemicals, natural products, antibiotics, pharmaceutical drugs and healthcare fragrances. READ MORE and MORE
April 28, 2009 Read Full Article
The Volt: Not Ready to Roll
... Boston Consulting Group found that the total cost of ownership of existing hybrids and advanced internal combustion engine cars is more attractive than that of electric cars as long as oil prices are below $280 a barrel. Oil is
April 28, 2009 Read Full Article
California to Limit Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Vehicle Fuels
LA TIMES: Margot Roosevelt April 24, 2009 California took aim Thursday at the oil industry and its impact on global warming, adopting the world's first regulation to limit greenhouse gas emissions from the fuel that runs cars and trucks. The
April 24, 2009 Read Full Article
CHEMREC gasification technology - turns pulp and paper mills into biorefineries
CHEMREC is helping pulp and paper mills transform into Biorefineries with a unique, proprietary black liquor gasification technology. Opening up new markets in sustainable, low-carbon chemicals and fuels will be a step-change in the industry. Full implementation of the Chemrec technology
April 24, 2009 Read Full Article
California Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Proposal: Comments Urge Rejection
Robert Kozak, President of Atlantic Biomass Conversions, Inc., and a founder and board member of Advanced Biofuels USA, urges the California Air Resources Board to reject the proposed low carbon fuel standard. He writes, "At first glance, the documentation presented with
April 23, 2009 Read Full Article
Commendable Movement toward Decrease of Greenhouse Gases
Two announcements today should spur interest in the development of advanced biofuels: EPA's finding that greenhouse gases (including CO2) pose a threat to public health and welfare, and movement on ethanol producers' request for EPA authorization to include up to
April 17, 2009 Read Full Article
EPA Finds Greenhouse Gases Pose Threat to Public Health, Welfare
After a thorough scientific review ordered in 2007 by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposed finding Friday, April 17, 2009, that greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare. EPA’s proposed
April 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Notice of Receipt of a Clean Air Act Waiver Application to Increase the Allowable Ethanol Content of Gasoline to 15 Percent; Request for Comment
On March 6, 2009, Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers submitted an application for a waiver of the prohibition of the introduction into commerce of certain fuels and fuel additives set forth in section 211(f) of the Clean Air Act
April 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Canadian Agricultural Bioproducts Innovation Program
The ABIP is a multi-year program designed to support new and existing research networks and encourage the development of clusters for the advancement of a sustainable and profitable Canadian bioeconomy. The program seeks to increase the exploitation of Canada's natural
April 16, 2009 Read Full Article
12th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency EXPO + Forum May 14, 2009 Washington, DC
FREE 9 AM to 5 PM The Sustainable Energy Coalition—in cooperation with Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucuses—presents the 12th annual Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency EXPO + Forum.
April 10, 2009 Read Full Article
Polyculture of Wild Grasses
(Green Transport and Energy) … But the problems of degradation and soil erosion by intensive monocultures must also be taken into account. To solve these issues, in the last few decades researchers have studied the advantage of wild tall prairie grasses,
April 09, 2009 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuel Companies Ask Congress to Provide Comprehensive Biofuels Policy and Stimulate Investment in Advanced Biofuels
Biofuelproducers and biotechnologycompanies today asked Congressional leaders to help them overcome economic obstacles to obtaining financial backing and bring commercially ready advanced biofuels to the marketplace. READ MORE and MORE
April 07, 2009 Read Full Article
Southern Bioenergy Industry Could Create Thousands of Jobs
The Southern Bioenergy Roadmap, a project of the Southeast Agriculture & Forestry Energy Resources Alliance (SAFER) and the University of Florida, shows that the South has abundant natural resources and intellectual capital to produce electricity and automotive fuel from plants,
April 07, 2009 Read Full Article
IEA Report Confirms Growing Green House Gas Reduction from Ethanol Use Warns Against Ignoring Future Innovation in Policymaking
TORONTO – April 1, 2009 – A new report commissioned by the IEA Bioenergy (IEA) underscores the importance of ethanol in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. f1The extensive research paper commissioned by the IEA Bioenergy Task
April 07, 2009 Read Full Article
Global Renewable Fuels Alliance
The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance is an international federation representing over 60 percent of the world's renewable fuels production from 30 different countries. Through the development of new technology and best practices, its members are committed to producing renewable fuels with the
April 07, 2009 Read Full Article
Biofuels Center of North Carolina
The long-term task of the Biofuels Center of North Carolina is to develop a statewide biofuels industry to reduce the state's dependence on imported liquid fuels. The goal of North Carolina’s Strategic Plan for Biofuels Leadership is that by 2017,
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Lincoln High Students Fuel Biodiesel Effort
June 19, 2008 The Lincoln County High School Future Farmers of America club has started the first biodiesel production center at a public school in the state. HAMLIN — With diesel prices in West Virginia nearing $5 a gallon and
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Green Ambassadors: Laguna High School Students Research Biofuels
May 1st, 2007 Linsay Hassett (aka Betty Biodiesel) leads a group of Laguna High School students in the Green Ambassadors program on a tour of Dave Erikson’s home brew biodiesel lab. The Green Ambassadors program was created to get students
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Central Carolina Community College
In Fall 2008 Central Carolina Community College began offering an associate degree in Alternative Energy Technology: Biofuels. This program is designed to equip students with the skills needed for a career in the growing biofuels industry. Visit their site for
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
University of Georgia: Biofuels, Biopower, and Biomaterials Initiative (B3I)
UGA’s Biofuels, Biopower, and Biomaterials Initiative (B3I) unites the University’s legacies in agriculture, forestry, environmental science and engineering with its strengths in carbohydrate science, genetics and microbiology to provide a scientific and practical foundation to support an economic and sustainable bioenergy future. Visit
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Colorado State University Graduate Program in Biofuels Development
It is widely recognized that substantial technical advances must be achieved in all aspects of the bioenergy industry, including developing new energy crops; new biological, chemical, and thermal conversion technologies; and new byproducts. The goal of the MASB program, funded
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
UOP Renewable Energy & Chemicals BioChemicals Technology Info
UOP is focused on developing profitable and efficient ways to convert biofeedstocks, such as oils from plants and algae, greases and certain waste products into valuable fuel and chemicals. UOP focuses on technologies that maximize the use of existing infrastructure
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre opens at University of Guelph
The University of Guelph officially opened the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre researchers will use agricultural products, turning soy, wheat, corn and other crops into everything from car parts and furniture to fuel. "This discovery centre is a nexus where
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Michigan State University Office of Biobased Technologies
Michigan State's Office of Biobased Technology aims to integrate innovations in the lab with advances in the marketplace to enhance the economy, the environment, and the quality of life in Michigan and around the globe. "There is more to the bioeconomy
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard Program
The Environmental Protection Agency, under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, is responsible for revising and implementing regulations to ensure that gasoline sold in the United States contains a minimum volume of renewable fuel. The Renewable Fuel Standard
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Jatropha curcas as Fuel Source for Multi-Function Power Unit
Providing a local source of fuel is a critical element of energy independence and the jatropha plant has several qualities that make it an ideal choice as a fuel provider for a multi-function power unit (MPU) that can be used
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Solazyme’s Microbial Conversion Technology Applied to Algae
Solazyme's unique microbial conversion technology process allows algae to produce oil in standard industrial facilities quickly, efficiently and at large scale. These oils are tailored not only for advanced biofuel production, but also as replacements for fossil petroleum and plant
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Virent Bioforming® Catalysis Process Makes Bio-Jetfuel, Bio-Gasoline
Virent’s BioForming® process pioneers the commercial production of biofuels and bioproducts which are both sustainable and economical. This technology can convert a wide roster of feedstocks, including non-food and home grown energy sources, into the variety of fuels and chemicals
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
National Biofuels Action Plan
This plan, published in October 2008, was designed by the Biomass Research and Development Board to help industry achieve aggressive national goals enumerated in the "Twenty in Ten" initiative, the Renewable Fuel Standard of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
ASES Green Collar Jobs report forecasts 37 million jobs from renewable energy and energy efficiency in U.S. by 2030
A new Green Collar Jobs report from the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) based in Boulder, and Management Information Services, Inc (MISI), an internationally recognized economic research firm based in Washington D.C., provides a sector-by-sector analysis of where the
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Chicken Manure and Paper Waste as Biofuels Feedstock
MixAlco™ is a biomass conversion technology that transforms low-cost, readily available, non-food and non-sterile biomass into carboxylic acids, the chemical precursors to valuable industrial chemicals and transportation fuels. READ MORE.
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Hawaiian Agricultural and Municipal Waste Turned Into BioCarbon, Biofuel, Bioenergy
Carbon Diversion, Inc., has been operating for two years at the Campbell Industrial site in Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii, testing and refining the CDI Carbonization™ equipment for managing various feedstocks including rubber tires, macadamia shells and other green wastes, sewage sludge,
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Agricultural and Municipal Waste Feedstocks for Biofuels, Biochemicals
Many technologies have been used over the years to destroy troublesome waste, including incineration, but at an expense to the environment. Now, technological development at Changing World Technologies, Inc., has produced a new process that allows waste to be reformed
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Mascoma Plans Research Beyond 2nd Generation Ethanol
Mascoma’s R&D team is focused on developing biofuels from non-food biomass wood, straws, fuel energy crops, paper pulp and other agricultural waste products. The knowledge and expertise being generated by Mascoma's R&D activities can be transferred to target other high-value products
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Coskata Makes 2nd Generation Ethanol from Agricultural and Municipal Waste
Coskata’s biology-based technology enables production of ethanol from a wide variety of input material including biomass, agricultural and municipal wastes, as well as other carbonaceous material. Using proprietary microorganisms and patented bioreactor designs, the goal of Coskata is to play
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Genencor Launches Accellerase 1500, Next Step toward Scale-up of Cellulosic Ethanol
Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S, launched Accellerase® 1500, the next generation of its cellulosic ethanol enzyme product, which has significantly improved formulation and higher activity resulting in higher ethanol yields and robust operation in a wider variety of processes.
April 06, 2009 Read Full Article
Scientists Seek to Turn Waste Glycerol into High-Value Gas
The Taipei Times reports that scientists from the Universities of Leeds and Cardiff in the UK are exploring ways to convert glycerol, a ubiquitous waste-product of biodiesel production, into high-value hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide. The 6.8 billion gallons of
April 05, 2009 Read Full Article
Korean Team Extracts Useful Chemical From Biodiesel By-Products
South Korean scientists have developed a high-tech process to extract commercially viable chemical compounds from a biodiesel by-product that can help cut costs of making the synthetic fuel, according to the South Korean government. READ MORE
April 05, 2009 Read Full Article
The Woody Biomass Program at SUNY-ESF
Willow Biomass is an environmentally sound, locally produced, renewable source of energy and bio products. Driven by concerns about global warming, air pollution, rural development, and national security, research conducted by SUNY-ESF has reconnected the historic willow cultivation industry to
April 05, 2009 Read Full Article
Federal Interagency Biomass Research and Development Board Releases Biofuel Feedstocks Report
Feedstock Production for Biofuels: Economic Drivers, Policy Implications, and the Role of Research advises on the economic feasibility of developing both farm- and forest-derived biofuel feedstocks for expansion of the national fuel mix. The report looks at the potential impacts
April 05, 2009 Read Full Article
Brewing Biohydrogen from Beer, Food Waste
Sapporo Breweries Ltd. and Brazil's state-run oil producer, Petrobras, will execute a trial - beginning as early as September - to make hydrogen gas from sugar cane waste and other farm leftovers. They will use a technology developed by Sapporo
April 02, 2009 Read Full Article
National Algae Association's Fifth Quarterly Conference for Commercialization of "Algae: The New Oil," April 30 - May 1, 2009, Houston, TX.
Origin Oil will be providing process details of its innovative single-step process to extract oil from algae. BioCentrics will be unveiling its algae pro closed loop photobioreactor, and a prototype commercial-scale vertical closed-loop photobioreactor will be available for viewing. READ
April 01, 2009 Read Full Article
Commercial-Scale Production of Algae Biodiesel: Using Existing Resources to Spawn a New Era in Renewable Energy
by Drew Casey (Biofuels and Bio-Based Carbon Mitigation) Recently, we have experienced increasing uncertainty about the threat of climate changes due to increased carbon emissions as well as volatility of global oil prices. Fossil fuels have been such a major part
March 30, 2009 Read Full Article
Ceres CEO Promotes Cellulosic Biofuel by Plant Breeding
by Richard Hamilton (Ceres) This presentation was part of “Growing Energy” at Biomass 2009 in March. The President and CEO of Ceres, Hamilton promoted breeding hardier plants, resulting in more efficient harvesting of their stems, stalks and leaves for cellulosic
March 30, 2009 Read Full Article
Green Earth Technologies Inks Deal Naming G-Oil(TM) as Official Motor Oil of the American Le Mans Series and IMSA
Green Earth Technologies announced March 19, 2009, that they have signed a two-year contract that will name their Ultimate Biodegradable "green" motor oil, G-OIL(TM), the official motor oil of The American Le Mans Series and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). Under the
March 30, 2009 Read Full Article
Biofuels in Asia: An Analysis of Sustanability Options
(Clean Energy Asia) The purpose of this report is to provide an objective and comprehensive regional analysis summarizing the benefits and risks of biofuels development in Asia, and examining the istribution and use of biofuels through the lens of global
March 30, 2009 Read Full Article
New Possibilities for Hydrogen-Producing Algae
Photosynthesis produces the food that we eat and the oxygen that we breathe ― could it also help satisfy our future energy needs by producing clean-burning hydrogen? Researchers studying a hydrogen-producing, single-celled green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, have unmasked a previously
March 30, 2009 Read Full Article
Gulf Alternative Energy Corporation Expands Pre-Processing Technology
Gulf Alternative Energy Corporation announced that it is expanding its strategic development to other forms of alternative energy beyond its ethanol pre-processing technology. It is now exploring additional alternative energy projects to add value to its operations. Gulf Alternative Energy Corp.
March 30, 2009 Read Full Article
An Industrial Perspective on Sustainability
by Peter Halling (Novozymes, Inc.) He talked about an industry perspective, from the point of view of Novozymes, a company that actively pursues sustainability in its business practices. Novozymes is the world leader in industrial enzymes and microorganisms with 700 products used
March 29, 2009 Read Full Article
Challenges and Science Needed to Describe Sustainable Biofuel Production
by Jeffrey Steiner (Agricultural Research Services, USDA). In this talk he points out the importance of rural landscapes and ecosystem services. · The success of the supply chain depends on productive, profitable, and good resource stewardship perspectives · Considering sustainability
March 29, 2009 Read Full Article
Challenges for Sustainable Second Generation Biofuels
by Mark Jacobs (Meridian Institute). He represented the Council on Sustainable Biomass Production (CSBP). CSBP is developing the standards to indicate sustainability issues through principles, criteria, and indicators. These address the climate change, biological diversity and productivity, water quality and
March 29, 2009 Read Full Article
Defining Bioenergy Sustainability
by moderator Dr. Virginia H. Dale (Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Lab.) who emphasized the components that make up sustainability. · The challenge is to find “bioenergy options that facilitate smooth interactions of the components of bioenergy sustainability.” ·
March 29, 2009 Read Full Article
Furanics: A Refreshing New Take on Biofuels from Avantium Technologies
by Simon Bennett (CleanTech Investor) ‘Furanics’ are a new class of biofuels, named after the furan rings in the fuel's molecules. The molecule contains six carbon atams and one oxygen atom and has a high energy content similar to that
March 29, 2009 Read Full Article
Honeywell's UOP and Ensyn Launch Envergent Technologies to Offer Second-Generation Biomass Technology
UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, announced today that it has launched Envergent Technologies, LLC, a joint venture with Ensyn Corp., to offer technology and equipment to convert second-generation biomass into pyrolysis oil for power generation, heating fuel and for conversion
March 24, 2009 Read Full Article
Developments in Algal Harvesting, Dewatering and Drying
Univenture, Inc. and AlgaeVenture Systems, announced the details of a disruptive solid liquid separation and dewatering technology specifically designed for microalgae which reduces the cost barrier for harvesting, dewatering, and drying by over 99.75%. Prototype and laboratory testing has successfully
March 23, 2009 Read Full Article
Caltech Scientists Create New Enzymes for Biofuel Production
In a paper published in the early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Frances H. Arnold, the Dick and Barbara Dickinson Professor of Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry at Caltech, and her colleagues report the construction of
March 23, 2009 Read Full Article
Defining Sustainability: Science, Standards, and Scorecards: Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels
Barbara Bramble (National Wildlife Federation), in her talk, emphasized the importance of sustainable biofuels and developing strategies to reduce GHG emissions through the energy security, stabilization of commodity prices, and promotion of rural development. But the problem is that biofuels can’t do
March 20, 2009 Read Full Article
Defining Sustainability: Science, Standards, and Scorecards: An Industrial Perspective on Sustainability
by Peter Halling (Novozymes, Inc.) He talked about an industry perspective, from the point of view of Novozymes, a company that actively pursues sustainability in its business practices. Novozymes is the world leader in industrial enzymes and microorganisms with 700
March 20, 2009 Read Full Article
Defining Sustainability: Science, Standards, and Scorecards: Challenges and Science Needed to Describe Sustainable Biofuel Production
by Jeffrey Steiner (Agricultural Research Services, USDA). In this talk he points out the importance of rural landscapes and ecosystem services. · The success of the supply chain depends on productive, profitable, and good resource stewardship perspectives · Considering sustainability
March 20, 2009 Read Full Article
Defining Sustainability: Science, Standards, and Scorecards: Challenges for Sustainable Second Generation Biofuels
by Mark Jacobs (Meridian Institute). He represented the Council on Sustainable Biomass Production (CSBP). CSBP is developing the standards to indicate sustainability issues through principles, criteria, and indicators. These address the climate change, biological diversity and productivity, water quality and
March 20, 2009 Read Full Article
Defining Sustainability: Science, Standards, and Scorecards: Defining Bioenergy Sustainability
by moderator Dr. Virginia H. Dale (Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Lab.) who emphasized the components that make up sustainability. · The challenge is to find “bioenergy options that facilitate smooth interactions of the components of bioenergy sustainability.” ·
March 20, 2009 Read Full Article
University of Illinois Begins New Bioenergy Master’s Degree
Interest in bioenergy and renewable energy sources continues to increase and now students can earn a Master of Science degree in bioenergy from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The new Professional
March 19, 2009 Read Full Article
Enerkem Brings Next-Generation Biofuels Project to Mississippi
Enerkem Inc., a leading advanced biofuels and green chemicals technology company, announced plans to build and operate a second-generation biofuels production facility in Pontotoc, Mississippi, USA. It is expected to produce 20 million gallons per year of next-generation ethanol using a
March 19, 2009 Read Full Article
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) Posts Biofuels Guide on Senate Web Site
To help individuals and corporations navigate and access the various federal programs and grants available, Senator Cantwell has released a comprehensive biofuels guide. READ MORE
March 19, 2009 Read Full Article
An Industrial Perspective on Sustainability
Peter Halliing, Novozymes, discussed the value of using enzymes and microbes in production of advanced biofuels to increase efficiency and yield--to produce more with less. From the "Devining Sustainability: Science, Standards and Scorecards" session of the US Department of Energy's
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Defining Bioenergy Sustainability
Virginia Dale and Keith Kline, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, discuss the elements of sustainability from a environmental, economic and social perspectives. Download PDF
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels
Barbara J. Bramble, National Wildlife Federation, described this international multi-stakeholder initiative to develop principles and criteria for sustainable biofuels production that will be simple, accessible and implemented worldwide; generic to all crops; adaptable to new information; efficient and cheap to measure; and
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Challenges adn Science Needed to escribe Sustainable Biofuel Production
Jeffrey Steiner, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, describes the current circumstances of developing criteria and indicators for sustainable biofuels production as comparable to building a plane and flying at the same time. He is optimistic that today's challenge can be met just
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Modeling Land Use and Land Use Change in Brazil
Leila Harfuch, Brazilian Institute for International Trade Negotiations, presents studies of land use patterns and changes in Brazil with attention to pasture, rain forest, sugar cane and other crop cultivation. From the "Devining Sustainability: Science, Standards, and Scorecards" session of
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
A Systems Approach to Biomass Sustainability
M. Christina Negri, Argonne National Laboratory, presentation for the "Defining Sustainability: Science, Standards and Scorecards" session of the US Department of Energy's Biomass 2009 conference. The goal of the project is to develop and analyze system-based resource recovery strategies to
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Challenges for Sustainable Second Generation Biofuels
Barbara Stinson, Meridian Institute, explains the creation of and purpose of a Council on Sustainable Biomass Production. From the Defining Sustainability: Science, Standards adn Scorecards session of the US Department of Energy's Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
The Coskata Syngast-to-Ethanol Platform
Bill Roe, Coskata, describes Coskata's "feedstock flexible" ethanol production process and provides and update on commercialization developments. From the Advanced Biofuels Research& Development session of the US Department of Energy's Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Where We Are and Where We Are Going
Jim Imbler, Zeachem, provides a view of the world of cultivation and production of advanced biofuels--illustrated with Zeachem's experiences so far. From the Advanced Biofuels Research & Development sessions at the US Department of Energy's Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Targeting Plant Cell Walls at Joint BioEnergy Institute
Josh Heaslewood, JBEI at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, explains issues of biomass recalcitrance and work being done to convert hemicellulose, pectin and cellulose into the building blocks of advanced biofuels. From the Advanced Biofuels Research & Development session at the
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Fuel Synthesis and Sustainabilty Activities in the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center
Tim Donohue, GLBRC, explains the work being done to promote and develop the conversion of biomass to fuels. Includes illustration and discussion of catalytic and enzymatic processes. From the Advanced Biofuels Research & Development session at the US Department of
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
The BioEnergy Science Center: Initial Results in Overcoming Biomass Recalcitrance
Brian Davison, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, provides an in-depth look at the challenges to breaking down cellulose so that it can be used to produce advanced biofuels. From the Advanced Biofuels Research & Development session at the US Department of
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
State of Technology Assessment
Andy Aden, National Renewable Energy Laboratory provides an assessment including biochemical and thermochemical pathways, and a review of sustainability challenges. From the Advanced Biofuels Research and Development session at the US Department of Energy's Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Abengoa Bioenergy: Hybrid Biorefinery Concept
Gerson Santos-Leon, Abengoa Vioenergy New Technologies, presents a combination enzymatic and gasification process as part of the Biofuels Commercialization session of the US Department of Energy's Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Biofuels Commercialization: The Federal Role in Fostering Investment
William F. Hagy, III, USDA Rural Development, describes programs available under the 2008 Farm Bill to promote and support development and implementation of biofuels projects. From the Biofuels Commercialization session of the US Department of Energy's Biomass 2009 conference. Download
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Creating a Sustainable Biofuels Future
Jennifer Holmgren, UOP, gives an international view of the future outlook for biofuels and engines technology integration from an industry perspective. She touches on a variety of feedstocks and uses from jet fuels to auto power. From the International Outlook
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Outlook for Biofuels in Brazil
Emerson Kloss, Embassy of Brazil in Washington, DC, summarizes biofuels production and use in Brazil as part of the International Outlook session at the US Department of Energy Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Biofuels Policy Update: The European Union
Laurent Javaudin, Delegation of the European Commission to the US, summarizes EU legislation and activities regarding biofuels. Download PDF
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Commercial Challenges Facing Cellulosic Ethanol
Jack Huttner, DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol, explores the current science and financial situation of cellulosic ethanol production and commercialization. From the plenary session of the US Department of Energy's Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
A DOE Perspective on Sustainability
Zia Haq, US Department of Energy's Office of the Biomass Program, describes DOE's programs with regard to sustainable biofuels development and implementation. From the plenary session of DOE's Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Growing Energy
Richard Hamilton, Ceres, discusses indirect land use change theories and development of improved energy crops and cultivation around the world. Download PDF
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Overcoming Barriers to Growth of the Biofuels Industry
Brent Erickson, Biotechnology Industry Organization. Includes discussion of the "blend wall." From the plenary session at the US Department of Energy Biomass 2009 conference. Download PDF
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Promise vs. Potential of Sustainable Biofuels
Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD6th), known as "Congressman Peak Oil" presents the problem of peak oil and analyzes the potential of sustainable biofuels. Download PDF.
March 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Greenhunter Biofuels Announces Distillation Capabiliites in Advance of Cold-Soak Filtration Test Effective Date
In October of 2008, ASTM International, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, added the “Cold Soak Filtration Test” procedure to its mandated biodiesel testing methods. The stated goal of the Cold Soak Filtration Test is to
March 12, 2009 Read Full Article
$2.77 Million Boost from NC Biofuels Center
The Biofuels Center of North Carolina, which is tasked by the General Assembly with developing a biofuels sector in North Carolina, sets aside more than half its annual budget for grants to accelerate the technologies and feedstocks needed for a
March 11, 2009 Read Full Article
Michigan State and Michigan Tech Share Trees-to-Biofuels Grant
Research to turn trees into liquid fuel gets a boost with approval of the $410 billion federal omnibus spending bill today. The bill allocates $1.4 million for a new biofuel research program at the Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Tree
March 10, 2009 Read Full Article
Shell And Codexis Deepen Collaboration To Speed Arrival Of Next Generation Biofuel
Royal Dutch Shell plc and Codexis, Inc., announced an expanded agreement to develop better biocatalysts that could accelerate commercialisation of next generation biofuels. ... As part of the agreement, Codexis will work closely with Shell and Iogen Energy Corporation to
March 10, 2009 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Policy Brief: California's Dangerous Gamble with Indirect Land Use Change
Carbon accounting will play an important role in comparison of greenhouse gas emissions related to various transportation fuels. The federal Renewable Fuel Standard requires lifecycle GHG emissions analyses of biofuels as compared to those for gasoline and diesel. Click here for
March 10, 2009 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels USA Comments on CA Waiver Review
A public hearing concerning this reconsideration was held on March 5, 2009, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Deadline to submit written comments was April 6, 2009. READ MORE. Advanced Biofuels USA Executive Director, Joanne Ivancic, attended the hearing. Click Here for her testimony.
March 07, 2009 Read Full Article
New Trade Association Formed for North America Camelina Industry
GREAT FALLS, Mont., -- Thirteen seed companies, processors and researchers of camelina have formed the first trade association focused on camelina production and processing in North America. The North American Camelina Trade Association (NACTA) will work to promote research, production
March 04, 2009 Read Full Article
UW-Green Bay to Research Marginal Lands for Energy Crops
Planting agricultural crops in poorly drained or marginal soil areas may be delayed, prevented or unprofitable for traditional farming. However, these areas may be ideally suited for native, mixed-species grasslands that can withstand harsher conditions, yet still be harvested for
March 02, 2009 Read Full Article
University of Minnesota Reports on Life-Cycle Analysis Related to Corn Stover
Research shows that, as a fuel for heat and power applications, corn stover reduces the life-cycle fossil-fuel emissions of carbon dioxide by factors of approximately 15 and 25 compared to natural gas and coal, respectively. This means significant amounts of
March 02, 2009 Read Full Article
Doubling a Gene in Corn Results in Giant Biomass
University of Illinois plant geneticist Stephen Moose has developed a corn plant that yields corn that would make good silage, due to a greater number of leaves and larger stalk, which could also make it a good energy crop. READ
March 02, 2009 Read Full Article
110 Scientists Complain that California Promotes Fossil Fuels; Are Opposed to Selective Enforcement of Indirect Effects in California’s Proposed Low Carbon Fuel Standard
In a letter to California Governor Schwarzenegger, biomass to bioenergy researchers warn that this field of studying indirect land use change effects is in its nascent stage, is controversial in much of the scientific community, and, is inappropriate to use
March 02, 2009 Read Full Article
French Aerospace Lab, Onera, Heads Alternative Aviation Fuel Study
Onera has been chosen by the European Commission (Directorate-General for Energy and Transport) to conduct a strategic feasibility and impact study on alternative fuels for aviation, called SWAFEA: Sustainable Way for Alternative Fuel and Energy in Aviation. Acting as prime
March 01, 2009 Read Full Article
Industrial Biotechnology in China Amidst Changing Market Conditions
by Elizabeth Nesbitt (Journal of International Commerce and Economics) The increasing use of industrial biotechnology by the Chinese liquid biofuels and chemical industries is expected to help offset energy security and environmental concerns generated by China’s robust economic growth. The expanding use of bioprocesses
February 27, 2009 Read Full Article
ASTM Sets the Standard for Biodiesel
by Kessel Nelson (ASTM International Standardization News) Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants has produced a set of standards for a non-petroleum fuel: biodiesel. READ MORE
February 27, 2009 Read Full Article
Report Shows Advanced Biofuels Industry Can Create Jobs, Economic Growth
Continuing to build advanced biofuels production capacity can create thousands of new jobs throughout the economy, contributing to U.S. economic growth and increasing energy security. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) welcomed the release of a new report by Bio Economic
February 27, 2009 Read Full Article
Enzymatic Deconstruction of Xylan for Biofuel Production
by Dylan Dodd and Isaac K. O. Cann (Global Change Biology Bioenergy) The combustion of fossil-derived fuels has a significant impact on atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and correspondingly is an important contributor to anthropogenic global climate change. Plants have evolved photosynthetic
February 27, 2009 Read Full Article
Changes in Soil Organic Carbon under Biofuel Crops
by Kristina J. Anderson-Teixeira, Sarah C. Davis, Michael D. Masters and Evan H. Delucia (Global Change Biology Bioenergy) One potentially significant impact of growing biofuel crops will be the sequestration or release of carbon (C) in soil. Soil organic carbon (SOC)
February 27, 2009 Read Full Article
Mascoma Facility Generating Cellulosic Ethanol With Assistance from New York State Agencies
Mascoma Corporation, a leader in the development of low carbon cellulosic ethanol, announced that the company’s demonstration facility in Rome, New York, is now producing ethanol from non-food cellulosic biomass. The demonstration facility has the flexibility to run on numerous
February 25, 2009 Read Full Article
QuantumSphere Awarded Research Grant to Turn Algae into Biofuels
California Energy Commission awards $100k grant to turn algae blooms in the Salton Sea into methane, hydrogen, and synthetic gasses. READ MORE
February 24, 2009 Read Full Article
BP and Verenium Form Leading Cellulosic Ethanol Venture to Deliver Advanced Biofuels
The joint venture company will initially focus on developing and securing financing for a first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol facility in Highlands County, Florida and expects to break ground on that site in 2010. The estimated construction cost for this 36
February 18, 2009 Read Full Article
Enzyme Cocktail Converts Cellulosic Materials, Water into Hydrogen Fuel
Researchers at Virginia Tech, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and the University of Georgia have produced hydrogen gas pure enough to power a fuel cell by mixing 14 enzymes, one coenzyme, cellulosic materials from nonfood sources, and water heated to
February 16, 2009 Read Full Article
POET’s Project Liberty Cellulosic Ethanol Pilot Plant Uses Corn Cobs as Feedstock
A leading U.S. ethanol producer, Poet, announced the opening of an $8 million pilot plant that will produce cellulosic ethanol from corn cobs and other crop residue. READ MORE
February 12, 2009 Read Full Article
POET to Discuss Cellulosic Ethanol, Cob Harvesting with Northwest Iowa Farmers
Harvesting cobs will provide an additional revenue stream for farmers, without requiring them to change their planting practices. Agriculture equipment manufacturers are developing a wide range of options for farmers to ensure that harvesting cobs will not significantly slow the
February 12, 2009 Read Full Article
Blade Switchgrass Management Guide for Bioenergy Now Available
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- A new crop management guide is available for producers interested in learning more about growing switchgrass as a non-food, low-carbon source for biofuels and biopower. Published by Blade Energy Crops, a seed brand
February 11, 2009 Read Full Article
Energy, Biotechnology and Agribusiness Veterans Form SG Biofuels to Develop Jatropha as Low-Cost, Sustainable Oil
Following three years of research, a team of energy, biotechnology and agribusiness veterans announced the formation of SG Biofuels, a San Diego, CA-based plant oil company specializing in the development of Jatropha as a low-cost, sustainably produced source of oil.
February 10, 2009 Read Full Article
Biofuels can provide Viable, Sustainable Solution to Reducing Petroleum Dependence, says “90-Billion Gallon Biofuel Deployment Study”
An in-depth study by Sandia National Laboratories and General Motors Corp. has found that plant and forestry waste and dedicated energy crops could sustainably replace nearly a third of gasoline use by the year 2030. The goal of the 90-Billion
February 10, 2009 Read Full Article
Two-Step Chemical Process Turns Raw Biomass into Biofuel
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a two-step method to convert the cellulose in raw biomass into a promising biofuel. The key to the new process is the first step, in which cellulose is converted into the "platform"
February 10, 2009 Read Full Article
Researchers Seek to Create Ethanol from Idaho Agricultural Waste
Researchers from Idaho’s three largest public universities are seeking to create ethanol from the Gem state’s agricultural waste. And they have a realistic shot at converting potato, sugar beet and other agricultural waste – perhaps even cow manure – into
February 09, 2009 Read Full Article
Camelina Crop May Save the Day for Northwest Pa. Farmers, Landowners
by Andrea Zippay (Farm and Dairy) A rather low-budget, low-input crop may be a boon to northwest Pennsylvania farmers. Camelina sativa, an oilseed from the Brassica family, is a valuable crop for biofuel production. Already in production in Crawford County,
February 08, 2009 Read Full Article
USDA and USDoE Announce Funding for Biomass Research and Development Initiative
On January 30, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Energy (DOE) announced up to $25 million (subject to appropriations) in funding for research and development of technologies and processes to produce biofuels, bioenergy, and high-value biobased products. Projects eligible
February 06, 2009 Read Full Article
SG Biofuels Launches Jatropha Developer at 2009 National Biodiesel Conference
Following three years of research, a team of energy, biotechnology and agribusiness veterans today announced the formation of SG Biofuels, a San Diego, CA-based plant oil company specializing in the development of Jatropha as a low-cost, sustainably produced source of
February 02, 2009 Read Full Article
Japan Airlines Flight Brings Aviation One Step Closer to Using Biofuel
Japan Airlines (JAL) became the first airline to conduct a demonstration flight using a sustainable biofuel primarily refined from the energy crop, camelina. It was also the first demo flight using a combination of three sustainable biofuel feedstocks, as well
February 02, 2009 Read Full Article
Sirona Fuels Acquires Blue Sky Biofuels and Invests in Jatropha to Expand Production of High-Quality, Sustainable Biofuel
Through its purchase of Blue Sky Biofues, Sirona has acquired an Oakland, CA-based refinery that produces high-quality biodiesel from both virgin and non-virgin feedstocks. READ MORE
February 02, 2009 Read Full Article
Sustainable Oils, Inc., provided camelina-based fuels for Japan Airlines demo flight.
Also known as gold-of-pleasure or false flax, camelina, the main feedstock used for the recent Japan Airlines test flight, is good candidate for a sustainable biofuel source, given its high oil content and ability to grow in rotation with wheat
January 30, 2009 Read Full Article
California State Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Standards; Greenhouse Gas Regulations; Reconsideration of EPA’s Denial of a Waiver of Preemption
The California Air Resources Board in December 2005 requested a waiver of pre-emption for its greenhouse gas regulations for certain new motor vehicles beginning with Model Year 2009. On March 6, 2008, EPA published a Federal Register Notice Denying a
January 30, 2009 Read Full Article
New Catalyst Paves the Path for Ethanol-Powered Fuel Cells
A team of scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Delaware and Yeshiva University, has developed a new catalyst that could make ethanol-powered fuel cells feasible. The highly
January 29, 2009 Read Full Article
Genome Sequence Shows Sorghum’s Immense Potential
Southerners may best know sorghum as sweet, biscuit-topping syrup. But the small grain’s uses range from a dependable, drought-tolerant food crop to biofuel source, says a University of Georgia researcher who led a team that recently sequenced the plant’s genome.
January 29, 2009 Read Full Article
Wood-Boring Marine Bug’s Stomach Bugs Studied in UK Biofuels Research
Research is under way to pinpoint the enzymes produced in the four-spotted gribble’s stomach, and the genes that control them, so that the process can be applied to woody biofuel crops such as willow. The investigation is being carried out
January 28, 2009 Read Full Article
UK’s Biggest Public Investment in Bioenergy Research Includes Advanced Biofuels
At the University of Nottingham, two of six research projects being run by the national £27m BBSRC Sustainable Bioenergy Centre hope to lead the way in the development of sustainable bioenergy fuels — Ethanol and Butanol using non-food crops, such
January 28, 2009 Read Full Article
DARPA Contract Awarded to Develop Jet Biofuel from Algae
On January 26, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) a contract to help develop an alternative to petroleum-based jet fuel from agricultural and aquacultural feedstocks. The contract is worth up to $25 million
January 26, 2009 Read Full Article
The Myth of the Plug-In Hybrid
You have heard the hype, the hope, the promise that electric cars are our hope for a clean, low-carbon, sustainable transportation future. CLICK HERE to see a brief comparison of sustainability of near-term plug-in hybrid technology, Prius hybrid technology and current
January 23, 2009 Read Full Article
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