by Marine Strauss, Kate Abnett (Reuters) The European Commission should set a date to ban sales of new petrol and diesel cars across the European Union to align the transport sector with climate goals, nine member countries said on Wednesday. Led by
Belgium
Back TO HOMEHow to Utilise CO2? The Nominees for the Innovation Award “Best CO2 Utilisation 2021” Have the Answers!
(nova-Institute) Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) is one of the most obvious solutions to further reduce CO2 emissions, but it is yet still hardly exploited. However, these six nominated technologies turn CO2 into value: ethanol, methanol, polyols, surfactants or syngas – the
February 26, 2021 Read Full Article
A Swirling and Sensational Virtual Visit to the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant --- December 1, 2020 ---
Get your free (virtual) boarding pass, buckle up and join the BioBase Europe Pilot for a 60 minute voyage into a particular universe brought to live, in a unique way, by: Exclusive and unreleased video footage, Smart interventions of scale-up experts
November 12, 2020 Read Full Article
7 Big Deals, and Why They’re Big -- Microsoft, Cargill, ADM, Aemetis, Lygos, Alaska Airlines, SkyNRG, Biofine, and Ways2H
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) There's been a barrage of big deals this week and here's The Digest's exclusive take on the biggest 7 deals, why they are big, and more. In today's Digest, we've got the latest deal details that
October 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Cargill Invests to Promote Circular Economy with Its First Multi Waste- and Residues-Based Biodiesel Plant
(Cargill/WEBWIRE) $150 million investment in Belgium helps customers remove carbon emissions from their supply chains using innovative technology that supports new regulations -- In a move to further strengthen its commitment to fight climate change and deliver a more circular economy,
October 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Facing Wave of Closures, Oil Refiners Turn to Biofuels
by Ron Bousso and Laura Sanicola (Reuters) European and U.S. oil refineries face a wave of closures due to plateauing fuel demand, tightening environmental rules and overseas competition, prompting some owners to opt for an easier alternative - converting plants to
October 20, 2020 Read Full Article
SOL Group Invests with CropEnergies €15 Million in the Recovery of Biogenic CO2 by Alcoholic Fermentation in Belgium.
(SOL Group) From 2021 up to 65,000 tonnes of biogenic CO2 of the highest purity will be captured annually. -- SOL Group SOL - one of the leading European players in the production of technical, pure, medicinal gases and in
October 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Ballard
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today’s top story is all about hydrogen and fuel cell technology, and how Ballard is working in this fast-growing market with the company’s focus on electrification of Heavy- and Medium-Duty Motive applications. Tony Guglielmin, Vice President
October 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Alco Bio Fuel, Messer Benelux and IJsfabriek Strombeek Once again Investing Millions of Euros in Recycling CO2 in North Sea Port
(Alco Bio Fuel) Biorefinery Alco Bio Fuel (ABF), industrial gas supplier Messer Benelux and IJsfabriek Strombeek will continue their efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in Belgium. Together they are investing 10 million euros in a second carbon dioxide recovery unit, located
October 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Hopper Dredger First to Sail 2,000 Hours on 100% Sustainable Marine Biofuel
(MAN Energy Solutions/PortNews) Jan De Nul Group recently announced that its trailing suction hopper dredger, 'Alexander von Humboldt', had completed 2,000 hours operation on 100% renewable, second-generation Biofuel Oil (BFO). The vessel is powered by 2 × MAN 12V32/40 and 1 ×
September 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Greener Flights from Greener Fields - Using Aviation Biofuel
(European Commission) Jet fuel from renewable sources holds the key to significantly reducing the environmental impact of aviation. EU-funded researchers have set out to boost Europe's production capacity, and are also developing a process that would leverage the growing of
September 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Adding AD to Composting Facility Footprint
by Nora Goldstein (BioCycle Magazine) New municipal projects in Belgium are putting in high solids anaerobic digesters at their existing composting sites. -- Europe is home to a much greater number of facilities that combine the two technologies to process
September 11, 2020 Read Full Article
EECi Biorefinery Project almost 50% Complete
(The Nation/Thailand) The Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) project is 45 per cent complete and will be ready for operation by June 2021, EECi director Jengrit Khanatharana, who is also the National Science and Technology Development Agency deputy director, said. The
September 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Increasing Bio-LNG Refueling Infrastructure in Belgium
(NGV Journal/Rolande) Rolande has opened its first LNG station in Belgium together with partner G&V Energy Group, joining forces to be able to create a covering LNG network in this country. The years of experience of Rolande and the strategical network
September 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Belgian Wind Farm to Become ‘World’s First’ to Grow Seaweed between Wind Turbines
(EnergyMarketPrice.com) Seaweed can be used as a low carbon foodstuff or as a sustainable biomass fuel -- A Belgian wind farm on the North Sea claims it will become the first in the world to grow seaweed between its wind turbines. The
July 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Meridiam Develops First US Biogas Project
(Meridiam/Biomass Magazine) Meridiam has entered into an agreement to develop a biodigester project, located in the State of Idaho near Twin Falls, together with Sevana Bioenergy, as development partner, service provider and long-term co-investor. Meridiam and Sevana will combine their expertise
July 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Greening Your Beer with Brewery’s CO2 Eating Algae, Blockchain Tracing, Converting Brewery Waste into Detergents and More
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... In today’s Digest, how a brewery in Australia is utilizing algae that eats up CO2 and spits out oxygen, all the cool things you can make with beer and liquor production waste (going
July 06, 2020 Read Full Article
New Leaflet Shows Present & Future of Biomethane to Clean up Mobility
(EBA/NGVA Europe/NGV Journal) EBA (European Biogas Association) and NGVA Europe have published a new leaflet, illustrating the current uptake of biomethane in the transport sector and its potential in the coming years. NGVs present the highest rate of emissions reduction compared to
June 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Jan De Nul’s Dredger Becomes the First to Sail 2,000 Hours on 100% Sustainable Marine Biofuel
(Marine Insight) Jan De Nul Group has completed, in close collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions and GoodFuels, 2,000 hours using 100% renewable 2nd generation Biofuel Oil (BFO) on board the Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger Alexander von Humboldt. This major milestone represents
June 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Key Hydrogen Projects, Players and Tech: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to The Digest’s Top 10 Hydrogen Horizons
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How will we develop hydrogen for industrial and transport objectives? That is the question The Digest’s Jim Lane looks at in this visual slide guide highlighting the demand potential, background on renewable gases and renewable hydrogen,
June 09, 2020 Read Full Article
New Lords of Circular Carbon: ArcelorMittal, EU Complete Financing of Steelanol Project
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brussels, the European Investment Bank, with the support of the European Commission, has granted a EUR 75 million (nearly $82 million USD) loan to ArcelorMittal for Steelanol, the EUR 165 million ($180 million USD)
May 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Expert Workshop on HTL in Brussels
by Sigurd Koldste (Bio2Oil) Back in late November, our CEO Ib Johannsen participated in an expert workshop on hydrothermal liquefaction in Brussels, Belgium. The workshop was hosted by five European research projects (HyFlexFuel, WASTE2ROAD, 4refinery, NextGenRoadFuels and Heat to Fuel) in collaboration with the Norwegian National Centre
May 14, 2020 Read Full Article
BISC-E Student Challenge DEADLINE: June 12, 2020
(Ghent University) For the first time ever a national Belgian competition of the Biobased Innovation Student Challenge Europe (BISC-E) will be organized in 2020. Do you want to design a creative bio-based solution as a multidisciplinary student team? The Bio-based Innovation
April 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Taking on All of the Biomass for Conversion
by Tao Zhang (Science Magazine) The old saying that “you can make everything from biomass except money” sums up the huge challenges of converting lignocellulose into fuels and chemicals in a cost-competitive manner. Most efforts separate its more readily processed
March 19, 2020 Read Full Article
'Green Hydrogen’ Project Planned in Oman
(Trade Arabia) Plans to set up a large-scale ‘green hydrogen’ project in the Duqm Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has been unveiled, according to a report. The main promoter of the project is DEME Group, a Belgiium-headquartered conglomerate with international interests in dredging
March 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Research Team Maps out Transition from Petroleum to Wood in Chemical Production
(Biofuels International) A team of bioengineers and economics from KU Leuven in Belgium has mapped out how wood could replace petroleum in the chemical industry. According to the researchers, who considered both technological requirements and financial viability, the transition from
March 04, 2020 Read Full Article
E10 Petrol: UK to Standardise Higher Ethanol Blend
(Press Association/The Guardian) Government says ‘cleaner’ fuel will help cut carbon dioxide emissions before electric cars become the norm -- The government is set to introduce E10 fuel containing 10% ethanol as a new form of “cleaner” petrol aimed at cutting
March 04, 2020 Read Full Article
First Dredger with Ultra-Low Emissions Has Arrived in Belgium
(Jan De Nul Group) ... For its maritime fleet, Jan De Nul Group goes for 100% renewable fuel, a certified sustainable substitute for fossil fuel made from waste flows. Since the end of 2019, the first Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger is
February 27, 2020 Read Full Article
A Sustainable Wood Biorefinery for Low–Carbon Footprint Chemicals Production
by Yuhe Liao, Steven-Friso Koelewijn, Gil Van den Bossche, Joost Van Aelst, Sander Van den Bosch, Tom Renders, Kranti Navare, Thomas Nicolaï, Korneel Van Aelst, Maarten Maesen, Hironori Matsushima, Johan Thevelein, Karel Van Acker, Bert Lagrain, Danny Verboekend, Bert F.
February 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Circular Solution for Bioplastics, McDonald’s Fryer Oil to 3D Printing Resin, Human Hair to Fertilizer, Crab Shells and Seaweed to Yarn, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of February 6th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The infinity symbol…a figure 8 on its side, a lemniscate…no matter what you call it, it signifies the concept of limitlessness or eternity which is what the bioeconomy has been doing lately in its limitless innovations.
February 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Teresa Kok to Engage Europe on Direction of Malaysian Oil Palm Industry
(The Edge Markets/Bernama) Malaysia will engage four European countries next week on the direction of the Malaysian oil palm industry, to address the widespread anti-palm oil campaign in the continent. Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok said she would expound on the four
February 05, 2020 Read Full Article
HYPORT: Port of Oostende Unveils Plan to Produce Renewable Hydrogen
(Port of Oostende/NGV Journal) Port of Oostende, DEME Concessions and PMV announced HYPORT®, an exclusive partnership to have a plant operational in the port area of Ostend, in Belgium, by 2025 that produces green hydrogen. This end product will both serve
February 03, 2020 Read Full Article
The Versatile Ethanol Molecule: Ethylene, with a Similar Molecular Structure to that of Ethanol, Has Enormous Market Opportunity around the World.
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Knock a water molecule off ethanol and you’ll get ethylene, C2H4—the most widely produced organic chemical globally that is the basis for scores of other chemicals and hundreds (maybe thousands) of products, from
January 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Abengoa and Alcogroup to Contest EU Antitrust Charges at Hearing: Source
by Foo Yun Chee (Reuters) Spanish ethanol producer Abengoa and Belgian rival Alcogroup will make their final stand against EU antitrust charges over alleged rigging of ethanol benchmarks at a hearing on Tuesday, a source close to the matter said on
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Petrol and Diesel Prices to Increase from 1 January
by Maïthé Chini (The Brussels Times) A full tank of petrol or diesel will be up to €2.5 more expensive due to the higher share of biofuels starting from 1 January 2020. ... The increase means that filling up a
December 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels – Where Are the Gallons?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From what is an advanced biofuel to why, we take a look at the gallons, the ethanol blend wall, the residue capacity, and over 30 advanced biofuels projects from around the world to watch. In today’s Digest,
December 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Biobased Barbies, Pineapple Waste Paper, 3D Printed Fruit, Super Bowl’s Fiber Food Packaging, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of December 25th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s Christmas morning for many and biobased Barbies are on the horizon with Mattel’s promise to use only recycled, recyclable, or renewable plastics in all products by 2030, starting with the Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack made from sugarcane
December 26, 2019 Read Full Article
In Europe, the Blend Is the Trend
by Emmanuel Desplechin (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Study shows that E10 can be successful in Europe in the near-term, while E20 can be Europe's fuel in the future. -- Europeans continue to push their national governments and the European Union to
December 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Hydrogen Tech’s Diversified Future: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Hydrogenics
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hydrogenics is a unit of Cummins Inc. active in designing, manufacturing, building and installing industrial and commercial Hydrogen generation, Hydrogen fuel cells and MW-scale energy storage solutions. Based in Mississauga, Canada with manufacturing facilities located in Germany,
December 23, 2019 Read Full Article
The Long Haul to Getting Aviation Biofuel off the Ground
by Angeli Mehta (Ethical Corporation) With the IPCC warning against growing crops for fuel, Angeli Mehta reports on how LanzaTech, SkyNRG and Velocys are trying to get the next generation of aviation biofuels to scale The first flight using a blend of
November 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Jan De Nul Is Aiming for 100% Renewable Fuel
(Jan De Nul) Jan De Nul Group carries out dredging work in the Benelux with 100% renewable fuel. With this, the world player is further committing itself to immediately and considerably reducing its CO₂ emissions. Trailing suction hopper dredger Alexander von
November 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Air Liquide Partners with ArcelorMittal in Pilot Project to Capture and Recycle Carbon
(Air Liquide) Air Liquide is partnering with ArcelorMittal in the first industrial scale demonstration plant to capture carbon gas from the steelmaking process and recycle it into chemicals, specifically advanced bioethanol*. In this project, Air Liquide Engineering & Construction will provide a
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
3F BIO Secures €17m Backing from European Commission for First Integrated Bio-Based Protein Biorefinery
(3F BIO) ... The project addresses the protein challenge by integrating two established processes into a flagship, large-scale, first-of-its-kind, biorefinery producing bioethanol and sustainable food protein. The process takes a proportion of the sustainable cereal crops that feed the biorefinery to
August 06, 2019 Read Full Article
China Uniquely Placed to ‘Green’ Shipping
by Ned Molloy (China Dialogue Ocean) As the world’s largest exporter and shipbuilder, China could pave the way to a carbon-neutral global trading system -- The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, said last month that his country’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
August 01, 2019 Read Full Article
APPG for British Bioethanol Publishes FINAL Report on E10 Inquiry
(British Bioethanol) The APPG for British Bioethanol has launched its final report on the introduction of E10 today (July 16, 2019). Stemming from the launch of an Inquiry in March into the lack of progress made by the DfT to publish
July 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Doubling Amount of Ethanol in Petrol 'Could Reduce Our Carbon Emissions’
(The Carlow Nationalist) Doubling the amount of ethanol in petrol would significantly reduce our carbon emissions. Every litre of petrol sold in Ireland contains 5% of the biofuel, ethanol. A new climate action report has found that doubling the amount of ethanol in
July 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Europe, US Aim to Boost Ethanol Share in Gasoline, but Obstacles Remain
by Solomon Lanitis, Chrysa Glystra and Wesley Swift (S&P Global Platts) Ambitious emissions targets are driving governments across the globe to mandate greater use of biofuels in gasoline, and higher-ethanol blends of gasoline look set to make further inroads in the EU
June 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Renewable Polymer Plant: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Avantium
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Avantium, a renewable chemicals company, develops and commercializes biobased plastics, chemicals, and fuels. The company offers polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a biobased and recyclable polymer that is used in various applications, such as packaging of soft drinks,
June 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Jan De Nul Reveals Ambitious CO₂ Reduction Targets
(Hellenic Shipping News) Jan De Nul Group has revealed its commitment to reduce CO₂ emissions by 15% a year during maintenance dredging works at the Nieuwpoort coastal marina. It is the first dredging company in the world to aspire to such
June 13, 2019 Read Full Article
European Bio-Based Economy Launches Bio-Society 2050 Vision
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, 16 organizations teamed with the Bio-Based Industries Consortium and its members along with the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking’s the States Representatives Group and Scientific Committee to develop and publish their vision for a circular European
May 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Dutch Company Embroiled in Biodiesel Scandal, Earning Millions: VK
(Dutch News) Officials are investigating the role of a Dutch biodiesel company in a major fraud involving the alternative energy source, the Volkskrant said on Thursday. According to the Volkskrant, the Dutch arm of the investigation focuses on one company –
May 27, 2019 Read Full Article
UPS Makes Largest Purchase of Renewable Natural Gas Ever in The U.S.
(UPS) Seven-Year 170 Million Gallon Equivalents Purchase from Clean Energy Fuels Corp. Will Reduce GHG Emissions by More than 1 Million Metric Tons -- UPS (NYSE: UPS) today announced an agreement with Clean Energy Fuels Corp.(NASDAQ: CLNE) to purchase 170 million gallon equivalents of
May 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Doing the Heavy Lifting in Transport Climate Action
by James Cogan (Ethanol Europe/Climate Change News) New E5, E10 and B7 labels recently appeared on petrol and diesel nozzles across Europe with hardly a mention. Behind them is the intriguing story of one of the world’s major efforts to stave off climate
May 17, 2019 Read Full Article
LanzaTech Aims to Fuel Jets and Make Consumer Goods from Recycled Carbon Pollution
by Tom DiChristopher (CNBC) -LanzaTech sells technology that transforms carbon pollution into ethanol, a renewable fuel and feedstock for chemicals. -Founded in 2005, the start-up is now aiming to produce sustainable jet fuel and chemicals that can be used in consumer
May 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Four Arrested as UK, Dutch Authorities Launch Joint Biodiesel Investigation
(Reuters) Four people were arrested and addresses raided in Britain, the Netherlands and Belgium in a joint Anglo-Dutch investigation into biodiesel trading at British road fuel supplier Greenergy, the UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) said on Thursday. The SFO said the individuals
May 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Biomethane Business Is Booming – From Waste to Watts and Wonder Chemicals
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... First, let’s make sure we aren’t confusing biogas with biomethane. Biogas is mostly methane and carbon dioxide but that doesn’t mean it’s biomethane. You see, biogas is produced from organic matter breaking down in the absence
May 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Eastern Europe Backs Locally Produced Biofuels to Save Climate and Farmers
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV.com) Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic have signed a joint declaration saying that Europe will be able to de-carbonise transport through the use of locally produced clean biofuels, which will also boost rural areas and farmers. “We believe
April 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Promising Opportunities for Circular Agro-Food Industries
(BioRescue) Education, training and awareness raising were identified as key factors to unlock the potential of 62 million tonnes of agricultural residues available annually in Europe during a policy conference organised by eco-innovation expert group Greenovate! Europe, where innovative examples of circular economy in
April 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Growing Support among EU Environment Ministers for Applying further Carbon Pricing on Aviation Emissions
(GreenAir Online) A recent proposal by the Netherlands finance ministry for an EU-wide aviation tax to deal with the sector’s growing emissions has received backing from a Belgian environment minister at a meeting of the Council of European Environment Ministers. The
March 24, 2019 Read Full Article
As German Imports Spike, UFOP Fears Add’l Pressure from Indonesia
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP)/Biodiesel Magazine) Imports of biodiesel to Germany increased sharply in 2018. The rise was triggered by overabundant supply of state-subsidized and consequently low-priced biodiesel from Argentina. The Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Throw Deep: Heard on the Floor at the Washington Sustainable Aviation Fuels Summit
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman noted: “Secretary Mabus advised us to set a goal. If it’s good enough for the Navy, it’s good enough for SeaTac airport, and we’ve established a partnership with 13
March 12, 2019 Read Full Article
The AllThings.Bio Educational Resources Database Is Now Online!
(AllThings.Bio) Are you a teacher and looking for educational materials about the bioeconomy? Or are you looking for an online course to learn more about bio-based products? The new AllThings.Bio database on educational resources might help you. The database contains entries on relevant online educational resources such
March 09, 2019 Read Full Article
AB InBev Is Converting Wasted Alcohol from Its Low and No-ABV Beers into Biofuel
by Edith Hancock (The Drinks Business) As demand for low alcohol drinks, beer in particular, has risen over the past 12 months, AB InBev’s European headquarters has struck a deal with a biofuel plant in Belgium in order to convert leftover
February 19, 2019 Read Full Article
No Carbon Left Behind: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to LanzaTech
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) LanzaTechhas over 20 years experience sourcing and supplying over 5 million tons of wood fiber and organic feedstock in markets across North America. They offer biomass feedstock supply and analytics to understand and minimize supply chain
February 05, 2019 Read Full Article
BioLNG EuroNet Will Drive forward Decarbonisation of Road Transport across Europe with LNG
(BioLNG EuroNet) BioLNG EuroNet today (December 6, 2018) announced a commitment to the further expansion of LNG (liquefied natural gas) as a road transport fuel across Europe with new infrastructure that should ensure the long-term success and mass scale adoption
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Belgium’s First Biomethane Produced in Bright Biomethane System
(Bright Biomethane) Belgium’s first biomethane-to-grid is a fact. The Bright Biomethane installation at Energy Conversion Facility ‘IOK Afvalbeheer’ in Beerse, Belgium successfully produced Belgium’s first sustainable biomethane and injected into the natural gas grid of net operator Eandis. A double first for Bright
December 03, 2018 Read Full Article
First Hydrogen Multi-Fuel Station Starts Operations in Belgium
(Colruyt Group/NGV Journal) Colruyt Group has opened its first public hydrogen filling station. From now on, customers can buy conventional and green fuels at the DATS 24 filling station in Halle (Dassenveld), as well as 100% green hydrogen, produced using renewable
October 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Analysis: Where Are We with E10 Gasoline in Europe?
by Chrysa Glystra (S&P Global/Platts) Increasing biofuel mandates across Europe for 2019, combined with navigating the complexities of the post-2020 renewable energy framework (RED II), have brought discussions over wider adoption of E10 back on the table for European producers and
September 04, 2018 Read Full Article
Abengoa, Alcogroup Face Charges of Ethanol Benchmark Rigging: Sources
by Foo Yun Chee (Reuters) Spanish ethanol producer Abengoa and Belgium peer Alcogroup have been charged by European Union antitrust regulators with rigging ethanol benchmarks and are likely to face fines next year, two people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. The
August 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Oil’s Relentless Price Climb Brings Advanced Biofuels Back in Vogue
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For several years now we have seen a significant number of players pivoting from biofuels towards smaller but higher-value markets in chemicals, nutrition, nutraceuticals, pharma, materials, flavorings, fragrances, cosmetics and more. We’ve reported on the proliferation of
August 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Belgium Urges Malaysia to Open Diplomatic Mission to EU to Lobby for Palm Oil
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Malaysia, the Borneo Post reports that the Belgian ambassador to Malaysia suggested the country set up a separate diplomatic mission in Brussels specifically to lobby the European Union’s 28 countries, especially on issues such as palm oil.
August 02, 2018 Read Full Article
This Start-Up Turns Pollution from Factories into Fuel That Powers Cars — and One Day Planes
by Catherine Clifford (CNBC) A bacteria found in the gut of a rabbit can now help cars run in a more eco-friendly way. The bacteria, identified by biotech start-up LanzaTech, helps turn factory carbon emissions, a.k.a. pollution, into ethanol .... ... "While there are many sustainable
July 30, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of July 18th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In today’s Digest, wool without the sheep, fuels from water and C)2, bacteria-powered solar cells, spectral imagery in the sky, artificial intelligence in the crop field, sugar-based straws and more, ready for you now at The
July 17, 2018 Read Full Article
BASF Invests in LanzaTech, ArcelorMittal’s Underway on Advanced Fuels, Syngenta Breaks 3B Gallon Mark, Leaf Gets an Accelerator: Partnership Frenzy in the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... But it shows also what smaller companies can do when they partner effectively – whether that means industrial giants like ArcelorMittal or BASF, technology accelerator schemes like Unreasonable Impact, or with the US ethanol industry. And
June 14, 2018 Read Full Article
EU Pushes Back against Weakening of Aviation Emissions Deal
by Julia Fioretti (Reuters) European countries are pushing back against any weakening of the rules underpinning a landmark global agreement to cap airline emissions at 2020 levels, especially those related to the types of aviation biofuels that can be used. France, Norway, Finland,
June 07, 2018 Read Full Article
This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land: European Biofuels and the Debate over the ‘Agreeable Corridor’
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) As Europe’s revised Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) plans are set into motion, disagreements about how biofuels are treated in the newly proposed legislation have sparked concerns that Paris’ target of holding global warming below
May 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Building Out Biomass in the Land Down Under
by Patrick C. Miller (Biomass Magazine) Will Australia use bioenergy to its full potential, or primarily serve export markets? -- Australia’s bioenergy sector is alive and brimming with ideas about how to keep pace with progress being made internationally. However, biofuels advocates
May 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Drills and Pipelines May Pollute Our Climate but Words Will Break or Make Us
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Carbon is the backbone of the fossil-based economy and feedstock to a bio-based economy. However, how exactly this carbon is handled continues to divide people regarding what the development of a bio-based economy is
May 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Is the EU Killing the Magic Plant? The Emerging International Consensus on Low Carbon Fuels Takes Center Stage in (Spite of) Brussels
by Steve Bi* (Advanced Biofuels USA) At one of a series of bioenergy conferences in Brussels, April 10-12, 2018, some combination of hearty guffaws, inward chuckles and solemn nods greeted the predictable but well-delivered punchline from Miguel Ivan Lacerda de
April 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Report on 8th ISCC Global Sustainability Conference; Presentations Published
(International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) Tuesday 20 February 2018, Brussels, Belgium high profile speakers discussed on the latest updates on a broad range of topics: The future of bioenergy discussed by the European Commission and Member States RED II negotiations Implementation of
March 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuel Powers First 737 Max Delivery to TUI Nordic
(Flight Global) Scandinavian operator TUI Nordic has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 Max, the second to be received by the tourism group. The airline conducted the Max 8 delivery flight – from Seattle to Stockholm – using a 30% blend
February 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Swansea Takes Lead in ALG-AD Sustainability Project
(Algae Industry Magazine) Scientists at Swansea University are taking the lead on a €5.5 Million eco-innovative project developing new technology to clean up waste. The ALG-AD project could potentially result in a circular economy solution whereby excess waste nutrients produced
January 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Biobased Buzz: Renewable Propylene Glycol – Early Success in Renewable Chemical Market
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... According to the Department of Energy, substitution of renewable propylene glycol made from biomass can reduce greenhouse gases by 61 percent, as compared to using petroleum-based propylene glycol. The process for converting biomass
January 26, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2017 Guide to the 20 Top European Biorefinery Projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You won’t hear it from the NGOs orbiting Brussels who have long figured out that bashing biotechnology is good for the fund-raising cash register, but Europe has become the hottest geography on the planet for
November 23, 2017 Read Full Article
From Pollution to Products: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to LanzaTech
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) LanzaTech has developed a fully sustainable integrative gas to fuels and chemicals platform that has no impact on food, water security or high biodiversity land use. LanzaTech’s gas fermentation platform disrupts the current highly centralized global energy
November 16, 2017 Read Full Article
One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure: Enabling Europe’s Bioeconomy
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) From October 10th -11th the European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy (EFIB) celebrated 10 years in Brussels, Belgium, as it plays a crucial role in providing a central meeting place for policy
November 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Why Sustainable Chemicals? The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Capricorn Venture Partner’s Sustainable Chemistry Fund
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Changing expectations, changing demographics in a fragile world. Those are just some of the drivers for sustainable chemistry. Performance or sustainability? Consumers demand both. Those drivers are behind a surge in sustainable chemical venture investing,
May 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Global Bioenergies, Clariant and INEOS Receive Major EU Funding to Demonstrate the Production of Isobutene Derivatives from Straw
(Global Bioenergies) European financing package amounting to €9.8 million, of which €4.4 million for Global Bioenergies; Industry consortium led by Global Bioenergies and bringing together Clariant, INEOS, IPSB, TechnipFMC and Linz University; Aim: converting agricultural residues (wheat straw) into isobutene derivatives
May 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Improving Policies in Support of Shared Pilot Facilities to Increase Their Impact on the Key Enabling Technology Industrial Biotech and the European Bio-Economy
(Smart Pilots/Interreg Europe) SmartPilots' objective is to improve regional policies in support of Shared Pilot Facilities (SPF) to increase their impact on the Key Enabling technology (KET) Industrial Biotech and the bio-economy. The bio-economy adresses societal challenges such as climate change, sustainable
May 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Bacteria Take a Deadly Risk to Survive
by Ilse Frederickx. Translated by Katrien Bollen (KU Leuven) Bacteria need mutations or changes in their DNA code to survive under difficult circumstances. When necessary, they can even mutate at different speeds. This is shown in a recent study by the
May 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Scientists Develop ‘Grassoline’ to Power Airplanes of the Future
(Indian Express Tech) In the quest of more sustainable energy sources, scientists have developed 'grassoline' - a biofuel derived from grass that could one day power airplanes. Researchers investigated methods that can disintegrate and treat grass until it can be used
April 03, 2017 Read Full Article
UPM Biofuels Wins Pulp and Paper Industry's Bio Strategy Award 2016
(UPM) UPM has received the PPI Bio Strategy Award 2016 for its biofuels business in Brussels, Belgium.The PPI Awards are the only global awards that are dedicated to recognizing the achievements of companies, mills and individuals in the pulp and
November 28, 2016 Read Full Article
Q&A: Alcogroup Says Ethanol Is Key to GHG Targets
(Argus Media) Belgium-based ethanol producer Alcogroup's chief executive Charles-Albert Peers spoke to Argus about near-term prospects for the European ethanol market following the introduction of gasoline with a maximum blended volume of 10pc ethanol (E10) in Belgium in 2017, and
November 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Bacteria Turn Trees into Pollution-Eating Machines
by Anthony King (Horizon Magazine) Hacking trees by adding bacteria to their roots could help scrub contaminated soil clean of chemicals and metals from industrial spillages and fallouts, a process known as gentle remediation. Once the approach is refined, it could
November 14, 2016 Read Full Article
BIOHEC-LIFE - Advanced Biodiesel in Circular Economy for Low Carbon Public Transports.
(European Commission) ... Used cooking oils (UCOs) are processed from food industry and catering waste; cheap and widely available, they are playing an increasing role in the development of advanced biofuels. However, although the legislative framework is in place,
November 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Maersk, Cargill and 49 Others from Industry Call on International Maritime Organization to Set Ambitious Emissions Objective
(Hellenic Shipping News/Danish Shipowners’ Association) The Danish Shipowners’ Association, Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association, Maersk, Scandlines, J. Lauritzen, Unifeeder, and 45 other businesses and organisations across the shipping and marine industry are calling for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to act
October 20, 2016 Read Full Article
Come to Bioenergy Country: or, the Bioenergy Countries’ Report
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the EU, the International Energy Agency has released its Bioenergy Countries’ Report, outlining the national renewable energy targets, total primary energy supply and contribution of bioenergy. We’ve presented the information relating to EU counties, below.
October 06, 2016 Read Full Article
European Biodiesel Supply Chain Organizes Sustainability Debate at European Parliament
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, the European Biodiesel Board along with FEDIOL and the European Oilseed Alliance is organizing a dinner event in the European Parliament on October 12 discussing the future of sustainable biodiesel. Speakers include Prof.
September 30, 2016 Read Full Article
SuperBIO Project to Support EU Bioeconomy Innovation
(Bio Base Europe/Biomass Magazine) SuperBIO is an innovation project supported through the EU Horizon2020 funding program. The € 3.8 million ($4.24 million) project supports the development of promising industrial value chains in the bioeconomy. It therefore engages with the EU
September 03, 2016 Read Full Article
Petroleum Today, Bio Tomorrow, BIOFOREVER
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, the BIOFOREVER consortium of 14 European companies emerged from stealth with the news that they have started their demonstration project for the conversion of woody biomass to value adding chemical building blocks. BIOFOREVER intends
September 02, 2016 Read Full Article
SuperBIO: Building and Supporting New Bio-Based Value Chains with SMEs
(SuperBIO) The project runs from 1st of June 2016 until 30th of November 2018. Applications can be submitted until 31st of July 2018. Project background and aim: SuperBIO is a Horizon2020 innovation project that aims to develop and support at least
August 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Report Features Data on EU Pellet, Biogas Markets
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network provides an overview of the European Union’s biofuel market, including data on wood pellets and biogas. Regarding pellets, the report explains that
August 02, 2016 Read Full Article
This Scottish Company Is Turning Whiskey Waste into Fuel
by Jonathon Ramsey (The Drive) Enterprising Scots hope to save the world -- with the help of good scotch -- As though scotch weren't already the world's greatest beverage, one Scottish company plans on using it to help save the world.
July 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Where Did Biofuels Technologies Come from?
by Gerald Kutney (Lee Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... From the time of the caveman until the early Industrial Revolution, biofuels – namely wood and the advanced biofuel of the day, charcoal – reigned supreme. Both fossil fuels and biofuels originate from biomass. The
June 02, 2016 Read Full Article
Report Quantifies Employment, Turnover Impacts of EU Bioeconomy
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A recent study commissioned by the Belgium-based Biobased Industries Consortium has determined the European bioeconomy employs 18.3 million people and results in €2.1 trillion ($23.14 trillion) in turnover. Of the €2.1 trillion in turnover, 19
March 21, 2016 Read Full Article
€2.1 Trillion Revenues and 18.3M Jobs: The European Bioeconomy, Demystified
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the EU, the European bioeconomy is generating 18.3 million jobs and driving €2.1 trillion in annual revenue in the E28, says nova-insitut, in report for the Bio-based Industries Consortium just now released. What is the
March 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Ultimate Review: The Unlimited Biotech Potential of Algae
(Labiotech.eu) Is the Future of Biotech…Green? The Algae Industry ranges from Biofuels to Nutrition to Fashion and Microalgae hold lots of potential for the industry to expand. But why? And do Venture Capitalists agree? Microalgae have already been established as incredibly valuable
February 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Avril Targets France's Higher Biodiesel Blending Needs with New Plant
(Reuters) Avril aims to meet demand from higher French biodiesel blending levels with output from a 100,000-tonne-per-year plant it opened on France's Mediterranean coast on Wednesday, the chief executive of the European Union's largest maker of the biofuel said. The facility
October 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Ten Billion Euros of Investment in Advanced Biofuels
by James Cogan At a time when carbon emissions should be dropping by 40%-80% EU transport emissions will actually increase by that amount, becoming the number one EU contributor to catastrophic global warming. -- Transport emissions can only be reduced in
October 29, 2015 Read Full Article
More Biofuel, Using Less Land
by Éanna Kelly (Science|Business) The problem: Finding efficient ways of producing ethanol from cellulose plant material such as corn husks or stalks, is a long-term research objective. The answer: Now scientists at KU Leuven have succeeded in producing what they claim to
October 28, 2015 Read Full Article
Researcher Receives Grant to Improve Biofuel Production
by Michelle Fredrickson (WSU News) A researcher at Washington State University has received a three-year $450,000 federal grant to develop computer models for using iron to more efficiently refine bio-oils and make better biofuels. Jean-Sabin McEwen, assistant professor in the Voiland
October 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Scania Showcases Broad Range of Alternative Fuel Vehicles at Busworld
(NGV Journal) Scania will unveil the industry’s broadest range of alternative fuel vehicles at Busworld in Kortrijk on 16-21 October. Scania now offers buses and coaches for all operations – from dense city traffic to demanding coach operations – expressly
October 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Belgian Scientists Look for Biofuel Clues in Panda Poo
by Robert-Jan Bartunek (Reuters) Belgian researchers are examining the excrement of giant pandas to try to understand how they can digest tough bamboo, hoping for clues on how to develop new generations of biofuel. The genetic make-up of endangered pandas is that
September 28, 2015 Read Full Article
Belgian Solar Car Produced with Bio-Based rRsins to Compete at the World Solar Challenge 2015
(Cardolite Corporation, SHD composite Materials Ltd and Solvay) Cardolite Corporation, SHD composite Materials Ltd and Solvay are supporting the Punch Powertrain Solar Team from the University of Leuven in building the PunchOne, a Belgian solar car based on bio-based resins. The Punch One, that
September 28, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel Use in International Markets: The Importance of Trade
by Jayson Beckman (US Department of Agriculture) Global biofuel production rose tremendously over 2001-13, led largely by rapid growth in the United States and the European Union (EU). Brazil, the second largest biofuel producer, doubled its production in that span. A
September 03, 2015 Read Full Article
How The World's Largest Steel Manufacturer Is Trying To Go Green
by Esha Chhabra (Forbes) ... Producing steel is a dirty business, yielding in massive quantities of carbon dioxide and monoxide. In fact, over 50 percent of the carbon used in manufacturing steel turns into carbon monoxide. Perhaps that’s why ArcelorMittal, which manufactures
September 02, 2015 Read Full Article
VITO’s Algae Research
(Algae Industry Magazine) VITO is a leading Belgium-based independent research and technology organization in the areas of cleantech and sustainable development, and a pioneer regarding research into algae. They focus on the harvesting, medium reuse and downstream processing. VITO and
August 24, 2015 Read Full Article
EnAlgae Research Points to Seaweed as Sustainable Feedstock of the Future
(EnAlgae) Studies conducted by EnAlgae partners in Ireland, France and Belgium point the way to seaweed being a viable and sustainable feedstock for the future in North West Europe (NWE). This is the conclusion of a new paper entitled “Comparative environmental
August 21, 2015 Read Full Article
6.1% Increase in Consumption of Biofuels for European Transport
by Oscar Schneider (The Burssels Times) Use of biofuels for European transport increased by 6.1% in 2014 following a decrease in the previous year, according to initial estimates by EurObserv'Er, the renewable energy observatory. It still remains lower than in 2012. Consumption
August 05, 2015 Read Full Article
New Holland Partners with State University of New York on Biomass Research
(New Holland) Following the United States Department of Energy’s announcement to award State University of New York up to $3.5 million to fund a research project that seeks to develop ways to reduce the cost of delivering biomass for refinement,
July 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Seaweed as a Sustainable Feedstock of the Future
(Algae Industry Magazine) Studies conducted by EnAlgae partners in Ireland, France and Belgium point the way to seaweed being a viable and sustainable feedstock for the future in North West Europe (NWE). This is the conclusion of a new paper
July 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Steel’s Big Dog Jumps into Low Carbon Fuels: ArcelorMittal, LanzaTech, Primetals Technologies to Construct $96M Biofuel Production Facility
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) First plant will produce 14 million gallons per year by 2018; first production train online in 2017. More plants to come? Up to 150 mgy potential in Europe, ArcelorMittal says; culmination of work since 2011. In
July 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Flogas Group Signs Letter of Intent with Sparks-based Alkcon Corporation
(Alcon Corporation) Alkcon Corporation (the "Company"), a developer of natural gas processing equipment, has entered into an exclusivity agreement and a Letter of Intent with Flogas Group ("Flogas") of Leicestershire, England. The agreement grants Flogas the exclusive right to market and sell the
July 10, 2015 Read Full Article
European Biomass Conference and Exhibition 2015: Biomass: Challenges and Promises
by Maija Sihvonen* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 23rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) held in Vienna 1-4 June was a massive event with nearly 1300 participants from 76 countries and some 800 presentations. The event consisted of multiple parallel
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
EnAlgae Research on Algae’s Sustainability
(Algae Industry Magazine) Two research papers recently published by EnAlgae scientists point to real potential advantages in using algae as a feed ingredient and as a wastewater treatment, but only with further improvements in algal technology. ... The first paper is an
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Nebraska Governor Talks Biofuels in Europe
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts is on an agricultural trade mission trip to the European Union with stops in Italy, Belgium, and Denmark. The trade mission, being coordinated jointly by the Nebraska Departments of Agriculture and Economic Development, includes
June 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Researchers Find Way to Turn Sawdust into Gasoline
(KU Leuven/Biomass Magazine) Researchers at KU Leuven’s Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis have successfully converted sawdust into building blocks for gasoline. Using a new chemical process, they were able to convert the cellulose in sawdust into hydrocarbon chains. These
December 05, 2014 Read Full Article
EU Encourages Action on Advanced Biofuels
(Biofuels International) Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels (LSB), an industry coalition to promote advanced biofuels, met on 4 December at the European Parliament with Members of the European Parliament, Commission representatives, and stakeholders in Brussels. LSB, which is chaired by
December 05, 2014 Read Full Article
EnAlgae Publishes “State of the Industry” Guides for NW Europe
(Algae Industry Magazine) EnAlgae, a research partnership drawing on expertise across seven EU Member States, has announced the publication of six reports on their website looking at the state of the algae industry across countries in North West Europe. Produced by FNR
August 28, 2014 Read Full Article
Innovations in PLA Technology: Review of OBIC Webinar
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a polyester derived from renewable raw materials such as corn, cassava (tapioca) and other plants. Compared to other bio-based polymers (such as PET, PE) PLA is considered a greener alternative
August 15, 2014 Read Full Article
New Council of International Biotech Associations Formed
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) An international confederation of biotechnology trade associations announced today the ratification of bylaws creating the International Council of Biotechnology Associations (ICBA), with the expressed purpose of advocating for public policies that support the growth of the innovative
July 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Celtic Renewables Raises $2M, Partners with Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Celtic Renewables raises $2M, partners with Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant Celtic Renewables, the Edinburgh-based biofuel company, has signed an agreement with Europe’s foremost biotechnology pilot facility to undergo next stage testing of its process to
June 26, 2014 Read Full Article
Fishing For Profit
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol producers looking for the next big market for distillers grains may want to seriously consider aquaculture feed. “For a variety of reasons, we’re just at beginning phases of seeing the potential for a significant
June 04, 2014 Read Full Article
InteSusAl Project Building One-Hectare Demo Unit
(Algae Industry Magazine) The InteSusAl Consortium of biotechnology experts has started building a one-hectare unit in Southern Portugal that will demonstrate an innovative integrated approach to produce microalgae biomass with biodiesel validation in a sustainable manner. The demonstration pilot unit is one of
May 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Ethanol from Energy Beets: A Viable Option?
by Bruce Dorminey (Renewable Fuel World) US farmers are exploring the use of energy beets to produce ethanol. Requiring less water and containing more sugar than corn, they could be just what the market needs. Corn remains the undisputed ethanol king.
April 24, 2014 Read Full Article
Axens, Total And IFPEN Launch Ethanol-To-Ethylene Technology
(Axens/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Axens, Total and IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) have launched Atol, an innovative technology for bioethylene production through dehydration of bioethanol. Atol is a technology for the profitable production of polymer grade bio-ethylene by dehydration of 1G and 2G-renewable
April 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Transgenic Trees Make Easy-Chew Wood for Biofuels
by Richard Van Noorden (Science Magazine) The poplars in the greenhouse near John Ralph’s laboratory show no outward signs of weakness, but they have a secret soft spot. Thanks to genetic engineering, their wood contains an artificial molecule that makes it
April 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Paraguay Exports Fuel Ethanol to Brazil: Sources
by Alessandra Rosete (Platts) Small volumes of fuel ethanol from Paraguay were recently exported to Brazil, sources said Thursday. Brazilian trading houses purchased 5 million liters (1.32 million gallons) to be delivered in trucks to the states of Mato Grosso do
April 01, 2014 Read Full Article
EU’s Struggle for E10
by Robert Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) For European ethanol producers, E15 is still a distant dream. In the EU, the struggle is to get from E5 to E10. The legislation to offer E10 has been in place since 2009 but its
March 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Lignin’s Big Leap
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Still seeking commercial-scale opportunities, Lignol continues to collaborate with companies that are eager to buy high-purity lignin in bulk. Is this abundant byproduct of pulp and paper milling and biorefining poised for new and
March 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Supercomputer Exposes Biofuel Enzyme's Secrets
by Heather Lammers (National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Renewable Energy World Magazine) Thanks to newer and faster supercomputers, today's computer simulations are opening hidden vistas to researchers in all areas of science. These powerful machines are used for everything from understanding how proteins work
February 27, 2014 Read Full Article
Field Trial with Lignin Modified Poplars Shows Potential for Bio-Based Economy, but Also that Work Still Needs to Be Done
(VIB) The results of a field trial with genetically modified poplar trees in Zwijnaarde, Belgium, shows that the wood of lignin modified poplar trees can be converted into sugars in a more efficient way. These sugars can serve as the
January 02, 2014 Read Full Article
More Efficient Production of Biofuels from Waste with the Help of Modified Yeasts
(Phys.Org) ... Researchers from VIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology) who are associated with KU Leuven have developed yeast strains that produce bio-ethanol from waste with an unprecedented efficiency. As a result, they are well placed to become important players on a
August 30, 2013 Read Full Article
Want Better Biofuels? Get the Wood Out
(Science Magazine) Addition by subtraction. By removing a specific gene, researchers reduced the amount of lignin (stained red) by 36% in cells in a plant’s stem, making it easier to recover sugar-rich parts of the plant that can be converted to
August 19, 2013 Read Full Article
Innovation Coupons Worth € 10.000 to Assess the Feasibility of an Innovative Bio-Based Idea
(Bio Base NWE) The project Bio Base NWE is funded under the Interreg IVB NWE framework and has the objective to support the development of the bio-based economy in North West Europe (see www.biobasenwe.org for additional info). Within Bio Base
May 03, 2013 Read Full Article
Ministers Block EU Proposal to Limit Some Biofuels
(EurActiv) Several European ministers are blocking the EU’s proposal to curb the use of conventional biofuels, while some dispute claims the demand for crop-based oils drives deforestation and food insecurity in other parts of the world. A majority of EU environment
March 26, 2013 Read Full Article
Energy Farms: Is the Time Ripe?
by Peter Brown (Biodiesel Magazine/ Euro Marketing Tools) Biodiesel, ethanol and livestock production, wind turbines and photovoltaic installments situated in close proximity make energy—and economic—sense The concept is that if alternate forms of energy can be produced that are nonpolluting, renewable, provide
March 23, 2013 Read Full Article
Global Greenhouse Gas Implications of Land Conversion to Biofuel Crop Cultivation in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands – Lessons Learned from Jatropha
by W.M.J. Achten, A. Trabucco, W.H. Maes, L.V. Verchot, R. Aerts, E. Mathijs, P. Vantomme, V.P. Singh, B. Muys (ScienceDirect.com/Journal of Arid Environments) Biofuels are considered as a climate-friendly energy alternative. However, their environmental sustainability is increasingly debated because of land
January 29, 2013 Read Full Article
Heard it Through the Grapevine: Useful Facts and Scuttlebutt from the Algae Biomass Summit
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Jobs, global expansion, proteins vs fuels, new R&D funding – all the big issues are under debate both on and off the floor at the Algae Biomass Summit. ...Jobs Dr. John Benemann projected on stage that,
September 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Jatropha Trials Planned to Help Boost Rural Panamanian Economy
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) Panama Green Fuels, an entity working to establish biodiesel infrastructure within Panama, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the director of the country’s National School of Agriculture (IDIAP) to use the school’s land to