by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Douglas B. Rivers, PhD,from Sunflwr Consulting and a member of Lee Enterprises Consulting offers this illuminating overview and more READ MORE
biochar
Back TO HOMEBiochar Science and Market: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Biochar
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hugh McLaughlin, PhD, PE, a technical expert in pyrolysis, biochar and activated carbon, and Gerald Kutney, PhD, a business expert in pyrolysis and biochar, and both members of Lee Enterprises Consulting offer this illuminating perspective on
February 18, 2019 Read Full Article
So Hot It’s on Fire!: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Biochar-Based Activated Carbon
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) William Naylor, activated carbon expert of Naylor Consulting and member of Lee Enterprises Consulting offers this illuminating overview of biochar-based activated carbons, their advantages, and more. Lee Enterprises Consulting is the world’s largest bioeconomy consulting group with
February 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Christmas Trees to Paint and Sweeteners, Newly Discovered Protein, Hemp Beard Oils, Potato Waste Fiberboard, Biobased Outdoor Apparel and Cosmetics, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of January 10th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of January 10th. In today’s Digest, Christmas trees to paint and sweeteners, newly discovered protein, hemp beard
January 11, 2019 Read Full Article
New Study Touts Agricultural, Environmental Benefits of Biochar
(North Dakota State University/Phys.Org) The many benefits of a biomass-made material called biochar are highlighted in a new publication in which Ghasideh Pourhashem, assistant professor at NDSU's Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials and Center for Sustainable Materials Science, is the
December 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Brain Regeneration, Data Storage with Biocomputers, Plastic from Waste Gases, Bamboo Diapers, Gene-Edited Wheat, Jackets from Bison Fluff : The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of November 29th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of November 29th. ... #3 Munich researchers use algae to convert waste gas to carbon fiber In Germany, researchers
November 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Major Trump Administration Climate Report Says Damage Is ‘Intensifying across the Country’
by Brady Dennis and Chris Mooney (Washington Post) Scientists are more certain than ever that climate change is already affecting the United States — and that it is going to be very expensive. The federal government on Friday released a long-awaited report with an unmistakable
November 23, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Anaergia
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Anaergia is the world leader in solving waste problems by recovering energy, water, and fertilizer from virtually any waste stream. While Anaergia was built on the foundations of highly capable and experienced acquisitions, focused investments on
November 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Part of the Answer to Climate Change May Be America’s Trees and Dirt, Scientists Say
by Brad Plumer (New York Times) ... A new study published on Wednesday, however, found that better management of forests, grasslands and soils in the United States could offset as much as 21 percent of the country’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. At
November 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Report on the Thermochemical Sciences Symposium at Auburn University
by Leyla Battista-Channell* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Auburn, Alabama: Home to the Auburn tigers, the “loveliest village on the plains,” and this year’s host to the Thermochemical Sciences Symposium. Previously held at other universities, why Auburn University this year? The Biosystems
November 12, 2018 Read Full Article
‘Dirt Rich’ — The Importance of Biochar and Regenerative Systems for Soil Health
(Mercola) The creators of Dirt Rich are allowing for a full exclusive stream through October 12, 2018. STORY AT-A-GLANCE An estimated 80 percent of soil carbon in heavily farmed areas has been lost due to destructive plowing, overgrazing and the use of carbon-depleting chemical
October 08, 2018 Read Full Article
United States Biochar Initiative 2018 Conference: “The Carbon Link in Watershed Ecosystem Services” Stories from Stockholm to Virginia
by Bill Keba* (Advanced Biofuels USA) My wife checked my fishing gear upon learning that I was attending the Biochar 2018 Conference in Wilmington, Delaware. Why? She thought I made up “biochar” and the conference as a way escape to
September 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Biochar and Torrefied Biomass Short Course --- October 24-25, 2018 --- University Park, PA
Organized by: Penn State Extension and the Penn State Biomass Energy Center, with generous support from the Northeast Sun Grant program. About the Event Biochar and torrefied biomass represent two dramatic oportunities for energy and product development in the emerging bio-economy. However,
August 13, 2018 Read Full Article
How Is CAAFI Engaging with Emerging Companies, and What Early-Stage Pathways Should SAJF Stakeholders Be Aware of?
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuel Initiative) ... Feedstocks: The companies are pursuing various feedstock categories, including algae, cellulosics, lipids, sugars, oilseeds, tall oil residue, and sugars. Most of the companies were only pursuing one feedstock category, with only a couple continuing
August 06, 2018 Read Full Article
NCDA&CS Grant Supports Research of Biochar Combined with AD
(Appalachian State University/Biomass Magazine) Thanks to a $98,599 grant from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), a team of professors in Appalachian State University’s Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, along with Hei-Young Kim, research assistant in
July 11, 2018 Read Full Article
EU Backs Industrial-Scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Project and Camelina Cultivation Research
(GreenAir Online) A new EU-backed project has been launched to demonstrate the first industrial-scale production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Europe. The four-year BIO4A initiative will also investigate the potential of reclaiming dry marginal land at risk of
June 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Accelerating Ag Innovation: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the USDA Agricultural Research Service
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. ARS conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority and provide information access and dissemination to:
May 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Clean Electricity Generation: Partnership Makes Biofuel Accessible to Everyone -- Biocoal Alternative Fuel for Power Production and Heating
(Clean Electricity Generation/PR Newswire) At several locations around the world, a partnership of international companies will start construction of facilities, where biocoal will be produced on a commercial scale. This biocoal can be used as sustainable fuel in power plants and
April 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Advanced to Go: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Ensyn
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ensyn uses its patented and proprietary RTP fast thermal technology to convert wood residues and other non-food, cellulosic biomass to liquid biofuels. Ensyn has had continuous commercial operations for more than 25 years. Its technology has
April 13, 2018 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: Biomass Carbonization & Torrefaction Summit --- April 16, 2018
The Biomass Carbonization & Torrefaction Summit is a one-day, intensive conversation about the promise of upgrading biomass streams via torrefaction or the production of biochar and the markets that await the developers and producers who can scale-up and efficiently manufacture
April 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Bioemergent Materials: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Alternative Natural Rubber Development
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “What would industrial progress be without natural rubber?” asks Rubber Journal Asia. “It’s hardly imaginable.” Listed as one of our four most important natural resources (the others being air, water, and petroleum and rubber), it is
March 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Diesel with 89% Lower GHGs: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Synpet Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Synpet was founded in 2014 as a developer of a synthetic petroleum (SYNPET) business using its Thermal Conversion Process. TCP breaks down organic waste materials by using heat, pressure and water to produce oil and other co-products. SYNPET uses
March 08, 2018 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: Forestry Management and Biochar --- February 26, 2018
Maintaining and restoring forests while also reducing hazards can result in significant amounts of biomass. Introducing biochar production in lieu of burning slash piles can offer both economic and environmental benefits. Three researchers from the U.S. Forestry Service, Dr. Deb
February 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Company Official Shares Biofuel Plant Details
by Tina Alvey (The Register-Herald) PPD of WV is putting together the final financial pieces of the puzzle, in hopes of breaking ground on its new biofuel plant near Sam Black Church this spring, according to company official Jason Perry. Perry spoke
January 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Study Suggests Biochar Could Significantly Improve Anaerobic Digester Performance
(Bioenergy Insight) In a paper by Texas A&M scientists, biochar shows potential for increasing efficiency of the anaerobic digestion of animal manure. Biochar is a charcoal material composed of agricultural by-products, including manure, crop residues and grasses. The substance can be used as a
January 12, 2018 Read Full Article
N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative Announces Grant Recipients
(North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative recently awarded $1 million in grants for 11 research projects to boost bioenergy opportunities and production in the state. ... Below is a list of grant amounts, recipients
January 05, 2018 Read Full Article
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: USBI Biochar 2018 — August 20-23, 2018 — Wilmington, DE DEADLINE: March 1, 2018
USBI Biochar 2018 is the largest event in North America dedicated to advancing the sustainable production and use of biochar through scientific and engineering research, policy development, field practice, and technology transfer. This year's theme: "The Carbon Link in Watershed
December 29, 2017 Read Full Article
The FBA Organizes a Series of Finnish Biochar Workshops, Posts Selected Presentations
(Suomenbiohiili.info) ... The 2nd Finnish Biochar Workshop was successfully held in Tampere on 4 December 2017, we had participants representing the whole Finnish biochar sector: companies, researchers and local municipalities. The event was organized by Finnish Biochar Association and Forest Biochar research group
December 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Top 17 for 2017
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) 2017 was a roller coaster year. There was a paradigm shift in biofuels, technology advancements, innovations abounded, politics chaotic. Some companies shut down and disappeared like the Hobo vanishing in the snow atop the Polar
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
New Feedstocks, New Targets, New Processes: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory is the only federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. NREL — home to the National Bioenergy Center — advances
December 20, 2017 Read Full Article
No Crop Left Behind: Inside the USDA’s Bioeconomy Feedstock Strategy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... You’d be forgiven if you mistook Ahb Subi Banr-Sbar for a well-placed official in the Iranian government — but, in fact, it’s a 9-project network to facilitate the development of regionally-based industries producing advanced biofuels, industrial
November 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Synthetic Petroleum: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Synpet Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Synpet Technologies is a Turkish-US company founded in 2014, which operates a 15 ton/day demonstration facility in Pasakoy, Turkey. The company developed its Thermal Conversion Process, which breaks down organic waste materials by using heat, pressure and water to produce
October 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Unprecedented Insight into ‘Miraculous’ Biochar
(Bioenergy Insight) ... Led by the University of Tuebingen in Germany, and involving researchers from the US Colorado State University, the new research published in the journal Nature Communications has provided a mechanistic understanding of biochar’s properties. The research revealed how
October 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuel Production with the Sun, the Sea and Thermochemical Reactions
by Marcius Extavour (XPRIZE/Biofuels Digest) ... Hydrocarbon drop-in fuels are among the leading products targeted by the CO2 conversion community, be it diesel, methanol, butanol, or others. New approaches to the science and technology of CO2-to-fuels may alter the energetics, the economics,
October 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Top 10 Wood Waste Projects – Not Letting Waste Go to Waste
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Regardless of which side of the fence you are on, the chopping continues and there are literally tons of wood waste left behind that doesn’t get used up, but we can all agree we
October 02, 2017 Read Full Article
Secretary of Energy Rick Perry Announces Nearly $20 Million To Help Commercialize Promising Energy Technologies
(U.S. Department of Energy) U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry announced $19.7 million in funding to help businesses move promising energy technologies from DOE’s National Laboratories to the marketplace. This second Department-wide round of funding through the Office of Technology Transition’s
September 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Bounding Maine: Top 10 Companies Targeting Maine’s Forest Resource for Higher-Value Apps
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... But pulp and paper markets have taken big hits. Headlines have centered around damaged balance sheets that make it difficult to modernize or expand, mothballed plants, bankruptcies, job losses that have struck hard at northern
September 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Rising from the Ashes: Renewable Silica from Rice Husk Ash
(Biofuels Digest) At 758.8 million tonnes (503.6 million tonnes, milled basis), world paddy production in 2017 would stand 0.8 percent, or 5.8 million tons, above a revised estimate for 2016. The comparatively modest year-on-year increase mirrors constraints posed by tight
September 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Synthesis Using Chicken Manure Biochar and Waste Cooking Oil
by Jong-MinJung, et al. (Biosource Technology) Biodiesel synthesis using chicken manure biochar. Establish a green platform for producing biodiesel using chicken manure biochar. Enhanced yield of biodiesel using chicken manure biochar due to strong catalytic capability. 95.6% of the FAME yield using chicken
August 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Sanga Moses Is on a Crusade
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On 15th January, 2009, Sanga Moses travelled to his village in Uganda, in East Africa, to visit his mother. It was a day that would change his life. On his way home, he met his 12 year old sister
June 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Biomass Pyrolysis Comes of Age
by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) After many years of development biomass pyrolysis is finally maturing as a commercial technology. Pyrolysis is not incineration. The goal is to use heat in the absence of oxygen to convert the biomass
June 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Are Advanced Biofuels Ready for Takeoff?
by John Fialka (E&E News/Climatewire) ... As a major U.S. exporter that has dealings with over 150 countries, Boeing had worked with airlines in the development of more fuel-efficient aircraft and better flying practices. Now it helped form and lead the Sustainable
May 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Turning Sewage Sludge into Fuels and Hydrogen
(Recycling Magazine) TO-SYN-FUEL is a project funded by Horizon 2020 EU’s new research and innovation programme, with the aim to build-up, operate and demonstrate the production of Synthetic Fuels and Green Hydrogen from waste biomass. ... Twelve SME, industrial, and scientific partners,
May 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Rapid Advancement: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to the Nation’s 10th Manufacturing USA Institute – RAPID
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last December , the U.S. Department of Energy announced it would support the country’s 10th Manufacturing USA Institute with $70 million over five years, subject to federal appropriations. Another $70 million is expected from RAPID’s partners, including
May 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Interra and the Pursuit of Soil Magic via Affordable Biochar
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The world of feedstocks is watching biochar very carefully these days, and for good reason. Although it might feel quite a long ways upstream from the world of making and upgrading liquid fuels — affordable,
May 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Old Town Mill Eyed for Full-Scale Plant to Turn Wood Pulp into Ingredient for Diesel, Jet Fuel
by Tux Turkel (Portland Press Herald) 'The biggest obstacle now is financing,' says Stephen Fitzpatrick, president of Biofine Technology LLC, which is partnering with UMaine on a pilot plant at the site. -- The former Old Town Fuel and Fiber
May 04, 2017 Read Full Article
The King of Biofuels: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Pyrolysis’ Progress and Prospects, Pt 2
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Not long ago, George Huber and Robert Brown wrote in a special issue of Energy Technology of their desire to “highlight recent advances in pyrolysis technologies and to discuss the critical research needs of this
April 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Introducing Biochar: Climate Change Solution or Greenwash Nightmare?
by Steve Horn (DeSmog) After years of investigating biochar, which promoters have touted as a potential climate change fix, DeSmog is releasing its findings on the science, claims, and controversy surrounding this approach to sequestering carbon. Biochar is the product of plant or animal products (biomass) undergoing
March 27, 2017 Read Full Article
BioChar’s Buzzing and Cool Planet’s $20M Cap Raise Is Feeding It
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Colorado, Cool Planet has closed on $19.3 million in Series A financing and note conversion to commercialize its Cool Terra and Cool Fauna engineered biocarbon products. This latest round of funding was led by
March 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Vega Biofuels to Provide Biochar to Alaska’s Legal Cannabis Industry
(Vega Biofuels) Vega Biofuels, Inc. (OTCPink:VGPR) announced today that it has signed a five year Agreement to provide the Company’s Biochar to legal cannabis growers in Alaska. The state of Alaska is the most recent state to legalize both medical
March 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Argonne National Laboratory Develops New System to Enhance AD Process
(Bioenergy Insight) US-based science and engineering centre Argonne National Laboratory has developed technology that synergistically uses two waste biomass streams to generate two bioproducts and enhance the process of anaerobic digestion (AD). According to the organisation, the digestion of wastewater can
March 07, 2017 Read Full Article
ICM to Build Showcase Biorefinery Next to Its Kansas Headquarters
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) ICM Inc. will build a new state-of-the-art biorefinery—dubbed ICM Element—next to its headquarters in Colwich, Kansas. The facility will showcase the company’s cutting-edge technologies. ... Elements are nature’s building blocks and the world is searching for cleaner, sustainable, renewable
March 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Technology Converts Wastewater Sludge to Renewable Natural Gas
(U.S. Department of Energy) Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) has developed technology that synergistically uses two waste biomass streams to generate two bioproducts. The technology enhances the process of anaerobic digestion of wastewater sludge by incorporating biomass-derived, carbon-sequestering char within the
February 28, 2017 Read Full Article
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: 2nd Global Soil Biodiversity Conference--Biochar for Soil Biota and Biodiversity --- October 15-19, 2017 --- Nanjing, China DEADLINE: April 1, 2017
Call for abstract submission: Session 15, Biochar for Soil Biota and Biodiversity Scope and aim: Over the last 5 years, interests in biochar research and technology development as well as production have been growing across policy makers, institutions, business sectors and
February 27, 2017 Read Full Article
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS and POSTERS: Biochar: Production, Characterization and Applications — August 20-25, 2017 — Alba, Italy DEADLINES: June 30, 2017 (posters)
One-page abstracts should be submitted as soon as possible and no later than the deadlines. The abstract should include both the significance of the research as well as results that will be discussed to allow a scientific assessment of the
February 16, 2017 Read Full Article
Top 10 Bioeconomy Predictions for 2017
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2017? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2016 gives way
January 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Iowa State to Manage Biorefinery Projects for New Manufacturing USA Institute
(Iowa State University) Iowa State University will bring its expertise in biorenewable technologies and pilot plant operations to the country’s 10th Manufacturing USA Institute. The recently announced advanced manufacturing institute is dedicated to improving the productivity and efficiency of chemical manufacturing.
December 27, 2016 Read Full Article
The Everglades Foundation Officially Kicks Off Search for Algae Bloom Solution with Four-year, $10-million Prize
(Everglades Foundation) The Everglades Foundation (The Foundation) today officially kicked off its four-year, $10-million George Barley Water Prize at the “Tapping Innovation: Breakthrough Thinking, Action & Awards” event at the Miami Science Barge, unveiling the winners of the first two
December 13, 2016 Read Full Article
Bioenergy Byproduct to Soil Savior
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Production and sale of biochar at biomass-using plants can result in significant financial gains, but the industry is still working at building its myriad of potential markets. -- ... While there may be hundreds of companies
November 15, 2016 Read Full Article
An Overview of the Current Biochar and Activated Carbon Markets
by Hugh McLaughlin (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) Biochar is an emerging market; growing rapidly, still in its infancy, but with gigaton market potential when we, as in humanity, start addressing the climate crisis. Activated carbons are a mature market of about
October 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Biochar Improves Crop Growth, Climate
(PR & D - Public Relations for Research & Education/Biomass Magazine) The use of biochar in agriculture improves soil fertility, especially in tropical regions, and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions. A project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF studied the
October 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Chevron’s Forgotten Biofuels Wonder-Tech Gets a Second Life at Iowa State
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You may recall that The Bloomberg investigative team of Ben Elgin & Peter Waldman in 2013 published an expose on Chevron claiming that the company had developed — then buried — a Catchlight Energy project
September 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Early-Stage, Breakthrough Technologies: Biofuels, 10 of the Best
by Lorenz Bauer and Gerald Kutney (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... In this report, we are focused on bioenergy and biofuels (and not bioproducts) that are moving from the lab to initial commercial demonstrations and that potentially solve significant barriers
August 26, 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
CAAFI Celebrates 10th Anniversary!
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) We are proud to announce the 10th Anniversary of the initiation of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) as of May 24, 2016, and more importantly, to reflect on the success we’ve achieved to date,
May 27, 2016 Read Full Article
Cool Planet Partners with J.R. Simplot Company to Distribute Innovative Cool Terra® Engineered Biocarbon™ Product to Improve Soil Health
(Cool Planet) Cool Planet is proud to announce a new distribution agreement with the J.R. Simplot Company, one of the largest privately held agricultural companies in the nation. Simplot will serve as a distributor for Cool Terra throughout the Western United States
April 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Cool Planet Raises $9m to Commercialize Co2 Sequestering Biocarbon Soil Input
by Louisa Burwood-Taylor (AgFunder News) Cool Planet, the biocarbon and biofuel producer, has raised $9 million in extra funding to commercialize its soil amendment product CoolTerra, which just earned a USDA Certified Biobased Product Label. ... But the majority of funding until
February 11, 2016 Read Full Article
How Royal Dutch Shell and Other Companies Are Trying to Make Petroleum Products from Municipal Waste
by Hari Pulakkat (Times of India/The Economic Times) ... Among the most advanced of the lot is Royal Dutch Shell, whose R&D centre in Bengaluru is now trying to scale up a process - called IH - to make petroleum
December 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Thoughtful Planning Is Essential To Meet The Renewable Fuel Standard
by Ghasideh Pourhashem (Forbes) ... Originally, along with energy security targets and diversifying U.S. fuel mix, the RFS was designed to lower the lifecycle GHG emissions and combustion-related smog from fossil fuel use. In recent years, as domestic energy production
December 16, 2015 Read Full Article
State Should Set Goals on Use of Low-Carbon Biofuel
by Dave Eames, Ethan N. Elkind (Sacramento Bee/Kansas City Star) New federal rules issued last week will boost biofuel production nationwide; Biofuel comes from a variety of agricultural crops, algae, forest residue; California has not taken full advantage of low-carbon biofuel production We use
December 08, 2015 Read Full Article
17 Pyromaniax Changing the Energy Landscape
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... 17 — count them, 17 — different pyrolytic technology centers in the UK ... Tyre Pyrolysis: 2G BioPOWER 2G BioPOWER is developing a UK pyrolysis project to convert used tyres into partially renewable oil, steel and carbon black,
October 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel Production Is Complex
by Len Calderone (Robotics Tomorrow/Altenergymag.com) Introduction of biofuels is proceeding so quickly, that the environmental risks of biofuel production are being disregarded. Without careful and thorough assessment and regulation, the promise of biofuels may well be delayed. ... Collecting feedstock to convert
September 23, 2015 Read Full Article
The New Tobacco Road: A Path beyond Smoking for America’s Traditional Cash Crop
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Tobacco’s been re-thought, re-engineered and re-invented as a platform for sustainable, low-carbon fuels, and green chemicals – who’s doing what, where and how? ... If tobacco’s reputation has fallen into disrepute on soil sustainability and smoking
September 10, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… J. Larry Cox, President, Green Diesel & Electric
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We sell and develop renewable fuel and electric plants. Our focus at this point is renewable ultra low sulfur diesel derived from cellulosic material including plastics. ... Our focus is to develop and promote renewable fuels
September 09, 2015 Read Full Article
BEI, Iowa State to Study Carbon Negative Energy
by Robert Mills (Iowa State University) Researchers from Iowa State University and the Bioeconomy Institute have been awarded nearly $2 million to study production of biochar for use as a soil amendment that stores carbon underground instead of allowing carbon
August 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Smithfield Foods' Hog Production Division and Tyton BioEnergy Systems Announce Research Partnership
(Smithfield Foods/Globe NewsWire) Smithfield Foods' Hog Production Division, Murphy-Brown, LLC, and Tyton BioEnergy Systems announced today a research partnership to develop new applications for Tyton's dedicated, non-smoking tobacco crop and the resulting soil amendment, filtration, and feed products within Smithfield's
August 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Cool Planet: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Curious about this advanced pyrolysis-based manufacturer of renewable fuels and soil amendment, but need something quick? Our 8-Slide Guide can help. 1. What is Cool Planet? The company self-describes as “poised to revolutionize the energy, food,
August 04, 2015 Read Full Article
The Pyromaniax, Class of 2015: The Top 10 Pyrolysis Projects in Renewable Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been around for a generation or so — fast pyrolysis, that is. Though in the original low-tech incarnation — known as “cooking fire” — pyrolysis has been around since the dawn of man. But
August 04, 2015 Read Full Article
World’s Largest Alternative & Renewable Fuels Consulting Group Announces Strategic Alliance with Zeton Inc
(Digital Journal/Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc.) Lee Enterprises Consulting Adds World Leader in Pilot Plant Design and Fabrication to Team of Experts -- Lee Enterprises Consulting, the world’s largest alternative and renewable fuels consulting group, is pleased to announce its strategic alliance
July 27, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Robert E. Fogg, President/CEO/GM, Q-Team Tree Service
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... we are interested in using our 2,000+ annual tons of wood waste in the off-season to create a product that we can sell for a profit. We have 27 acres of commercial property and up
July 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Plan to Convert Deteriorated Rice into Fuel
by Erich Parpart (The Nation) The Energy Ministry has been assigned by the government to help off-load around 5.89 million tonnes of deteriorated rice held in stockpiles with the plan at the first stage to convert around 1.3 million tonnes of
July 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Drive Your Car, Help Fight Climate Change? The New Biofuel that Claims to Be Carbon Negative
by Sarah Shemkus (The Guardian) Colorado-based startup Cool Planet says it has created a fuel that mixes seamlessly with gasoline and actually removes carbon from the atmosphere The entrepreneurs and innovators at Colorado-based Cool Planet are betting that a word you’ve probably
June 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Capturing the Full and Unrealized Value of Biofuels -- Market Mechanisms are Needed
by Ghasideh Pourhashem (Forbes) During the past decade, production of biofuels has gained momentum largely due to policies and mandates aimed at addressing energy security and climate change. ... But if the right kinds of policies are in place, biofuel-generating facilities will
May 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Australian Biomass Plant To Improve Soil, Sequester Carbon, & Produce Biofuel
by Ronald Brakels (CleanTechnica) A $10 million dollar pilot biomass plant will be constructed in the Western Australian Capital of Perth. ... The specific type of plants will be mallee crops. This somewhat broad category includes agricultural waste and crops that
March 09, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Barry Farquharson, CEO, Nova Green
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Nutrition products are edible, functional fibre, and diabetic safe sugars. Remnant becomes activated biochar, ultimately for super-capacitors. ... Improved private investor participation is the big roadblock. Established, profitable industries that don’t need incentives (such as oil/gas, which
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Vega Biofuels Named Key Player in Global Biochar Market Industry Analysis
(Vega Biofuels/Stock News Now/MarketWired) Biochar Market to Be Valued at $572 Million by 2020. VEGA BIOFUELS, INC. (OTC PINK: VGPR) announced today that a recent market research analysis named Vega as a "key player" in the fast growing Biochar market. Transparency
December 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Solanbridge Group Announces Reseller Agreement With Vega Biofuels SLNX to Market Biochar in Canada, Jamaica, and South Central Asia
(Accesswire/Solanbridge Group) Solanbridge Group Inc (OTC: SLNX) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Reseller Agreement with Georgia-based Vega BioFuels, Inc (OTC: VGPR) where Solanbridge has the opportunity to market Vega's Biochar product to its clients worldwide. Vega's Biochar
December 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Louisiana Biofuels Projects Help Spur Nationwide Green Jobs Growth
by Jennifer Larino (NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune) Louisiana added 225 jobs in the biofuels industry during the third quarter, ranking alongside states such as Texas and Connecticut for clean energy job growth, according to the latest Environmental Entrepreneurs report. The report, which
November 10, 2014 Read Full Article
4 minutes with…Wes Bolsen, Cool Planet, Strategic Partnerships
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... I would put the teeth back in RFS2, that actually had renewable fuel mandates with penalties, or converting RFS2 into a national LCFS program. ... Taking a step back and giving myself time to think is better
November 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Cool Planet Takes Big Steps toward Scale for Waste-to-Gasoline, Soil Amendment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA issues $91M loan guarantee conditional commit to Cool Planet. Obama Administration back building of the company’s first commercial plant in Louisiana, as it opens its first commercial-scale Cool Terra operation in California. In California, Cool
October 15, 2014 Read Full Article
University of Tennessee Publishes Learning Materials--Biochar Module for Middle and High School Students AND Online Course for Biomass Procurement Specialist-Switchgrass
The University of Tennessee's Southeastern Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems has published learning materials for students and professionals in their Learning Materials web pages. Using Biochar as a soil amendmentThe UT conversion team has created an education module that pertains to
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Cool Planet to Award Contract for $56 Million Biofuels Plant in Alexandria
by Jennifer Larino (NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune ) Cool Planet Energy Systems, a Colorado energy startup that aims to turn woodchips and other organic waste into gasoline as well as a crop-boosting soil enhancer, says it has started clearing land to build
August 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Answers for Your Questions about the Bioeconomy, Biofuels, Renewable Chemicals and Bioproducts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... With great sessions at conferences, delegates are usually keen to get a hold of the powerpoint decks. But how do you get a hold of the great Q&A that follows the presentations — or the
August 14, 2014 Read Full Article
Students Present Research at Ethanol Conference
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Several University of Minnesota students are giving the ethanol industry a preview of their cutting-edge research in biofuels, biochemicals and bioproducts during the 27th Annual Ethanol Conference in Minneapolis. One such student is Sahana Ramanna who is a
August 07, 2014 Read Full Article
Pyrolysis of Biomass for Fuels and Chemicals: NEWBio Webinar Report
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The June edition of the Northeast bioenergy webinar series by Northeast Woody/Warm-season Biomass Consortium (NEWBio) featured Kwesi Boateng - Lead Scientist at the United States Department of Energy, Agricultural Research Service, (USDA-ARS) Eastern Regional
June 13, 2014 Read Full Article
Hoke Refinery to Reopen Using Tobacco to Make Ethanol
by Matthew Burns (WRAL) A Virginia company plans to reopen an ethanol refinery in Hoke County, using tobacco as its primary feedstock, officials said Monday. The former Clean Burn Fuels biorefinery in Raeford has been idle for more than three
June 03, 2014 Read Full Article
10 Bellwether Biofuels & Biobased Projects for 2014
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Advanced biofuels – are plans turning into reality? Are development plans realistic? When these 10 projects open for business (or not) in 2014, you’ll know for sure. ...Well, the picture is incomplete. Plants like the Valero Darling renewable
April 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Of Auxins, Toxins and Raging Hormones: Does Biochar Really Work?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... One of the latest entries is a study out of the UK’s University of Southampton, with assist from researchers in Scotland and Italy, that delves into the pros and cons of the soil amendment known
April 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Cool Planet Breaks Ground on Commercial Facility
(Cool Planet/Biomass Magazine) Cool Planet Energy Systems, a technology company producing green fuels and biochar products, has broken ground on the company’s first commercial facility in Alexandria, La., dubbed Project Genesis. Permits have been received to begin earthwork and grading,
February 28, 2014 Read Full Article
New Policy Paper Discusses Future of the Biochar Industry
(University of Northern British Columbia) Biochar, a renewable charcoal-like product derived from burning organic matter in a high-temperature oxygen-limited kiln, could be a substitute for the coal and some of the natural gas burned in British Columbia, according to a
February 24, 2014 Read Full Article
Scientific Results Presented at 2013 ASA Annual Meeting Indicated: The Environmental Benefits of Biofuels Are Much More than We Had Thought
by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The substitution of fossil fuels by advanced biofuels per se has a huge impact on the environment through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, consequently mitigating global warming effects by the transportation
December 31, 2013 Read Full Article
2013 North American Biochar Symposium: Science, Passion and Practice
by Danilo Gusmao de Quadros (Advanced Biofuels USA)* Biochar is a black matter produced by pyrolysis of biomass (burned without or with a little amount of oxygen), which can be used as a soil amendment. Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process
November 25, 2013 Read Full Article
Biochar Quiets Microbes, Including Some Plant Pathogens
by Jade Boyd (Rice University) Synthetic biologists at Rice probe biochar’s impact on microbial signaling In the first study of its kind, Rice University scientists have used synthetic biology to study how a popular soil amendment called “biochar” can interfere with
November 22, 2013 Read Full Article
A Systematic Review of Biochar Research, with a Focus on Its Stability in situ and Its Promise as a Climate Mitigation Strategy
by Noel P. Gurwick, Lisa A. Moore, Charlene Kelly, Patricia Elias (PLOSone) Claims about the environmental benefits of charring biomass and applying the resulting “biochar” to soil are impressive. If true, they could influence land management worldwide. Alleged benefits include increased crop yields, soil
October 30, 2013 Read Full Article
Cool Planet Announces Commercial Trials of Biochar
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Cool Planet Energy Systems has announced the launch of its trademarked Cool Terra biochar for commercial agricultural trials. The company’s high-performance biochar soil amendments are designed for specific applications. Rick Wilson, vice president of biochar at
October 21, 2013 Read Full Article
Carbon Sequestration in Agricultural Soils (English)
(World Bank) The purpose of this report is to improve the knowledge base for facilitating investments in land management technologies that sequester soil organic carbon. While there are many studies on soil carbon sequestration, there is no single unifying volume
October 17, 2013 Read Full Article
Acritaz Greentech Taps Cool Planet System for Commercial Biorefineries in Malaysia
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Colorado, Cool Planet Energy Systems and Acritaz Greentech announced that they have signed an agreement to explore the building of multiple commercial facilities in Malaysia. The plan is to begin construction on the first plant
October 02, 2013 Read Full Article
Cool Planet for Biogasoline
by Rich Piellisch (Fleets and Fuels) Vehicle in Ventura ‘Brings Us One Step Closer to Commercializing’ Camarillo, Calif.-based Cool Planet is talking up the successful trial of its biomass-derived synthetic gasoline with the Ventura County Parks Department. There, officials ran a
August 28, 2013 Read Full Article
Cool Planet to Invest $168M in Louisiana – Stealthy Biotechnology Heads for Scale
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The complete Cool Planet story. What is it? Why transformational? What are the next steps? New venture will convert wood waste to gasoline. In Louisiana, Cool Planet Energy Systems CEO Howard Janzen, flanked by Louisiana Gov.
August 26, 2013 Read Full Article
Whoops: Soils Can't Lock Away Black Carbon or Biochar, Study Says.
by Tim Radford (The Daily Climate) Charcoal and other forms of black carbon do not, as previously thought, stay where they are buried. They migrate to the oceans and recirculate the carbon they contain. Climate scientists may have to rethink some
May 06, 2013 Read Full Article
Biochar Slashes Bioenergy Soil Emissions
by Tom Marshall (Planet Earth Online) Adding charcoal to land used to grow bioenergy crops can greatly increase their overall benefit in helping cut our greenhouse-gas emissions, scientists have shown. Applying so-called 'biochar' before planting energy crops can cut soil greenhouse-gas
April 08, 2013 Read Full Article
Biorefinery 2015 – The Shape of Advanced Biofuels to Come – Part II
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today in part II, we look at a new set of technologies coming along that are redefining our ideas about scale and cost. ... A barrier to long term deployment? The $11 per gallon average capital
March 26, 2013 Read Full Article
Team Develops Sustainable Process for Wastewater Algae to Biocrude
(FIS.com) A team at the University of Kansas has demonstrated the feasibility of an integrated wastewater algae-to-biocrude process using hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) that can sustainably cultivate algal biomass for biofuel production. A paper on their work is published in the
February 19, 2013 Read Full Article
New Initiative Equips Farmers to Combat Climate Change and Increase Food Security
(BusinessWire) Radio Lifeline, a non-profit based in the US, announces the launch of the Black Earth Project, a new initiative designed to help farmers mitigate the growing effects of climate change. Radio Lifeline’s partner in this project is re:char, a leading developer of small-scale biochar
February 19, 2013 Read Full Article
CALL FOR PAPERS: North American Biochar Symposium 2013 October 13-16, 2013 Amherst, MA DEADLINE: March 4, 2013
The symposium will be organized into the following tracks: Feedstocks and Technology, chaired by Hugh McLaughlin Benefits of Biochar, chaired by Kathleen Draper Scales, Sales, and Marketing, chaired by Amanda Ravenhill Policy and Community Engagement, chaired by Erich Knight We are currently reviewing abstracts for these tracks. We look forward to hearing about
January 23, 2013 Read Full Article
The Pine Beetle Problem: Making Renewable Energy Lemonade from Biomass Lemons
by Bruce Dorminey (Renewable Energy World) ...Armed with a $200,000 U.S.D.A. two-year research grant, Fernando Resende will start work on a fast pyrolysis mobile reactor next year that could revolutionize how foresters and the timber industry currently deals with millions of
October 24, 2012 Read Full Article
[LL] Cool Planet Rocks the Bells
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What are Google, BP, Conoco, and GE investing? Is 3,000 gallons per acre of renewable gasoline possible? In the past few weeks, news has begun to circulate around the industry – and expanded by Twitter and
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Cool Planet BioFuels Announces Road Testing of Negative Carbon Gasoline Begins in California
(Cool Planet BioFuels/MarketWatch) Cool Planet BioFuels announced today it has received approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to begin fleet-testing its negative carbon gasoline. Cool Planet BioFuel's technology converts low-grade biomass -- such as grass and woodchips --
January 12, 2012 Read Full Article
Could Biomass Technology Help Commercialize Biochar?
by Robert Crowe (Renewable Energy World) ...Research shows biochar improves soil fertility, decreases water pollution and even mitigates heavy metals. The charcoal-like substance has enthusiastic support from researchers and the sustainability movement, but it has been slow to commercialize. “This is a
November 01, 2011 Read Full Article
Grass to Fuel: Study Aims to Grow Energy Crops on Marginal Lands
by Phil Brasher (Des Moines Register) Researchers at Iowa State University have won a $25 million federal grant to figure out ways to make it economical for farmers in the region to grow switchgrass and other perennial crops for production
September 29, 2011 Read Full Article
Farms of the Future: Bio-oil, Biochar from Biomass
by Lance Nixon (Renewable Energy World) Those pyrolysis plants would pass that crude “bio-oil” on to refineries elsewhere to be made into drop-in fuels and industrial chemicals; they would capture and use for their own energy needs a byproduct called
July 26, 2011 Read Full Article
Greenhouse Packs A Power Punch
by Joan Melcher (BioCycle) Closed loop system utilizes gasification, algae ponds and anaerobic digestion to convert wood waste to a variety of products, including biofuel, biogas and a soil amendment. Michael Smith is supervising the first commercial-scaleGreen Power House at the
July 19, 2011 Read Full Article
Iowa State Hybrid Lab Combines Technologies to Make Biorenewable Fuels and Products
(Iowa State University) Laura Jarboe pointed to a collection of test tubes in her Iowa State University laboratory. Some of the tubes looked like they were holding very weak coffee. That meant microorganisms - in this case, Shewanella bacteria - were
June 24, 2011 Read Full Article
Earthworm Avoidance of Biochar Can Be Mitigated by Wetting
by Dong Li, William C. Hockaday, Caroline A. Masiello and Pedro J.J. Alvarez (Science Direct) Biochar has a great potential for enhancing soil fertility and carbon sequestration while enabling beneficial waste disposition. Because of the potential for widespread application, it is essential to proactively assess
June 06, 2011 Read Full Article
Stevens Students Develop Cheaper, Greener, Alternative Energy Storage
(Stevens Institute of Technology) Every year, the world consumes 15 Terrawatts of power. Since the amount of annual harvestable solar energy has been estimated at 50 Terrawatts, students at Stevens Institute of Technology are working on a supercapacitor that will
June 02, 2011 Read Full Article
Biofuels Project Wins $1 Million Competition
(University of Hawaii) A two-pronged University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa project to advance the use of biofuels in the Islands has won a $1 million sustainability research competition. The two-year project, led by Michael J. Cooney from UH Mānoa’s Hawai‘i Natural
May 16, 2011 Read Full Article
USDA Grants Support Sustainable Bioenergy Production
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced research grants awarded to spur production of bioenergy and biobased products that will lead to the development of sustainable regional systems and help create jobs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
April 13, 2011 Read Full Article
Google Ventures Backs CoolPlanetBiofuels
(peHUB) CoolPlanetBiofuels Gets Series B Funding from Google Ventures Imagine a world where fuel doesn’t have to be pumped, dug out or extracted from the ground, and can be locally sourced. CoolPlanetBiofuels, located in Camarillo, Calif., is developing an innovative solution
March 18, 2011 Read Full Article
GE Unit Invests in Biofuels Producer
by Candace Lombardi (Green Tech) GE subsidiary GE Energy Financial Services and North Bridge Venture Partners will invest $8 million in a company developing a biofuel production process coupled with the production of biochar. Cool Planet Biofuels converts cellulosic byproducts like plant
November 22, 2010 Read Full Article
Sustainable Biochar to Mitigate Global Climate Change
by By Dominic Woolf, James E. Amonette, et al. (Nature Communications) Production of biochar (the carbon (C)-rich solid formed by pyrolysis of biomass) and its storage in soils have been suggested as a means of abating climate change by sequestering carbon,
September 14, 2010 Read Full Article
Keeneland Races Ahead on the Green
by Campbell Wood (Business Lexington) Horse farm managers across the Bluegrass have their eyes on Keeneland's proposed bio-fuel project. ... The problem being what to do daily with tons upon tons of muck, a mixture of about 97 percent straw
February 10, 2010 Read Full Article
Biochar as the New Black Gold
by Bill Hewitt (Grist) Imagine a system that can: (potentially) store billions of tons of carbon in soil for centuries; dramatically reduce agricultural waste, forest debris and some municipal solid waste, thus eliminating the production of greenhouse gases that result from their