(Latin America Post) Latin America’s transition to biofuels is a promising step towards sustainability, yet it faces significant challenges. This feature explores the region’s efforts to develop biofuels, examining historical context, technological advances, and the potential for a greener future. Latin America’s
castor bean
Back TO HOMECasterra Announces the Completion of a Successful Castor Seed Growing and Harvesting Season in Brazil
(Casterra/PR Newswire) Castor seeds from Brazil will be ready for shipment during third quarter of 2024. Castor harvest season in Africa started as planned. -- Casterra Ag Ltd., a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd. (Nasdaq: EVGN) (TASE: EVGN), and a provider of an
August 01, 2024 Read Full Article
Mozambique Signs Biofuels MoU with Brazil under PAE’s New Blending Rule
(Club of Mozambique) During the Biodiesel Forum in São Paulo, Brazil and Mozambique signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the joint development of biofuels. The MOU was signed by Ubrabio (União dos Produtores de Biodiesel e Bioquerosene do Brasil) and by
June 12, 2024 Read Full Article
Casterra Announces New Agreements with Seed Producers in Brazil and Africa to Meet Growing Demand for its Elite Castor Seed Varieties
(Casterra Ag/PR Newswire) The new agreements are expected to support additional production of approximately 400 tons of Casterra's elite castor seeds in 2024 and establish long-term production infrastructure -- Casterra Ag Ltd., an integrated solutions company for growing castor seeds for bio-based
March 07, 2024 Read Full Article
Startup Making Biofuel from Seeds Expands in S. America & Africa
by Sara Miller (NoCamels) An Israeli company that engineers castor beans to produce high yields for biofuel has signed strategic agreements with existing and new seed producers in South America and Africa, in order to increase production capabilities. Casterra engineers special varieties of castor
March 05, 2024 Read Full Article
Uncovered: Italian Oil Giant’s African Biofuels Gamble Falls Short
(Transport & Environment/Clean Technica) Investigation into Eni’s projects in Kenya and the Republic of the Congo shows company is failing to produce “miracle” drought-resistant biofuels crops at scale. Italian oil giant Eni is failing to deliver on its promise to produce thousands
February 27, 2024 Read Full Article
Government Wants 50% of Biofuel to Come from Family Farming
(Informa Araguaia (Google Translation)) According to the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), the new text seeks more transparency and strengthens the requirements for the granting and maintenance of the seal by biofuel producers -- The federal government will nationalize the rules
January 12, 2024 Read Full Article
IFC Invests Sh32 Billion in Kenya’s Biofuel Project
by Allan Odhiambo (Business Daily) The International Finance Corporation(IFC) is set to invest Sh31.96 billion ($210 million) in an agribusiness project by Italian firm, Eni Kenya. The IFC said the investment in the form of a senior loan will support capital requirements
November 20, 2023 Read Full Article
Can Biofuel Crops Help Lift Poor Farmers out of Poverty?
by Eyal Ronen (Casterra/Ag Funder News) It’s tough to make a decent living as a farmer, but for a farmer in a developing country with land of mediocre quality, at best, making a decent living can be almost impossible. Millions of farmers in
November 17, 2023 Read Full Article
Low Carbon Fuels 2040: The Emerging Markets
(Biofuels Digest/Nuu Media) Low Carbon Fuels 2040: The Emerging Markets provides detailed case studies, updates and analysis of the key producers and developers participating in Renewable Diesel projects and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) projects in the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, and in South
November 07, 2023 Read Full Article
Eni’s Africa Biofuel Feedstock Plan to Cost €700 Million
(BNN Bloomberg) Eni SpA’s plan to set up plants to source approximately 700,000 tons of biofuel feedstock from Africa by 2026 will cost as much as €700 million ($735 million), according to a senior company official. The plan has already received its
October 03, 2023 Read Full Article
Casterra Delivers First Shipment of Castor Seeds to Africa
(Casterra Ag/PR Newswire) This first shipment, valued at approximately US$1 million, is part of a framework agreement with a world-leading oil and gas company -- Casterra Ag Ltd. ("Casterra"), an integrated castor cultivation solution company and a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd. ("Evogene") (Nasdaq: EVGN) (TASE:
September 28, 2023 Read Full Article
Op-ed: Biofuels Don’t Steal Land from Food Producers
by Eyal Ronen (Casterra/ Ag Daily) Food insecurity continues to be a problem for the world — and it’s a problem that’s getting worse. According to the World Bank , the number of people facing moderate to severe food insecurity topped 2 billion in
September 08, 2023 Read Full Article
Casterra Signs a Framework Agreement with a World Leading Oil and Gas Company to Sell Its Castor Seeds for Sustainable Biofuel Production, with Initial Purchase Orders of $9.1 Million
(Casterra/PR Newswire) Casterra is expected to deliver the initial orders of its proprietary castor seeds, developed using Evogene's GeneRator AI tech engine, during 2023 -- Casterra Ag Ltd. ("Casterra"), an integrated castor cultivation solution company and a subsidiary of Evogene
June 22, 2023 Read Full Article
Makueni’s Castor Beans Feeding Italian Biofuel Firm
by Pius Maundu (Nation Media Group) Castor beans are the raw material for jet fuel; Its production nosedived over the years due to the vagaries of climate change and lack of a steady market -- As a little girl growing
May 17, 2023 Read Full Article
Development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Ethiopia: A Roadmap
(Roundtable on Sustainabilty of Biomaterials) To explore and advance Ethiopia’s capacity to produce biofuels for use as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) initiated the development of a 10-year SAF Roadmap for the country. The main purpose
March 10, 2023 Read Full Article
Casterra Announces Agreement with World Leading Energy Company to Cultivate its Castor Varieties at Commercial Scale
(Casterra Ag/PR Newswire) Casterra to sell its unique castor seed varieties and provide its significant experience in castor cultivation, for the biofuel production of one of the world's major energy companies -- Casterra Ag Ltd. ("Casterra"), the integrated castor cultivation
January 20, 2023 Read Full Article
Eni: The Procurement of Palm Oil Has Come to an End
(Eni) Eni has definitively ended the procurement of palm oil for use at the Venice and Gela biorefineries for the production of hydrogenated biofuels. The last shipments arrived in the last few weeks, ahead of the declared goal of becoming 'palm
October 26, 2022 Read Full Article
Eni Starts Exporting Vegetable Oil for Biorefining from Kenya
(Eni) The cargo that left the port of Mombasa is the first from Africa -- The first cargo of vegetable oil for biorefining produced by Eni in Kenya has left the port of Mombasa, on its way to Gela’s biorefinery. This
October 12, 2022 Read Full Article
Eni Launches the First Production of Vegetable Oil for Biorefining in Kenya
(Eni) The initiative in Kenya represents the first integrated project in the world to bring Africa into the vertical bio-refinery supply chain by providing income opportunities and market access to thousands of farmers in degraded areas. -- Eni completed the construction
July 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Biodiesel from Wild Castor Oil
by David Bradley (Inderscience/Phys.Org) The seeds of the wild castor oil plant, Ricinus communis, can be converted into biodiesel according to a new study in the International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology. The Mexican research team shows how the requisite
March 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel & Sustainable Aviation Fuels 2030, Vol 2
by Will Thurmond (Emerging Markets) Renewable Diesel & Sustainable Aviation Fuels 2030, Vol 2. (249 pages, September 2021) provides a detailed analysis and outlook for low-carbon feedstock availability, and a feasibility assessment for technology commercialization pathways in sustainable aviation fuels
February 10, 2022 Read Full Article
Transport Ministry Partners with Farmers to Produce Castor Oil for Biodiesel
(The Gleaner) The Ministry of Transport and Mining, through the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI), is partnering with small farmers across Jamaica to boost cultivation of the castor oil plant to produce biodiesel for the Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC). Portfolio
November 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Italy’s Eni Works Sub-Saharan African Countries into Renewable Diesel Feedstock Supply Chain
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) The CEO of Italian energy and renewable diesel company Eni S.p.A., Claudio Descalzi, has signed two memorandums of understanding (MOU) in recent days with two Sub-Saharan African nations, the Congo and Angola, on joint development
October 12, 2021 Read Full Article
Global Castor Oil Market to be Driven by the Increasing Demand in Various Industrial Applications Such as Paints, Soaps, Lubricants, Biofuels, and Other Sectors in the Forecast Period of 2021-2026
(MENAFN- iCrowdNewsWire) The new report by Expert Market Research titled, 'Global Castor Oil Market Size, Share, Price, Trends, Growth, Report and Forecast 2021-2026', gives an in-depth analysis of the global Castor oil market , assessing the market based on its segments
October 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Eni, ANPG and Sonangol Enter MoU on Agro-Biofuel Initiatives in Angola, as Part of Decarbonization Push
(Eni) In the occasion of the meeting held yesterday between the President of the Republic of Angola João Gonçalves Lourenço and the CEO of Eni Claudio Descalzi, Eni Angola, ANPG and Sonangol signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint
October 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Eni Supports Energy Transition and Decarbonization in the Republic of Congo
(Eni) Eni, Republic of Congo sign MoU on joint development of bio-refining agro-feedstock sector; Eni delegation led by CEO Descalzi met President Sassou Nguesso to discuss agricultural programs and gas valorization also with reference to access to energy for domestic
October 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels, Solid to Liquid Tech, Biocrudes: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to Haldor Topsoe
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed this slide guide from ABLC Digital on what it will take for advanced biofuels to take off further, here’s your chance! Haldor Topsoe leaders cover thoughts on legislation, feedstocks, biofuel production, solid
September 21, 2021 Read Full Article
Big Changes in Renewable Diesel & SAF Feedstock Partnerships
by Will Thurmond (Emerging Markets Online/Biofuels Digest) A new study titled Renewable Diesel and Sustainable Aviation 2030, Vol 2 (September, 2021) has discovered some surprising answers and useful insights to key questions regarding feedstock availability, scale up, partnerships and from 2020 to
September 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel & Sustainable Aviation Fuels 2030, Vol 2
(Emerging Markets Online) New study! Renewable Diesel & Sustainable Aviation Fuels 2030, Vol 2. (249 pages, August 2021) focuses on low-carbon feedstock availability, technology pathways for low carbon renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation production. Renewable Diesel & Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) 2030 covers
August 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Eni: Biomass Treatment Plant Launches in Gela
(ENI) 18 months after the bio-refinery was opened, the new BTU plant begins production, allowing up to 100% of raw material waste to be used for biofuel production -- Eni’s new BTU (Biomass Treatment Unit) plant has begun production and was
March 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Making Biodiesel from Dirty Old Cooking Oil Just Got Way Easier
(RMIT University/EurekAlert!) New ultra-efficient catalyst can recycle old cooking oil into biodiesel and turn food scraps into high-value complex molecules -- Researchers have developed a powerful, low-cost method for recycling used cooking oil and agricultural waste into biodiesel, and turning food
October 27, 2020 Read Full Article
IIT Guwahati Researchers Make Biofuel from Non-Edible Seeds
(Times of India) The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) researchers have developed methods to produce biofuels from non-edible seeds. ... As plants and trees found in India, such as peela kaner, mahua, gulmohar, neem, rain tree, castor and kusum produce seeds that
July 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Brazil's Petrobras Develops a Greener Diesel than Biodiesel
(La Opinion de Murcia) Company claims it emits less gas and improves engine performance -- Brazilian oil company Petrobras announced on Tuesday that it has successfully completed the tests of the results of a diesel that it developed from vegetable
July 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels USA Starts "Just A Minute" Educational Series
(Advanced Biofuels USA) The first episode of "Just A Minute or So about Renewable Fuels" focuses on what might be used to make renewable fuels. Students, teachers, or anyone interested in renewable fuels can see in a 3-minute slide presentation
April 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Could Biofuels Answer Zimbabwe’s Fuel Headache?
by Shingirai Huni (The Herald) Zimbabwe is facing fuel shortages, with long queues now the order of the day at fuel stations. Many motorists now leave their cars at home and use public transport to save money on fuel as prices keep
March 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuel Center Releases Calendar of Biofuel Training Events for the Year 2020
(Advanced Biofuel Center/AltEnergyMag.com) The Advanced Biofuel Center is a bioenergy crop research and development company that has established the Biodiesel Business Academy to provide quality, impartial, informative and enjoyable advanced-level training with enhanced technology in the field of biodiesel production. The
January 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Oil Castor Seeks More Land for Biodiesel Production
by Lorraine Muromo (NewsDay) Oil Castor Zimbabwe has pledged to end the country’s fuel crisis urging farmers to invest more in castor bean farming which will aid bio-diesel production. According to the company website, Oil Castor supplies castor seeds of high
December 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Eni: Signs MoU with Tunisian SNDP to Assess and Extend Experimental Castor Cultivation to Be Used to Produce Sustainable Biofuels
(Eni) This will be the world's first example of semi-industrial non-food being cultivated in a pre-desert area to generate of sustainable Biofuels -- Eni and the SNDP (Societè National de Distribution des Petroles AGIL SpA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding at
December 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Brazil to Bet Big on Biodiesel Made from Soy
(Latin American Herald Tribune) Brazil will reopen its main biodiesel production plant to harness the energy contained in soybeans, the government of the northeastern state of Piaui announced on Sunday. In a statement, the regional government said that the automated plant
October 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuels Production and Consumption in Brazil: Status, Advances and Challenges
Glaucia Mendes Souza, Rubens Maciel Filho, Luís Cassinelli, Carlos Henrique de Brito Cruz and Renato D. Godinho (IEA Bioenergy Task 39) ... Brazil has an energy matrix with substantial renewable content, with renewables (including hydropower) accounting for 42.9% of the total domestic energy supply
June 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Connecting the Dots: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Evogene
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Evogene combines expertise in life science and cutting-edge computational technology to connect the dots in agriculture. They develop novel products for life science markets through the use of a unique computational predictive biology platform. In Agriculture,
March 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Eni : Aims to Eliminate Palm Oil in Biofuels, in Line With New EU Rules
by Dieter Holger (Market Screener) Eni Spa (ENI.MI) said Thursday that it is making progress in eliminating palm oil from the biofuels it refines, following new European Union rules announced this week. "The objective is to reduce dramatically, and potentially bring to
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
ENI Launches New Biofuel Production Project
(ANSA Med) From castor oil plants, experimentation in Gafsa, Tunisia -- ENI has launched a biofuel pilot project in Gafsa, Tunisia, using castor oil plants, which will be used in the ENI biorefinery in Venice and subsequently in the biorefinery in Gela
January 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuel from Castor Oil: How Thabang Mabapa Is Helping Farmers
by Lesetja Malope (City Press) ... Thabang Mabapa is a self-confessed curious social entrepreneur who might just have a viable alternative to the country’s current fuel price crisis. He makes biofuel from castor oil extracted from castor trees and its growing demand is
December 05, 2018 Read Full Article
‘Breakthrough’ Harvesting Solution, Growing Market, Potential beyond Biodiesel – All Good Signs for Castor Oil’s Future
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) A ‘breakthrough’ mechanical harvesting solution for castor bean plants was developed by Evogene and agricultural equipment manufacturer, Fantini s.r.l., resulting in the removal of a major bottleneck in the conversion of castor beans into a fully
November 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Evofuel and Fantini s.r.l Announce Breakthrough in Mechanical Harvesting for Castor Bean
(Evogene Ltd./Globe Newswire) Mechanical harvesting is a major bottleneck in conversion of castor bean to a fully modernized commercial crop; Combination of Fantini s.r.l Harvester with Evofuel proprietary varieties has demonstrated in field trials significant improvement in yield loss -- Evofuel Ltd.,
November 07, 2018 Read Full Article
UTech, Jamaica and Elhydro Limited Sign MoU for Biodiesel Production and Research
by Michelle Beckford (go-Jamaica.com/University of Technology, Jamaica) The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja.) and Elhydro Limited on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise collaboration in biodiesel production and research. The MoU agreement signed by
October 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Thabang Mabapa on Producing Biofuel
by Phathu Luvhengo (Destiny Man) Social entrepreneur and biofuel producer Thabang Mabapa has stepped up to provide a viable solution to South Africa’s energy crisis Public relations and communication graduate Mabapa has stepped up to help solve the energy crisis by providing
July 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Computational Predictive Biology: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Evogene
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Evogene develops novel products for life science markets through the use of a unique computational predictive biology platform. Currently, the Company focuses on three key target markets: Seeds – addressing essential seed traits such as: yield,
June 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Economic Feasibility of Moringa- Castor Bean - Camelina: Dual Cropping in Same Acreage for Sustainable Biodiesel Production
(Advanced Biofuel Center/AltEnergyMag.com) With introduction of Camelina and Castor Bean crops with MOMAX3 Moringa, as much as 1450 gallon of oil can be produced per year from a well developed, properly cared and efficiently managed Moringa Farm The Advanced Biofuel Center (ABC)
April 02, 2018 Read Full Article
PCJ Biodiesel Blend to Cut Oil Imports and Boost Agricultural Sector
by Rochelle Williams (Jamaica Information Service) Jamaica could save hundreds of millions in energy costs per year, while reducing the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and creating a boost for the agricultural sector through the introduction of a B5 biodiesel
August 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Energy Minister Hails PCJ/UTECH Biofuel Research
by Chad Bryan (Jamaica Information Service) Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, has hailed the collaboration between the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) and the University of Technology (UTech) on research into the use of
July 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Entrepreneur Scoops Old Mutual Funding to Develop Biofuel Enterprise
(BizCommunity) At an event held on 27 May 2017, Old Mutual Foundation, in partnership with Red Bull, announced Thabang Mabapa as the winner of their “business pitch challenge” A combined judging panel from Old Mutual and Red Bull met on 11
June 02, 2017 Read Full Article
Couple Biodiesel Oil Crops Technology Provides More Oil per Acre, Advanced Biofuel Center Announces
(Advanced Biofuel Center/AltEnergyMag.com) ... The Advanced Biofuel Center (ABC) recently announced progress on its work with its mission "more Biodiesel oil per hectare" by developing two or more dedicated Biodiesel Crops in same acreage and that without extra inputs. According to
April 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Strategic Intent: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to Mars, Mitsui
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at Mars and Mitsui and their direct
October 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Jamaica Conducting Study on Castor Oil Industry
(Jamaica Observer) Jamaica has undertaken a study on the local castor oil industry as the country moves to take advantage of a global market expected to value an estimated US$1.81 billion by 2020. The study was commissioned by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation
August 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Earth Gen-BioFuel Inc. to Sponsor International Industry Symposium for Using Castor Bean Oil as a Biofuel Feed Stock
(Earth Gen-BioFuel) Earth Gen-BioFuel (OTC PINK: EGBB), "EarthGen" or "the Company," today announced that EarthGen is taking a leadership role to support the company's expansion plans and to promote the use of castor bean oil in the manufacture of biodiesel. EarthGen is
August 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Earth Gen-Biofuel Plans Expanded Operations for Renewable Energy Castor Bean Crop
(Digital Journal/Marketwired/Earth Gen-BioFuel) Earth Gen-BioFuel (OTC PINK: EGBB), "EarthGen" or "the Company," today announced that it has finalized plans for expanding castor bean operations in Laos. George Shen, Chairman, commented, "Castor beans, a key ingredient in over 700 manufactured products and
April 28, 2016 Read Full Article
Restauranteur Says Biodiesel Answer to Fuel Shortage
by Shreejana Shrestha (My Republica) ... When most of the vehicles are in queue at fuel stations, BA 1 Cha 6355 is never seen at any of such lines. It instead plies snugly on the road every day. The deepening fuel
November 11, 2015 Read Full Article
A Biorefinery Approach for Castor Biodiesel -- Whole Plant Used for 100% Renewable Biodiesel
by Helen Tunnicliffe (The Chemical Engineer Today) Chemical engineers from Iran have found a way to produce biodiesel from castor oil without the need for extra petrochemical methanol, using a biorefinery set-up. Producing biodiesel from vegetable oils is not completely renewable,
September 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Zambian Entrepreneur on Running a Biodiesel and Soap Production Business
by Kate Douglas (How We Made It In Africa) Soon after Mutoba Ngoma finished studying aeronautical engineering in the UK, he decided to return to his home country Zambia to start manufacturing biodiesel in his backyard. Almost 10 years later
September 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Zimbabwe: Biofuels - Zim Losing Billions
by Stephen Tsoroti (Financial Gazette/All Africa) Hamstrung by debilitating liquidity challenges, Zimbabwe is missing the chance to improve its revenue position by neglecting the development of biofuels, a renewable energy expert has noted. Clement Shonhiwa, a renewable energy expert and consultant at
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
EU Research Project on Underutilised Oil Crops Kicks off: COSMOS – Camelina & Crambe Oil crops as Sources for Medium-chain Oils for Specialty Oleochemicals
(Bio-Based News) On 24-26 March 2015, the eighteen partners involved in the EU funded research project COSMOS held their kick-off meeting in Wageningen, The Netherlands. Led by Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research, this 4.5-year project aims at reducing the
April 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Nano Labs, DerTek Form JV for Biofuels Production in North America
(Energy Business Review Biofuels and Biomass Energy) US-based nanotechnology research and development firm Nano Labs has formed a joint venture (JV) with Mexican firm DerTek to produce biofuels in North America. The JV will focus on the research and development,
March 18, 2015 Read Full Article
A New Three-Legged Platform for the Advanced Bioeconomy? The Castor, Jatropha, Pongamia Strategy.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Castor, jatropha, pongamia — the three steps that Bosques Energeticos is taking in piloting its way to success in fuels, chemicals and other markets. Can the early-stage company thrive, based on its uncommon approach to
December 17, 2014 Read Full Article
CNH Industrial and Evogene Subsidiary Announce Ongoing Collaboration for the Development of a Mechanised Harvesting Solution for Castor Beans
(CNH Industrial Latin America Ltda.) CNH Industrial Latin America Ltda., a subsidiary of CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE, MI: CNHI), together with Evogene Ltd. (NYSE, TASE: EVGN), announce the ongoing cooperation between CNH Industrial and Evofuel Ltd., Evogene's wholly-owned subsidiary. This
December 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Study Underway to Select Local Crops for Biofuel Production
(Jamaica Observer) A study is underway to select local crops for biofuel production, in an effort to expand Jamaica's sources of energy supply. Manager for renewable energy and energy efficiency at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), Dr Peter
November 20, 2014 Read Full Article
Embrapa, Evogene Ink Research Collab to Improve Castor Oil Cultivation in Brazil
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), and Evogene signed a joint research agreement for the advancement of castor cultivation in Brazil. The cooperation will primarily focus on technologies for controlling castor-specific diseases as
October 20, 2014 Read Full Article
Legendary Investments Rises As Bosques Progresses Jatropha Cultivation
by Steve McGrath (LSE/Alliance News) Legendary Investments PLC saw its shares rise early Monday after it said that Bosques Energeticos EBE S.A. de C.V., one of its portfolio companies, has secured more land on which to grow its recently cultivated
July 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Brazil: Biofuels Digest’s 10 Top Trends For 2014
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest's) ... 1. Feedstock diversification. If you thought it was all cane, cane, cane, think again. There’s a lot of movement on sorghum, and castor beans — and even some on corn. Sorghum. The biggest news of late
May 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Nova Synthetix and Precision BioSciences Announce Collaboration to Develop Non-GM, Ricin-Free Castor with Customizable Oil Content
(Precision BioSciences) Nova Synthetix and Precision BioSciences, Inc., today announced that they have initiated a joint research effort to generate non-GM, ricin-free castor plants using Precision’s Directed Nuclease Editor (DNE) technology in combination with Nova Synthetix’s proprietary plant transformation system. Scientists at Nova Synthetix
March 14, 2014 Read Full Article
PCJ Biofuel Research Favours Chinese Castor Bean
by Avia Collinder (The Gleaner) The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica's (PCJ) research on oilseeds from three geographical sources as biofuel has so far favoured the Zibo 8 variety of castor bean from China that was grown in St Catherine. PCJ is
March 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Castor Production in Bahia Will Grow 560% in 2013/2014
by alana Fraga (RevistaGlobalRural) Petrobras and the state government invested over £ 10 million in cultivation for biodiesel production The castor production in Bahia should have an increase of over 560% in the 2013/2014 harvest in the previous season, according to
January 02, 2014 Read Full Article
Obtained a Biofuel that Extends the Life of Vehicles
(Iberio-American Agency for the Diffusion of Science and Technology) Entrepreneurs get a biodiesel with higher qualities traditionally ... However, the Mexican firm entrepreneurs Der Tek, managed to get biofuel superior to traditional biodiesel qualities. According to Jonathan Hernández Díaz, director of the
January 02, 2014 Read Full Article
Taming the Dangerous – Yet Beautiful and Profitable – Castor Bean Plant
by Thomas Burns Jr. (Charlotte Observer) Novo Synthetix, a small biotechnology company in Research Triangle Park, is marshaling scientific resources statewide to create a nontoxic castor bean, which could provide a significant boost to North Carolina agriculture. Novo Synthetix – the
December 16, 2013 Read Full Article
Evofuel's Improved Castor Seeds Expected to Go Commercial in 2016
(Evogene, Ltd./Biodiesel Magazine) Evogene Ltd., a plant genomics company specializing in enhancing crop productivity for the food, feed and biofuel industries, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Evofuel Ltd., has completed three years of successful field trials in Brazil for
September 19, 2013 Read Full Article
Call Waiting, Biofuels, Genetics and You
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The company (Kaiima) started up in 2006, and by 2009, the results were starting to show in castor beans. Castor oil is a good source for a variety of applications, including biofuels — but castor
September 04, 2013 Read Full Article
Government and Noranda Collaborate on Biofuel Project
(Jamaica Information Service) The Government is collaborating on a project with Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners, to demonstrate the viability of the biofuels industry, using mined out bauxite lands to grow oil-producing crops. Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip
July 16, 2013 Read Full Article
Uganda to Get Quality Biodiesel
by Eriosi Nantaba (AllAfrica.com) A private Firm African Power Initiative Limited (API) recently announced its plans and commitment to start mass production of bio diesel in Uganda with a capacity of more than 4000 litres. East African Business Week's Eriosi
April 05, 2013 Read Full Article
Castor an Oilseed CropThat Can Cure, Kill You
by Harry Cline (Western Farm Press) Castor beans are back in California as a possible source crop for making biofuels; Castor's main toxic protein, ricin, is so potent that a single milligram is sufficient to kill an adult; Castor oil is essential
October 15, 2012 Read Full Article
Castor Bean Moving Forward On New Biodiesel Crop Opportunity
(Oil Voice) Center for Jatropha Promotion & Biodiesel (CJP) has been promoting the farming of Castor bean, a seed producing plant that grows arid/semi arid, as a feedstock for biodiesel. The crop will not compete with food crops, provides a
June 15, 2012 Read Full Article
Evogene's Subsidiary, Evofuel, and T6 Industrial to Collaborate on Biodiesel Feedstock Production in Argentina
(Evogene) Collaboration represents expansion of Evofuel’s Latin American operations, currently focused on Brazil Evogene Ltd. and T6 Industrial S.A., a leading biodiesel producer in Argentina, today announced that Evofuel Ltd., Evogene's wholly owned subsidiary, and T6 Industrial S.A., entered a collaboration
May 29, 2012 Read Full Article
IPEA Recommends Diversifying Production to Build the Biodiesel Program
(Pernambuco.com) The Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA) points as a solution to consolidate the biodiesel program in the country diversification of agricultural production, reducing dependence on tax incentives and lower costs of the final product. A study released today (1)
March 07, 2012 Read Full Article
Production of Castor Beans as a Biofuel Source Would Be Outlawed under Oklahoma Measure
by Michael McNutt (NewsOK) Oklahoma House panel passes measure that would prohibit growing the ornamental plant commercially as a biofuel crop. The flowering plant still may be grown by nurseries. Growing castor beans for commercial purposes would be illegal under a
February 09, 2012 Read Full Article
Evogene to Establish Evofuel Ltd. for Developing Advanced Feedstock for Biofuel
(MarketWire/Evogene) Wholly Owned Subsidiary Expanding Castor Bean Activity in Brazil Evogene Ltd. announced that it is establishing Evofuel, a wholly owned subsidiary, to focus on developing seed for advanced second-generation feedstock for biofuel. Included in the activities that are being transferred from
January 06, 2012 Read Full Article
Evogene Expands Biofuel Activity in Brazil With SLC Agricola
(MarketWatch) Expanded Agreement Follows Successful Completion of Field Trials Evogene Ltd. and SLC Agricola, a leading agribusiness company in Brazil, today announced expansion of their agreement for the development of castor bean seeds as a cost competitive feedstock for biofuels. This
December 13, 2011 Read Full Article
Two Oklahoma Lawmakers File Bills to Bar Castor Beans
by Randy Krehbiel (Durant Daily Democrat) ...Ricin, which can be extracted from crushed castor beans, is so potent a toxin that a dose equivalent to a few grains of salt induces a slow, agonizing death marked by vomiting and diarrhea.
November 29, 2011 Read Full Article
BP, Unlilever among Investors Pouring $49M into ZeaChem, Chromatin, Agradis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...There’s a rumor going around the biofuels and biomaterials business that today represents one of the most difficult periods to raise capital. Apparently, the rumors did not reach ZeaChem, Chromatin or Synthetic Genomics, which this
October 26, 2011 Read Full Article
Map Identifies Potential Areas for Boosting Biofuel Crop Yield
(EnvironmentalResearchWeb.org) A global map that identifies areas of low-yielding biofuel crops whose productivity could be increased through intensification has been produced by researchers in the US. ..."The US biofuels target for 2022 is 136 billion litres," Matt Johnston, from the University of
October 11, 2011 Read Full Article
How To Choose What To Plant For Biofuel
By: Sarah Zielinski (Smithsonian Magazine) If one of the goals of growing plants for biofuel is to be kinder to the environment than you are by extracting oil from the earth, you wouldn’t want to plant anything that could be harmful to
September 16, 2011 Read Full Article
Africa Power Initiative to Produce Bio-Diesel by 2012
by Emma Onyango (East African Business Week) ...Pegasus Investments and now African Power Initiative have both shown interest in making this diesel. Mr. Sudhir Kumar, the Business Development Manager African Power Initiative said that the company is a renewable
June 30, 2011 Read Full Article
Jamaica Looks at Castor Oil as a Biofuel
(Jamaica Information Service) A $10.3 million research partnership agreement for a small scale biodiesel pilot project, using Jamaican oilseed bearing plants to produce fuel, was signed Friday February 11 between the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica’s Centre of Excellence for Renewable
February 22, 2011 Read Full Article
Ethiopia Sets its Sights on Biodiesel
by Denis Gathanju (Renewable Energy World) Could this poverty-stricken country become the world's largest biodiesel producer? Policy-makers in Ethiopia, challenged by fluctuating oil prices and poverty, are seeking solutions that will improve the living conditions of its people and boost its
December 08, 2010 Read Full Article
Evogene Castor Oil Demonstrates Suitability as Biojet Feedstock
(MarketWire) Analysis Conducted in Collaboration With NASA, AFRL, and Honeywell's UOP Evogene Ltd. announced July 7, 2010, that biojet(1) produced from castor varieties under development by Evogene, meets the key international standards for alternative aviation fuels. The analysis was conducted by Evogene, Inc., a
July 07, 2010 Read Full Article
Life Cycle Analysis of Evogene Castor Bean Based Biodiesel Shows 90% Emissions Reduction Compared to Petroleum
Evogene Ltd., on April 8, 2010, announced the results of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of biodiesel produced from castor bean varieties being developed by the Company. The assessment shows that such biodiesel reduces Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions by 90% compared to
April 09, 2010 Read Full Article
Double Chromosomes Equals More Plant Power
by Karin Kloosterman (Israel 21C) Ariel Krolzig, product manager of Kaiima Biotech is standing beside the star of his likely success story, a castor oil plant. He proceeds to describe the method developed by Kaiima that doubles a plant's chromosomes from
July 31, 2009 Read Full Article
Ardent Energy to Acquire 15,000 Hectares in Ethiopia for Jatropha Biodiesel
Biofuels Digest reports that in Ethiopia, Ardent Energy Group announced an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MOARD) of Ethiopia to transfer 15,000 hectares, approximately 37,000 acres, to AEG for the purpose of cultivating jatropha and castor.