by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A recent DOE project with the Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium aims to develop science-based design and operation principles informed by TEA/LCA that result in predictable, reliable, and scalable performance of preprocessing unit operations. The investigators aim to develop design
Department of Energy (DOE)
Back TO HOMEThe Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Feedstock Material Handling
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A recent DOE project with the Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium analyzed a primary challenge in the design of a biorefinery — — the storage, transport, and reactor feeding of the biomass feedstocks, as material handling/feeding is prone
October 19, 2023 Read Full Article
NREL Analysis Shows Midwestern Electrofuels Could Become Energy Superheroes
by Zia Abdullah (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) More ethanol, fewer emissions, land with multiple purposes—there are several advantages of using renewable electricity to increase the carbon efficiency of biorefineries. -- ... Made from carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial waste gases or directly
October 18, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Feedstock Variability
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A recent DOE project with the Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium analyzed the initial distribution of feedstock critical material attributes (CMAs) and strategies to manage this variability. Understanding key sources of biomass variability (e.g., growth conditions, harvest
October 18, 2023 Read Full Article
Alder Renewables Unlocks Carbon-Negative SAF via Miscanthus Breakthrough
by Tim Obitts and Derek Vardon (Alder Renewables/Biofuels Digest) • Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced from miscanthus Alder Renewable Crude (ARC) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 110% compared to conventional fossil jet fuel.* A purpose-grown energy crop, miscanthus can store roughly half
October 18, 2023 Read Full Article
Automakers Blast US Plan to Hike Fuel Efficiency Rules
by David Shepardson (Reuters) A group representing General Motors (GM.N), Toyota Motor (7203.T), Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) and nearly all other major automakers on Monday sharply criticized the Biden administration proposal to drastically hike fuel efficiency requirements. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's
October 18, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Electrocatalytic CO2 Utilization
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Low-temperature CO2 electrolysis is a promising pathway to produce low carbon intensity fuels and chemicals, offering advantages in scalability, process efficiency, and intermittent operation. Significant risks must be overcome for CO2 electrolysis to help meet 2050 decarbonization goals A
October 16, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the Economics and Sustainability of CO2 Utilization Technologies with TEA and LCA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A recent DOE project aims to perform techno-economic analysis (TEA), life cycle analysis (LCA), and water analysis of CO2 utilization (CO2U) technologies to address their costs and energy/environmental sustainability implications and to present economic and environmental
October 13, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $7 Billion For America’s First Clean Hydrogen Hubs, Driving Clean Manufacturing and Delivering New Economic Opportunities Nationwide
(U.S. Department of Energy) President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda Drives $50 Billion in Public-Private Sector Investment to Jumpstart America’s Clean Hydrogen Economy; Seven Clean Hydrogen Hubs Will Create Tens of Thousands of High-Quality Jobs, Strengthen the Nation’s Energy Security, and
October 13, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to CO2 Utilization Markets, Resources, and Environmental and Energy Justice
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A recent DOE project aims to quantify resource availability and costs for CO2 utilization (CO2U) in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production to inform industry, technology communities, and policymakers on location-specific economic and societal impacts. It will provide
October 12, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the Feasibility of Utilizing Electricity to Produce Intermediates from CO2 and Biomass
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A recent DOE project analyzed promising bolt-on compatible CO2 reduction pathways to fuels or products from standalone biorefineries, (2) Published a comprehensive strategic plan for achieving industrial decarbonization goals via CO2 conversion, with inclusion of outyear technical, cost,
October 11, 2023 Read Full Article
The Policy Push behind Sustainable Aviation Fuel
By Timothy Eggert (FarmWeek Now) ... Attention and advocacy around sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), what (Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom) Vilsack frames as “the next generation” of liquid biofuels, has accelerated since 2016, with policymakers and industry stakeholders presenting it as
October 10, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Upgrading of C2 Building Blocks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A new DOE project aims to develop a novel catalytic upgrading technologies that enable cost-competitive conversion of cellulosic ethanol to sustainable aviation fuel. It aims to develop a commercially viable process within the concept of an
October 09, 2023 Read Full Article
48C Qualified Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit: One Year into the Inflation Reduction Act
by John R. Kirkwood, Christopher B. Berendt, Matthew R. Levy, Jason Deppen, Joshua L. Andrews, Aaron L. Szabo, Brian S. Fennerty, Bryan Michael Allen, Wendy Yan, Virginia M. Speck (Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath/Biofuels Digest) The next round of funding for
October 09, 2023 Read Full Article
The U.S. Department of Energy Announces $16.7 Million in Project Selections to Advance Production of Affordable Biofuels and Biochemicals
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced $16.7 million in funding for five projects to advance the production of affordable biofuels and biochemicals that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The selected projects will support the Sustainable
October 06, 2023 Read Full Article
The U.S. Department of Energy AlgaePrize 2023-2025 Sign-up DEADLINE: November 1, 2023
(Algae Foundation/U.S. Department of Energy) Registration for the AlgaePrize 2023-2025 Competition is officially open! The AlgaePrize, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office and supported by the Algae Foundation, American-Made Challenges, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), challenges students to
October 06, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Visolis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A recent DOE project aims to support Visolis, a biotech start-up company, to develop hydrogenolysis catalyst that can operate at low-pressures (≤ 5 MPa) and demonstrate conversion of a fermentation-derived C6 intermediate to a high value
October 06, 2023 Read Full Article
Revolutionary Recycling Process Transforms Plastic Waste
(U.S. Department of Energy) Despite millions of Americans depositing their plastic waste into recycling bins, much of that waste, including flexible films, multilayer materials, and colored plastics, cannot be recycled cost-effectively. In fact, only 9% of plastics in the U.S. are
October 06, 2023 Read Full Article
SAF in Action: Carbon Negative Jet Fuel Made from Manure and More
(U.S. Department of Energy) Wet waste—including food waste, manure, sewage, and inedible fats, oils, and greases—is a large source of methane emissions, a pollutant 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have created
October 06, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Catalytic Upgrading of Pyrolysis Products for SAF
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A recent DOE project aims to Develop a technology pathway to convert woody biomass into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other biogenic products via catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) and hydrotreating. This research opens pathways for SAF production from forest resources
October 05, 2023 Read Full Article
Ethanol: Context Missing on This Vital Fuel
by Brian Werner and Gary Prescher (Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association/ Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council/Minneapolis Star Tribune) The Oct. 2 commentary discussing the climate impacts of Minnesota agriculture included several misleading statements and cherry-picked science to assert that ethanol is not
October 04, 2023 Read Full Article
Public Perception of CO2 Capture and Storage
by Danny Otto (Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research) Surveys show that public opinion about technologies for capturing and storing CO2 in Germany remains divided. Respondents are concerned that the focus on CCS can weaken climate policy, and they have doubts about
October 03, 2023 Read Full Article
New Issue Brief on Next Generation Fuels Act
(Clean Fuels Development Coalition) CFDC has produced an Issue Brief clearly explaining the provisions of the Next Gen legislation and makes a compelling case for its passage. The new brief, the latest in CFDC’s highly successful Issue Brief and White Paper series,
October 02, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Upgrading of C1 Building Blocks
A new DOE project aims to develop the centerpiece technology for an integrated biorefinery concept based on the conversion of renewable and waste sources of C1 intermediates (e.g., syngas, CO2, methanol) to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with improved carbon
October 02, 2023 Read Full Article
BRIDGES Bioenergy 101 Webinar: Incorporating Bioenergy National Laboratory Research into the Classroom --- October 5, 2023 --- ONLINE
Are you interested in providing hands-on, data-centric bioenergy experiences in your classroom? The Bioenergy Research and Education Bridge (BRIDGES) Program is partnering with the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) to host the BRIDGES Bioenergy 101 webinar at 6 pm (ET) on Thursday, October 5, 2023, to
October 02, 2023 Read Full Article
A Drop in Emissions, and a Jobs Bonanza? Critics Question Benefits of a Proposed Hydrogen Hub for the Appalachian Region
by Jon Hurdle (Inside Climate News) The potential gains for Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio have not been clearly spelled out, and the science is being challenged, as the Department of Energy prepares to announce the builders of six to 10
October 01, 2023 Read Full Article
Digging Deeper: Ethanol’s Role In the Carbon Age
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol production is currently at the epicenter of the carbon capture and sequestration movement. Just ask two of the world’s most well-versed carbon experts. Sarah Forbes, deputy director for Carbon Management Technologies at the Office
September 30, 2023 Read Full Article
NREL Releases 6th Edition of Biodiesel Handling Guide
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently released its sixth edition of the Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide, funded by Clean Fuels Alliance America to offer basic information on biodiesel’s proper and safe use to help fleets, blenders, distributors and
September 28, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Thermochemical Platform Analysis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A recent DOE project aims to Improve Research Impacts by Providing Industrial Context, Maximize SAF and Heavy Fuels as Primary Products, Facilitate the Reuse of Existing Petroleum Refining Operations and mitigate scale-up risks feasible within lab/pilot
September 28, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Accelerating the Catalyst and Process Development Cycle for Bioenergy Applications
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ChemCatBio accelerates the development of catalytic technologies for converting biomass and waste resources into fuels and chemicals with a lower carbon footprint. From sustainable aviation fuel to bio-based marine fuel to renewable monomers for material manufacturing, the Chemical
September 27, 2023 Read Full Article
Ethanol Still Makes Sense for Climate, Rural Communities
(Solutions from the Land) ... Renewable corn energy seems a no-brainer compared to nonrenewable petroleum-based gasoline. Oil does not—and cannot—foster life like agriculture. And once oil is gone, it’s gone. But a working group of the EPA’s Science Advisory Board (SAB) is
September 26, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Carbon Dioxide Utilization Markets, Resources, and Environmental and Energy Justice
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A new DOE project is quantifying resource availability and costs for CO2 utilization (CO2U) in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production to inform industry, technology communities, and policymakers on location-specific economic and societal impacts. It will provide insights
September 26, 2023 Read Full Article
DOE Announces Nearly $48 Million to Advance Clean Hydrogen Technologies
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding Will Help Reduce Costs and Improve the Performance of Critical Hydrogen Infrastructure and Fuel Cell Technologies, Support DOE’s Hydrogen Shot -- In support of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced
September 25, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Utilizing Electricity to Produce Intermediates from CO2 and Biomass
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A recent DOE project analyzed promising bolt-on compatible CO2 reduction pathways to fuels or products from standalone biorefineries; Published a comprehensive strategic plan for achieving industrial decarbonization goals via CO2 conversion, with inclusion of outyear technical, cost, and carbon intensity targets, and
September 25, 2023 Read Full Article
Todd's Take: Has the Case for Ethanol Come Full Circle?
by Todd Hultman (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... The same day President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 into law, spot corn was trading near $4.39 a bushel and crude oil was near $91 a barrel, not far
September 25, 2023 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog -- RFA Chief: EPA Science Board Using Bad Data to Question Corn Ethanol Emissions
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) As the EPA's Science Advisory Board meets Thursday and Friday, the ethanol industry is continuing to push back on the board's claim that there are "minimal or no climate benefits" in using corn ethanol in
September 22, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to CO2 Reduction and Upgrading for e-Fuels Consortium
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Commercial shipping and transportation expected to be difficult to electrify/decarbonize. Projected supply of traditional biomass feedstocks may be insufficient to fully meet global demand. CO2 as a feedstock could help meet SAF Grand Challenge. The CO2RUE
September 22, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden Launches American Climate Corps
by Robin Bravender (Politico Pro Greenwire) A government program aimed at putting young people to work on climate has been on President Joe Biden’s wish list for years. -- President Joe Biden is launching a new federal program that aims to put
September 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Releases Request for Information on Building Supply Chains to Meet Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge Goals DEADLINE extended to November 17, 2023
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a Request for Information (RFI) to better understand the challenges facing critical elements within sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply chains. Specifically, this RFI (DE-FOA-0003157) seeks input from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other
September 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Can Push for Carbon Capture Pipelines Also Mean Billions for Conservation-Minded Farming?
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Builders of carbon capture pipelines stand to reap billions in tax credits. Will farmers also get a share?; Advocates say incentives to adopt less carbon-intensive farming practices also could be part of the equation; Whether
September 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Urges Action after Administration Officials Show Commitment to Biofuels at 2023 Advocacy Summit
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuels trade association, welcomed its members from across the U.S. to Washington, D.C. last week for the 14th-annual Growth Energy Biofuels Summit—the American biofuels industry’s premier advocacy event. While in D.C., the attendees met with
September 21, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Systems Development and Integration – Emerging and Supporting Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) SDI directly supports BETO’s strategic goal to decarbonize the transportation sector through R,D, &D to produce cost-effective, sustainable aviation and other strategic fuels – By 2030, SDI aims to support scale-up of multiple biofuel production pathways
September 21, 2023 Read Full Article
BRIDGES Bioenergy 101 Webinar: Incorporating Bioenergy National Laboratory Research into the Classroom --- October 5, 2023 --- ONLINE
Are you interested in providing hands-on, data-centric bioenergy experiences in your classroom? The Bioenergy Research and Education Bridge (BRIDGES) Program is partnering with the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) to host the BRIDGES Bioenergy 101 webinar at 6 pm (ET) on Thursday, October 5, 2023, to
September 20, 2023 Read Full Article
DOE Announces $17.2 Million to Use Carbon Dioxide for Enhanced Oil Recovery in Unconventional Reservoirs, Combined with Carbon Storage DEADLINE December 13, 2023
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) today announced up to $17.2 million to evaluate the potential for unconventional oil production through a combined process that uses captured carbon dioxide
September 20, 2023 Read Full Article
DOE Announces $27 Million for Carbon Dioxide Transport Networks to Manage Carbon Emissions DEADLINE November 16, 2023
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding From President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda Will Help Connect Sources of Carbon Dioxide to Locations for Geologic Storage and Conversion Through Multiple Transport Modes -- The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon
September 20, 2023 Read Full Article
Chevron Does U-turn and Invests in Utah Green Hydrogen Project
by Cameron Murray (Energy Storage News) Oil and gas major Chevron has performed a U-turn and invested in ACES Delta in Utah, US, one of the largest green hydrogen projects in the world, citing a “change of circumstances” when asked by Energy-Storage.news. Through
September 20, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Systems Development and Integration – Scale-Up Portfolio
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) SDI directly supports BETO’s strategic goal to decarbonize the transportation sector through R,D, &D to produce cost-effective, sustainable aviation and other strategic fuels – By 2030, SDI aims to support scale-up of multiple biofuel production pathways
September 20, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Separations and Performance Advantaged Bioproducts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office seeks in its separations strategy to support scale-up of sustainable aviation fuels and other biofuels with >70% reduction in GHG emissions relative to petroleum; enable commercial production of 10+ renewable chemicals
September 18, 2023 Read Full Article
WVU Engineers Study How to Pull Carbon out of Building Air to Make Methanol
(WVU Today) Researchers at West Virginia University have taken the first steps toward developing technology that can capture carbon dioxide in the air and use it for eco-friendly manufacturing of methanol. The process they have begun modeling — which involves pulling air from
September 14, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the DOE Feedstock Technologies Program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The DOE’s Feedstock Technologies program focuses on challenges and barriers crucial to reaching program goals, including: Feedstock Availability and Cost Production; Feedstock Genetics and Variety Improvement; Sustainable Harvesting; Feedstock Quality; Biomass Storage Systems; Biomass Physical State
September 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Ferrie: Biofuel Tax Credit Needs Could Mean More Dollars for Farmers’ Grain
by Rhonda Brooks (AgWeb) When the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law last August, it unveiled an opportunity for farmers to see substantially increased value for their grain crops, says Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist. At the heart of the
September 14, 2023 Read Full Article
USDA to Adjust GHG Model to Help Ethanol Get Aviation Fuel Subsidy
by Leah Douglas (Reuters) The U.S. Department of Agriculture will spend up to $400,000 to adjust a federal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions model to ensure that aviation fuel made from corn-based ethanol is eligible for hefty subsidies, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
September 13, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the Feedstock Conversion Interface Consortium and Task X
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium is led by DOE as a collaborative effort among researchers from 9 National Labs. The key ideas? 1. Biomass feedstock properties are variable and different from other Commodities. 2. Empirical approaches to
September 13, 2023 Read Full Article
U.S. Department of Energy Announces $18.6 Million to Support Production of Low-Carbon Biofuels and Bioproducts
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) today announced $18.6 million in funding for eight university and industry projects to develop biomass feedstocks to produce affordable biofuels and bioproducts that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Located in eight states, the
September 12, 2023 Read Full Article
US Renewable Diesel Production Capacity Surpasses Biodiesel Capacity in 2023
(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Biobased Diesel Daily) In January 2023, U.S. production capacity of renewable diesel and other biofuels reached 3 billion gallons per year, surpassing U.S. biodiesel production capacity for the first time. Rising targets for state and federal renewable fuel programs
September 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Development Capital – the Lifeblood of Every New Initiative Is Much Too Hard to Obtain
by CJ Evans (American Diversified Enterprises/ Alternative Fuels & Chemicals coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... First, every project being developed – every one that is needed to mitigate the climate crisis – only can advance with infusions, sometimes large infusions, of development capital. For example, a typical $1
September 12, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Carbon Dioxide Utilization
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office seeks to decarbonize the U.S. economy by developing efficient and economical biological and chemical technologies to convert renewable carbon resources into bioenergy and renewable chemicals and materials. Good news? CO2 represents
September 11, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Biochemical Conversion and Lignin Utilization
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The DOE’s goals are >54% upgradable products from Lignin by 2030, including an emphasis on Deconstruction and depolymerization, conversion of lignin oils to liquid fuels, opportunities for lignin to SAF, and valorization of lignin-derived monomers to
September 08, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Catalytic Upgrading
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) High-value chemicals and materials have the clearest near-term path to market; accordingly, the program is encouraged to increase its focus on ancillary technologies for producing high-value chemicals alongside core technologies that focus on producing high-volume fuels.
September 07, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the Agile BioFoundry Projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Agile BioFoundry is a consortium of seven U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories that operate as a distributed biofoundry in collaboration with industry and academia. They partner with the biomanufacturing industry to accelerate bioproduct
September 07, 2023 Read Full Article
Sustainable Aviation Fuel’s Success Could Depend On New Tax Codes
by Mark Phelps (AvWeb) The fiscal future of producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) could depend on how the tax codes associated with crop-based biofuels are written. That was the message delivered at a recent SAF conference in Minneapolis by Todd
September 06, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the BETO Program for Systems Development and Integration
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Technology is great — but energy is made by systems that integrate technology at scale. So, a critical part of the DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office is its Systems development and integration programs. Who’s on the team,
September 04, 2023 Read Full Article
A Model System for Microalgae Production Forecasting
by Karthikeyan K. Ramasamy (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) In the world of biofuels over the past decade, the eyes of industry have increasingly focused on the potential for domestic microalgae to provide alternative energy with reduced carbon emissions. However, to use these
August 31, 2023 Read Full Article
What Is a Carbon Intensity Score?
by Margy Eckelkamp (AgWeb)A provision in the Inflation Reduction Act, Section 45Z, provides biofuel producers (ethanol, biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel) with a tax credit incentive to produce low-emission fuels. Here are the FAQs for farmers who are exploring carbon’s next chapter
August 29, 2023 Read Full Article
Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation Select Three Projects to Accelerate Biomanufacturing Innovation and Advance the U.S. Bioeconomy
(U.S. Department of Energy) Biotechnology and biomanufacturing continue to offer vast opportunities to advance science and engineering, support a growing U.S. bioeconomy, and provide solutions to our nation’s climate change challenges. To help accelerate innovation and develop new biomanufacturing approaches, three
August 29, 2023 Read Full Article
Navigating the Financial Skyways: Financing SAF Projects in the US
by Todd Taylor (SAF Magazine/Avisen Legal) The pivot to SAF is not just a matter of overcoming technical and logistical roadblocks—it requires navigating an intricate financial labyrinth. ... Notably, equity and debt financing play pivotal roles in shaping the financial landscape of SAF
August 28, 2023 Read Full Article
Jeff McDaniel, VP of New Projects at Velocys and Will Thurmond, CEO of Emerging Markets Online Joined REenergize Last Week.
(REenergize) Jeff McDaniel shared updates to Velocys’ commercial reference project, Bayou Fuels, which will produce SAF and naphtha in Natchez, Mississippi. McDaniel said the woody biomass residues, “the parts of the pine plantation that can’t be converted into lumber, that’s what we
August 28, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the DOE’s Overview of the Bioenergy Technologies Office
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (establishes partnerships with key public and private stakeholders to develop technologies for producing cost-competitive advanced biofuels from non-food biomass resources, including cellulosic biomass, algae, and wet waste (e.g.,
August 28, 2023 Read Full Article
MN Bio-Fuels Commends State Leadership for Supporting Agriculture's Role in Reducing Emissions in the Aviation Industry
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) commends Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen for his leadership advocating for the participation of agriculture and biofuel producers in decarbonizing the aviation sector in a recent letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
August 28, 2023 Read Full Article
Additional Selections for Funding Opportunity Announcement 2400: Clean Hydrogen Production, Storage, Transport and Utilization to Enable a Net-Zero Carbon Economy (Round 3)
(U.S. Department of Energy) AREA OF INTEREST 4 — ADVANCED AIR SEPARATION FOR LOW-COST H2 PRODUCTION VIA MODULAR GASIFICATION An Advanced Modular Redox Air Separation System for Cost-Effective, Net-Zero Hydrogen Production — North Carolina State University (Raleigh, North Carolina) intends to develop a redox-based, radically engineered modular
August 28, 2023 Read Full Article
Fundamentals and the Future: At the National Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Summit, Industry Experts Discussed the Complexities of the Current Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry
by Katie Schroeder (SAF Magazine) The market opportunities around sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) have attracted the attention of the ethanol industry. In June, at the National Biodiesel & Renewable Diesel Summit—colocated with ethanol industry’s largest conference, the Fuel Ethanol Workshop, held
August 25, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to DOE’s overview of Renewable Carbon Resources
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (establishes partnerships with key public and private stakeholders to develop technologies for producing cost-competitive advanced biofuels from non-food biomass resources, including cellulosic biomass, algae, and wet waste (e.g.,
August 25, 2023 Read Full Article
RFA Blasts EPA Science Advisory Board for ‘Specious’ Report on Corn Ethanol and Carbon Emissions
(Renewable Fuels Association) In a letter today to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, the Renewable Fuels Association blasted EPA’s Science Advisory Board (SAB) for its recent report making “specious” and unfounded claims about corn ethanol’s impact on greenhouse gas emissions. In a
August 25, 2023 Read Full Article
BRIDGES Bioenergy 101 Webinar: Introducing Educators to Bioenergy National Laboratory Research --- September 14, 2023 --- ONLINE
Kick off the new school year with cutting-edge bioenergy resources that help students explore clean energy careers and build critical thinking skills! Join the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL), for a professional development
August 24, 2023 Read Full Article
DOE Awards $34 Million to Advance Clean Hydrogen
(U.S. Department of Energy) Industry and University-Led Projects Across the Country Will Develop Technologies and Infrastructure for Efficient Hydrogen Production, Transport, and Storage -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (August 17, 2023) announced the award of nearly $34 million to
August 23, 2023 Read Full Article
Equatic’s Transformative Technology Allows Seawater to Capture & Store Carbon
(Equatic/Business Wire) Equatic White Paper Outlines Rigorous MRV Framework to Validate Process -- Carbon removal company Equatic has developed a revolutionary process that relies on seawater electrolysis to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2), while simultaneously producing clean hydrogen. A new white paper written
August 23, 2023 Read Full Article
NREL Highlights Sustainable Aviation Partnerships on National Aviation Day 2023
(Bioenergy International) August 19 marks the birthday of Orville Wright, an American inventor credited for flying the world’s first successful motor-operated airplane in 1903. Marking the occasion on National Aviation Day 2023, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) celebrates the partnerships
August 22, 2023 Read Full Article
National Laboratory Pilot Plants Help Industry De-Risk Biofuel Processes
by Zia Abdullah (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) We are witnessing a renaissance of innovation in sustainable fuels. Established corporations and small startups around the world are proposing novel solutions for turning abundant renewable carbon resources into energy-dense, low-carbon fuels that are key
August 22, 2023 Read Full Article
SAF Modeling Debate Isn’t Really about “GREET vs. ICAO.” It’s about Current Data vs. Old Data.
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) Last year’s Inflation Reduction Act created tax credits meant to stimulate the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a critical tool in the aviation sector’s decarbonization strategy. To qualify for the tax credits, SAF
August 22, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the DOE’s Overview of Biomass Conversion R&D
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (establishes partnerships with key public and private stakeholders to develop technologies for producing cost-competitive advanced biofuels from non-food biomass resources, including cellulosic biomass, algae, and wet waste (e.g.,
August 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Many Roads to the Big H: The Digest’s Guide to Hydrogen Roadmaps 2023
Later this week, the United States is conducting a webinar to describe in detail the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, including an explanation of the benefits of clean hydrogen and its role in the clean energy transition. Leaders from
August 16, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA’s 3.5% Solution
by Paul Winters (Clean Fuels Alliance America/Biobased Diesel Daily) Buried in the Renewable Fuel Standards for 2023, 2024 and 2025, as finalized in June, is an unexpected change to the obligated fuel volume calculations. The change has the same effect as
August 15, 2023 Read Full Article
Fairbanks Morse Defense, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Collaborate on Developing Alternative Fuel Technology for Marine Engines
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Newswise) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, and Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development and integration
August 15, 2023 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Awards $2.5 Million to Accelerate Commercialization of Bioenergy Technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) today announced $2.5 million in funding, with an industry match of $2.5 million, for four projects selected from the Base Annual Appropriations Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF). The TCF is administered
August 15, 2023 Read Full Article
Request for Information on the Progression of Clean Fuels in the Shipping Industry DEADLINE August 18, 2023
(U.S. Department of Energy) The maritime industry set a goal to transition to net-zero emission fuels by 2050. This transformation requires coordination among all aspects of the shipping supply chain including feedstock supply, alternative fuel production, ship and engine manufacturers, port
August 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Can Vacuums Slow Global Warming? Administration Bets $1.2 Billion on It.
by Evan Harper (Washington Post) Texas and Louisiana will become a global testing ground for giant machines that suck carbon from the air -- The Biden administration is betting big on giant carbon-sucking vacuums as a climate solution, announcing that it will
August 11, 2023 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Selects Three Projects to Help Industry Leverage FCIC Capabilities to Overcome Bioenergy and Bioproduct Challenges
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) awarded $2.18 million in funding to three projects as part of the 2023 Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) Call by the Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium (FCIC). Funded and led by BETO,
August 11, 2023 Read Full Article
Mote Kicks off Second Biomass to Hydrogen Project in Northern California
(Mote/Business Wire) The biomass-to-hydrogen startup is partnering with Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) to expand its operations to a second location supported by $1.2M in grants from the US Forest Service, the California Department of Conservation, and the California Department of
August 11, 2023 Read Full Article
Protecting the Future of Low-Carbon Aviation
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Launched in 2021, the Biden administration’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge aims to produce enough low-carbon jet fuel to slash aviation emissions in half by 2050. Thanks to new incentives created by the Inflation Reduction Act,
August 08, 2023 Read Full Article
DE-FOA-0003156: Development of Green Shipping Corridors between the United States and the United Kingdom DEADLINE September 29, 2023
(U.S. Department of Energy) The United States (U.S.) envisions green shipping corridors as maritime routes that showcase zero- and near zero- emission lifecycle fuels and technologies with the ambition to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions across all aspects of the corridor
August 07, 2023 Read Full Article
RFS15 The Policy Origins of the Renewable Fuel Standard (aka, "Ethanol"): The Ethanol Pivot
by Eric Vettel (Energy Today) ... Replacing lead with MTBE reduced emissions almost overnight. By 1995, the Sierra Club celebrated MTBE as the “innovation of the year,” and George H. W. Bush considered the reform one of the most notable accomplishments
August 07, 2023 Read Full Article
Direct Air Capture of CO2: The Most Dangerous Idea in the World
by Dave Austgen (BioVeritas/Biofuels Digest) It may not be the stupidest idea ever postulated, but it is unequivocally one of the most dangerous. Direct Air Capture or DAC! To the average person it sounds like a fantastic solution to climate change driven
August 07, 2023 Read Full Article
Representatives to Treasury: Adopt GREET Model for SAF Tax Credit
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A bipartisan group of 21 federal lawmakers on July 28 sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging the Treasury Department to adopt the U.S. Department of Energy’s GREET model as the secondary
August 01, 2023 Read Full Article
Opinion: Ethanol Is the Solution to Transportation Problems – Inside Sources
by Larry Elder (Inside Sources/Prescott eNews) ... The Biden administration says electric vehicles are a solution to decarbonizing the transportation sector while also making driving more affordable. However, its “electric vehicle revolution” operates in an alternate reality where billions of dollars
July 31, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden Administration Rejects GM's Warning that US Emissions Rules Will Be Costly
by David Shepardson (Reuters) General Motors (GM.N) warned the Biden administration's planned changes to vehicle emissions rules could cost the auto industry hundreds of billions of dollars in penalties by 2031, which the Biden administration said on Thursday was wrong. GM executive David Strickland
July 31, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden Admin Seeks to Jumpstart Carbon Recycling with $100 Million in Grants
by Allyson Finch Wilson (NBC News) ... The Biden administration took a step to address that chicken-and-egg problem Monday with the announcement of a $100 million grant program aimed at subsidizing carbon recycling purchases by state and local governments, as well
July 31, 2023 Read Full Article
West Biofuels Secures $1.5 Million to Develop Bioenergy Facilities
(West Biofuels) Federal Grants will Increase Forest Sustainability, Promote Innovation, and Bolster Local Economies -- West Biofuels, LLC (“West Biofuels”) announced $1.5 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase the sustainable use of forest products while
July 31, 2023 Read Full Article
CO2 Utilization: Biofuel from the Stack
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Utilization technologies are stimulating interest in ethanol producers’ constant coproduct, carbon dioxide. An initiative from the U.S. Department of Energy has formed the CO2 Reduction and Upgrading for E-fuels Consortium—or CO2RUe—made up of labs across the
July 27, 2023 Read Full Article
Duckworth Discusses Importance of Ethanol Production and Increased Use of U.S. Biofuels with Illinois Corn Growers Association, Renewable Fuels Association
(Office of Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)) U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with leaders and members of the Illinois Corn Growers Association as well as with members from the Renewable Fuels Association Board of Directors (RFA) to underscore her support for
July 24, 2023 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Launches New Bioenergy Webpage for Technology Verification Guidance
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) often requires funding opportunity announcement (FOA) award recipients to comply with technical and economic validation of their novel chemical, biological, and thermochemical technologies at the R&D, pilot, demo, and
July 24, 2023 Read Full Article
National Renewable Energy Laboratory Releases Assessment of BQ-9000 Biodiesel Properties for 2022
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Data demonstrates high level of quality for BQ-9000 biodiesel users leading to improved specifications for OEM approvals. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released its Assessment of BQ-9000 Biodiesel Properties for 2022 with more data collected than
July 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Aviation Sector Buys into Cutting-Edge Ways to Reduce CO2 Footprint
by Ken Silverstein (Forbes) ... To that end, a new plant is breaking ground today in Washington State to transform CO2 into jet fuel — a technology that could clean up air travel. The U.S. Air Force has tested the product, affirming that
July 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Ferrie: Biofuel Tax Credit Needs Could Mean More Dollars for Farmers’ Grain
by Rhonda Brooks (AgWeb) When the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law last August, it unveiled an opportunity for farmers to see substantially increased value for their grain crops, says Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist. At the heart of the
July 19, 2023 Read Full Article
E.U.’s ‘Green’ Hydrogen Rules May Shape American Industry
by David Iaconangelo (E&E News Energywire) The European Union’s definition of “green” hydrogen is emerging as a potential model for the U.S., with global repercussions for emissions, trade and production of the fuel. Europe’s plan also is shaking up a debate over
July 14, 2023 Read Full Article
UND Receives $2.5 Million to Advance CCUS Technology at Renewable Diesel Facility
(Office of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)) U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, announced the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded $2,500,000 to the University of North Dakota’s (UND) Energy & Environmental Research
July 13, 2023 Read Full Article
SAF Production: Haffner Energy Launches a Game-Changing Solution
(Haffner Energy) Haffner Energy launches SAFNOCA, an integrated solution that unlocks the pathway for the massive production of competitive sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Its patented technology of renewable synthetic gas production from diversified biomass and organic waste will play a decisive
July 13, 2023 Read Full Article
New Investment Tax Credit Announced for Advanced Energy Projects Includes Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Renewable Chemicals
(U.S. Department of Energy) As part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the Internal Revenue Service announced $4 billion in tax credits for projects that expand clean energy, critical materials manufacturing, or recycling. Up to $1.6 billion has
July 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Funding Notice: Regional Initiative to Accelerate Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Deployment: Technical Assistance for Large-Scale Storage Facilities and Regional Carbon Management Hubs
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding Notice: Regional Initiative to Accelerate Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Deployment: Technical Assistance for Large-Scale Storage Facilities and Regional Carbon Management Hubs -- On July 10, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy
July 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog: USDA Unveils $300M Greenhouse Gas Measurement, Monitoring Plan
by Jerry Hagstrom (DTN Progressive Farmer) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will announce Wednesday that USDA will spend $300 million to improve measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration in climate-smart agriculture and forestry. The money will come from
July 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Blue Biofuels Receives Department of Energy Grant for Groundbreaking Renewable Fuels Technology
(Blue Biofuels/Globe Newswire) Blue Biofuels, Inc. (OTCQB: BIOF). Blue Biofuels (the “Company”) announces today the receipt of a prestigious Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 grant. The grant, valued at $206,500, will further propel Blue Biofuels'
July 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Transitioning to a Sustainable, Circular Economy for Plastics Workshop June 8–9, 2023 Presentations Available
During the workshop, diverse stakeholders provided input on current challenges and opportunities to addressing and reducing plastic waste. This input was gathered to advance DOE’s vision for its Strategy for Plastics Innovation to develop and deploy technologies that minimize plastic waste and
June 30, 2023 Read Full Article
DOE: Ethanol Industry Leads the Charge in Hiring Military Veterans
(Renewable Fuels Association) The U.S. corn ethanol industry continues to be a leader when it comes to employing military veterans, a new study released today (June 28, 2023)by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports. The veteran workforce in the ethanol industry
June 29, 2023 Read Full Article
Presentations Available from CAAFI 2023 2-Day SAF Virtual Conference · June 15-16, 2023
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) Since 2006, the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) has sought to enhance energy security and environmental sustainability for aviation through the use of alternative jet fuels. CAAFI is a coalition of airlines, aircraft and
June 29, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the Bioenergy Technologies Office
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (establishes partnerships with key public and private stakeholders to develop technologies for producing cost-competitive advanced biofuels from non-food biomass resources, including cellulosic biomass, algae, and wet waste (e.g.,
June 28, 2023 Read Full Article
A Push to Turn Farm Waste into Fuel
(North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance) Biofuel plants and energy from on-farm biodigesters have been a part of the agricultural landscape for decades. But as the global climate continues to warm and as agriculture continues to face new challenges, bioenergy
June 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Senators to Treasury: Adopt GREET for SAF Tax Credit
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of 16 senators on June 16 sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging the agency to adopt the U.S. Department of Energy’s GREET model as the secondary methodology for calculating
June 20, 2023 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Releases Request for Information on the Progression of Clean Fuels in the Shipping Industry DEADLINE July 14, 2023
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today (June 20, 2023), international shipping accounts for approximately three percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The industry generally relies on the availability of and access to cheap, energy-intensive fuels to transport heavy freight internationally over
June 20, 2023 Read Full Article
Who’s Shaping the GOP’s 2024 Energy Strategy?
by Arianna Skibell (Politico's Power Switch) ... An army of political nonprofits, think tanks and Trump alumni are drafting energy policy plans they hope can rocket a Republican into the White House and provide the template for dismantling President Joe Biden’s
June 17, 2023 Read Full Article
States Charting the Course on ‘Green’ Hydrogen
by Arianna Skibell (Politico's Power Switch) ... An upswell of state-led legislation aimed at boosting and regulating the fuel source could help shape the trajectory of President Joe Biden’s climate plans, write David Iaconangelo, Heather Richards and Zach Bright. ... Few green hydrogen
June 16, 2023 Read Full Article
Electrifying the Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel: the Risks, Economics, and Environmental Benefits of Emerging Pathways Including CO2
by R. Gary Grim, Dwarak Ravikumar, Eric C. D. Tan, Zhe Huang, Jack R. Ferrell, III, Michael Resch, Zhenglong Li,b Chirag Mevawala, Steven D. Phillips, Lesley Snowden-Swan, Ling Tao and Joshua A. Schaidle (Energy & Environmental Science/National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Pacific
June 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Production and Catalytic Upgrading of 2,3-Butanediol Fermentation Broth into Sustainable Aviation Fuel Blendstock and Fuel Properties Measurement
by Martin Affandy, Cheng Zhu, Marie Swita, Beth Hofstad, Dylan Cronin, Richard Elander, and Vanessa Lebarbier Dagle (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Fuel) With the increasing demand for sustainable supplies of aviation fuel and need to address
June 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Improving Rigor and Reproducibility Can Accelerate Catalytic Research
by Cody Wrasman, Jacklyn Hall, and Josh Schaidle (ChemCatBio) Achieving the Chemical Catalysis for Bioenergy Consortium's (ChemCatBio's) mission of accelerating catalyst and process development relies on rigorously collected and reproducible catalytic data. However, the best practices for collecting, processing, and reporting catalytic
June 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Duckworth, Fischer, Ernst, Klobuchar, Grassley Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Solidify Future of American-Grown Sustainable Aviation Fuels
(Office of Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)) U.S. Senator and pilot Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation—and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) along
June 14, 2023 Read Full Article
New Issue Brief Challenges the EV Vision: Biofuels and a Technology Neutral Strategy the Better Approach
(Clean Fuels Development Coalition) The widespread introduction of electric vehicles as a means of reducing carbon emissions presents a far greater challenge than the public is being led to believe, according to new research by the Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC). This
June 12, 2023 Read Full Article
EUBCE 2023 Marks the Return to Real-World Interaction
(Bioenergy International) ... Over 1 500 delegates from 79 countries convened in Bologna, Italy earlier this week to discuss the use of biomass in a circular and sustainable economy. ... The chairwoman of the conference, Isabella de Bari of the Italian Energy
June 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Tri-Cities Researchers’ Discovery Could Mean Cheaper Bio-Based Fuel
by Steven Ashby (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/Tri-City Herald) While it can take a century for some types of wood to fully decompose, researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Washington State University took a lesson from nature and discovered a
June 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Investments in Clean Energy and Transportation Innovations in the Federal and Private Sectors
(Energy and Environmental Study Institute) Key Takeaways The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is working toward a 100 percent decarbonized electric grid by 2035. The power, transportation, industry, and building sectors are becoming
June 09, 2023 Read Full Article
RFS and the Push for Greater Ethanol Content in Gasoline
by Brian Milne (DTN) ... Owing to insufficient production, EPA has had to frequently issue waivers for the cellulosic biofuel nested category. However, EPA’s 2019 final rule pegged volume requirements below statute for total renewable fuel, triggering the agency’s reset authority
June 09, 2023 Read Full Article
Bipartisan Bill Would Lay Groundwork for U.S. Carbon Tariffs
by Emma Dumain (E&E Daily) Senators from both parties have signed on to legislation that would calculate the emissions intensity of industrial materials produced in the United States. It’s a necessary step, advocates say, toward a carbon border adjustment mechanism, or CBAM,
June 08, 2023 Read Full Article
BETO Launches New Renewable Carbon Resources Web Page
by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (B&C Biobased and Sustainable Chemicals Blog) The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) has launched a new, comprehensive web page dedicated to one of its priority subprograms, Renewable Carbon Resources (RCR), which
June 08, 2023 Read Full Article
Algae Are Versatile Organisms. Meet Three NREL Scientists Working to Unlock Their Full Energy Potential
byZia Abdullah (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Algae turn sunlight and carbon dioxide into biochemical energy. These researchers use genetic engineering, analysis, and material science to turn that energy into opportunity. Food, fertilizer, fuel, pollutant filter —the uses for algae are as
June 08, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the Outlook and Lifecycle Characteristics of Alternative Marine Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The transportation Sector accounts for 33% of total US emissions and marine fuels are 3 percent of that- and they are famously hard to electrify. In this overview from the US Department of Energy’s BioEnergy
June 08, 2023 Read Full Article
Threat to Whales Complicates US Research into Seaweed for Biofuel
by Gloria Dickie (Reuters) U.S. Department of Energy has invested $55 million in seaweed biofuel research; Whale biologists worry kelp growing gear could entangle critically endangered North Atlantic right whales; Seaweed farms test out stiffer, whale-friendly gear -- ... Now, the
June 07, 2023 Read Full Article
Transforming Plants into Allies in the Fight against Climate Change
(U.S. Department of Energy/Oak Ridge National Laboratory/EurekAlert!) ... At the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, scientists are leading research to transform plants into key drivers of decarbonization, from creating biomass crops for new fuels to enhancing the ability
June 07, 2023 Read Full Article
Doug Sombke: Carbon Sequestration Remains a Pipe Dream. Ethanol Fuel Already Has Value
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union/Farm Forum) ... The recent study by South Dakota ethanol producers estimating a value to the state of nearly $6 billion needs to be carefully examined. Argus Leader’s recent article delving into the study does a
June 07, 2023 Read Full Article
Dynamic Crosslinking — Creative Chemistry Offers Solution for Recycling Mixed Plastics
(U.S. Department of Energy) We use plastics every day – from the polystyrene in food takeout containers and the polyethylene terephthalate in clothing fibers to high density polyethylene in shampoo bottles and polypropylene in bandages. Unfortunately, plastics used for common but
June 06, 2023 Read Full Article
Energy Department Unveils Plan Using Hydrogen Energy to Cut US Emissions by 10 Percent
by Rachel Frazin (The Hill) The Energy Department on Monday unveiled a roadmap it says will, using hydrogen energy, enable the U.S. to reduce its emissions by 10 percent in 2050, compared to 2005 levels. The strategy document calls for specifically targeting hydrogen use
June 06, 2023 Read Full Article
Federal Hydrogen Program Is Cutting Out Local Groups, Threatening Climate Goals, Advocates Say
by Nicholas Kusnetz (Inside Climate News) Environmental groups sent a letter to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm warning that a lack of transparency in an $8 billion clean hydrogen program leaves communities “entirely in the dark.” --As a key piece of
June 05, 2023 Read Full Article
Southwest Airlines Wins Award for Innovation in Sustainability
by Daniela Castim (World Bio Market Insights) Southwest Airlines has been named a 2023 Sustainability, Environmental Achievement, and Leadership (SEAL) Business Awards winner in the Environmental Initiative category for its investment in SAFFiRE1, a pilot project supporting the development and production of SAF. The
June 05, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Aemetis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this presentation, Aemetis CEO Eric McAfee took the ABLC 2023 stage in Washington DC to outline the company’s milestones, technology, financial estimates, policy asks, its portfolio of Carbon Zero One projects, and the company’s
June 02, 2023 Read Full Article
Bioenergy Bridge to Career Program Virtual Workshop --- Fridays July 14-August 4, 2023 --- ONLINE
The Bioenergy Bridge to Career Program Virtual Workshop is a four-day virtual event for undergraduate students interested in learning about the bioenergy field. It is sponsored by the Bioprocessing Separations Consortium which is dedicated to identifying and overcoming the challenges associated with
June 01, 2023 Read Full Article
Bioprocessing Separations Consortium Spotlights Three-Year Update and Announces Bioenergy STEM Workshop for Students! --- Fridays July 14-August 4, 2023 --- ONLINE
(U.S. Department of Energy) While fossil fuels still dominate the energy landscape, biomass is becoming a power player in the clean energy revolution. Separating valuable compounds from other components – like isolating fuel molecules from water, microorganisms, and other organic material
June 01, 2023 Read Full Article
DOE Funds 2 Community-Drive Waste-to-Energy Projects
by Erin Voegele (SAF Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy on May 19 awarded a combined $3 million to two waste-to-energy projects, including one that focuses on the potential to convert biosolids into renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The awards
May 31, 2023 Read Full Article
DOE Announces Nearly $60 Million to Advance Clean Hydrogen Technologies and Improve the Electric Power Grid
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding Will Reduce the Cost of Clean Hydrogen, Deliver Cleaner Air, More High-Quality Jobs, and Reduce Reliance on Fossil Fuels -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (May 22, 2023) announced nearly $42 million in funding
May 30, 2023 Read Full Article
ChemCatBio Webinar Announced: Perspectives on Engineered Catalyst Design and Forming --- June 14, 2023 --- ONLINE
Join the Chemical Catalysis for Bioenergy Consortium (ChemCatBio) on June 14, 2023, 12:00 –12:45 p.m. MT, for a webinar on Perspectives on Engineered Catalyst Design and Forming. ChemCatBio is a consortium of eight U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories overseen by DOE’s Bioenergy Technologies
May 30, 2023 Read Full Article
Attention Subject Matter Experts! Apply to Become a Bioenergy Technologies Project Reviewer DEADLINE June 9, 2023
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is looking for a diverse pool of subject matter experts to review applications for federal funding. We are striving to expand our reviewer pool to broaden participation and to create
May 25, 2023 Read Full Article
CSU, TotalEnergies Join Forces to Create Qualification Standards for Greenhouse Gas Measurement Methods
by Anne Manning (Colorado State University) The global oil and gas industry emits tens of millions of metric tons of methane into the atmosphere each year. The potent greenhouse gas is responsible for more than 25% of the global warming we
May 25, 2023 Read Full Article
DOE Launches New Energy Earthshot to Decarbonize Transportation and Industrial Sectors
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Clean Fuels & Products ShotTM Will Reduce Emissions and Develop Cost-Effective Fuels and Products for Aviation, Marine, and Other Hard-to-Decarbonize Sector -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the launch of the Clean Fuels & Products
May 24, 2023 Read Full Article
Two U.S. Senators Introduce New Carbon Removal Legislation
by Dimana Doneva (Carbon Herald) Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced on May 12 the Carbon Removal and Emissions Storage Technologies (CREST) Act. The new legislation directs the Departments of Energy and Interior to put in place new research programs
May 23, 2023 Read Full Article
Advancing Equitable Deployment of Regional DAC Hubs
by Celina Scott-Buechler, Julia Jeanty, Catherine Fraser, Grace Adcox, and Charlotte Scott (Data for Progress) ... DAC (direct air capture) is one approach to carbon dioxide removal, in most cases relying on large fans to push air through a filter