(Algae Industry Magazine) The U.S. Energy Department has announced $3.5 million for an algae project aimed at accelerating the development of sustainable, affordable algal biofuels... Cellana, LLC, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, was selected to receive the $3.5 million grant to develop a
Department of Energy (DOE)
Back TO HOMEFirst Ionic Liquid Made from Plant Waste
by James Urquhart (Chemistry World) Ionic liquids – salts that are liquid at room temperature – could potentially be made more cheaply and greenly by recycling by-products from biofuel production processes, according to US researchers. These ionic liquids derived from biofuel
August 28, 2014 Read Full Article
JBEI GT Collection: A New Resource for Advanced Biofuels Research
(Joint BioEnergy Institute/Biomass Magazine) Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Joint BioEnergy Institute have unveiled the first glycosyltransferase clone collection specifically targeted for the study of the biosynthesis of plant cell walls. The idea behind what is being called “the
August 28, 2014 Read Full Article
DE-FOA-0001177: Notice of Intent to Issue FOA: DE-FOA-0001162, Entitled “Targeted Algal Biofuels and Bioproducts (TABB)”
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0001162, entitled “Targeted Algal Biofuels and Bioproducts (TABB)”. The TABB FOA seeks
August 21, 2014 Read Full Article
Proposed City of Chicago Ethanol Ordinance Would be a Step in the Right Direction
by Michael Wang and Jennifer Dunn (Huffington Post/Argonne National Laboratory) ... A proposed City of Chicago ordinance that would require most gas stations to offer E15 fuel - 15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline - is one example of a smaller
August 14, 2014 Read Full Article
11,000 Biogas Project Opportunities in the US? USDA, DOE, EPA Publish Biogas Opportunities Roadmap
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, USDA, EPA and the US DOE published the Biogas Opportunities Roadmap, and concluded that: · Developing a viable biogas industry in the U.S. can boost the economy and provide a reliable, distributed source of renewable energy
August 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Einstein Fellows Collaborate with DOE on Bioenergy Social Media Challenge
by Anne Artz (Triangle Coalition for STEM Education) Five Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows (AEF) and a group from the Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) together designed a high school competition to promote student understanding of
July 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Biodiesel 2014: Fame and Misfortune?
by William Woebkenberg (Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America) In these presentation slides from a July 2014 US Department of Energy EIA conference, Bill Woebkenberg explains Mercedes' support for world-wide B5 biodiesel/FAME blends and the need for greater assurance of
July 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Legislation Would Require Country-of-Origin Labeling for Fuels
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, has introduced legislation that would require fuel suppliers to disclose country-of-origin information for transportation fuels. The bill, titled the “Country of Origin Labeling for Fuels Act,” was introduced July 16
July 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Research Projects to Improve Plant Feedstocks for Bioenergy Production: Departments of Agriculture and Energy Announce Projects in 10 States
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (July 17, 2014) announced the selection of 10 projects that are being awarded funding aimed at accelerating genetic breeding programs to improve
July 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Energy Department Awards $3.5 Million to Develop Cost-Competitive Algal Biofuels
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department announced today (July 17, 2014) $3.5 million for an algae project aimed at accelerating the development of sustainable, affordable algal biofuels. This research project supports the Department’s goal of producing 2,500 gallons of
July 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Gettin’ Yer Benjamins: DOE Finalizes $4B Loan Guarantee Program for Renewables
by Jim Lane and Mark Riedy (Biofuels Digest) This week in Washington, the Department of Energy’s Loan Program Office announced the Final RenewableEnergy and Energy Efficiency Projects Solicitation for its up to $4 billion loan guarantee program under Section 1703
July 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Algae Biofuel Can Help Meet World Energy Demand, Researchers Say
by Mary-Ann Muffoletto (Phys.org) Microalgae-based biofuel not only has the potential to quench a sizable chunk of the world's energy demands, say Utah State University researchers. It's a potential game-changer. "That's because microalgae produces much higher yields of fuel-producing biomass than other traditional
July 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Montana State University-Led Team Receives $10 million to Pursue Innovative Research in Energy
(Montana State University) Montana State University is the lead institution on a new $10 million, four-year project to form a research center focused on innovative energy research. The Biological Electron Transfer and Catalysis (BETCy) Energy Frontiers Research Center (EFRC) will be
July 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Cellulosic Ethanol Deemed Good Fit in Idaho
(Capital Press) IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — As the first commercial cellulosic ethanol plants open in the U.S. this year, energy experts say Idaho is well positioned to follow the leaders with a small facility that would convert barley and wheat
July 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Converting Biomass to Fuels
by Aaron Dubrow (National Science Foundation) Researchers use NSF-supported Stampede supercomputer to improve catalysts for conversion Scientists from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are using the National Science Foundation-supported Stampede supercomputer to improve biofuel production by determining how certain enzymes break down
July 02, 2014 Read Full Article
Vermont Bioenergy Initiative Releases Report on Grass Heating Energy Potential in Vermont and the Northeast
(Vermont Bioenergy Initiative) A new report evaluating grass biomass energy as a potential heating fuel has been released. Grass Energy in Vermont and the Northeast summarizes current research on the agronomy and usage potential of grass as a biofuel, and points to
June 14, 2014 Read Full Article
Exporting U.S. Natural Gas Isn’t as “Clean” as You Think
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) One of the rallying cries in favor of liquefying and exporting U.S. natural gas has been to help reduce greenhouse gases in other countries, by crowding out coal in Asia and Europe. Yet tucked into
June 10, 2014 Read Full Article
BIOFUELS – Eucalyptus Gold
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) By optimizing the production of terpene in eucalyptus plants, researchers hope to reduce this organic compound’s volatility and ultimately increase energy yields per plant. Terpene, a hydrocarbon, can be converted in sufficient quantities into a biofuel,
June 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Court Upholds Upper Peninsula Ethanol Plant Review but Project Likely Dropped
by Eric Freedman (Great Lakes Echo) A federal appeals court has rejected a challenge to an environmental assessment of a $100 million construction subsidy for an ethanol plant in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) had assessed the project’s
June 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Engineered Microbe Could Ease Switch to Grass
by Kate Yandell (The Scientist) Researchers from the University of Georgia and at Tennessee’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have engineered the thermophilic bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor bescii to directly convert switchgrass into ethanol, according to a study published on June 2 in PNAS.
June 06, 2014 Read Full Article
ACORE Announces Submission of Comments on DOE's Biofuel Research and Development Pathways
(American Council On Renewable Energy) Today (June 2, 2014), the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) announced that it has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) which sought stakeholder input regarding the biofuel pathways that the DOE's Bioenergy Technologies
June 03, 2014 Read Full Article
Sixth Circuit Greenlights Cellulosic Ethanol Plant
by Paul E. Gutermann (Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP/Lexology.com) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit held this week that the Department of Energy (DOE) complied with its obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in providing
May 27, 2014 Read Full Article
Alternative Jet Fuels: Federal Activities Support Development and Usage, but Long-term Commercial Viability Hinges on Market Factors
(Government Accountability Office) The federal government supports the development and use of alternative jet fuels through both broad and targeted initiatives. Broad national strategies promote the development of a variety of alternative fuels—including alternative jet fuel—to help achieve national goals, such as securing
May 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Ames Lab Creates Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Cheaper, Cleaner Biofuel
(e! Science News) The U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory has created a faster, cleaner biofuel refining technology that not only combines processes, it uses widely available materials to reduce costs. Ames Laboratory scientists have developed a nanoparticle that is
May 14, 2014 Read Full Article
DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office Announces Request for Information on Biofuel Pathways
(US Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office has announced a request for information (RFI) seeking stakeholder input on the eight representative biofuel pathways it has selected to guide its research and development strategy. The Office also is seeking input
May 06, 2014 Read Full Article
DOE Announces Draft Solicitation for Section 1703 Loan Guarantees
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. DOE has announced its intent to offer up to $4 billion in Section 1703 loan guarantees to support a wide variety of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, including those for drop-in
April 28, 2014 Read Full Article
AAAS Fellowships At The Bioenergy Technologies Office
(U.S Department Of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) regularly engages fellows in the sciences through the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellowship program. The program provides opportunities for scientists and engineers to gain
April 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Energy Department Announces $10 Million for Technologies to Produce Advanced Biofuel Products from Biomass
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department today (April 15, 2014) announced up to $10 million in funding to advance the production of advanced biofuels, substitutes for petroleum-based feedstocks, and bioproducts made from renewable, non-food-based biomass, such as agricultural residues
April 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Issues Draft Renewable Energy and Efficient Energy Projects Solicitation to Foster Clean Energy Innovation
(US Department of Energy) In support of the Administration’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Department of Energy issued a draft loan guarantee solicitation today for innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency projects located in the U.S. that avoid, reduce, or sequester
April 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Scripps, UCSD Algae Biofuel Programs Rated Top In US By DOE
(Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego/Biodiesal Magazine) Fossil fuel use, even with the environmental and economic security challenges it poses, remains the dominant source of energy in the U.S. But its 80-percent share of the energy supply could be diminished
April 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Office Of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Internships and Fellowships
EERE offers exciting student volunteer internships throughout the year in its Washington, D.C., headquarters. These volunteer internships provide exciting opportunities for students to learn through direct experience about the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy. In addition, some colleges and universities give academic
April 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Sec. Moniz Discusses Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Loans
(US Department of Energy) U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz today highlighted key improvements to the Department’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program at the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Legislative Summit. The ATVM Loan Program plays a
April 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Highly Powerful New Biofuel Could Change Rocket Engines Forever
(RT.com) Scientists have scored a breakthrough in high-energy biofuels by producing a bacterium that synthesizes highly-efficient pinene, a hydrocarbon made by trees. It could soon replace existing alternatives and usher in a new era of rocket engines. Researchers have struggled for
April 02, 2014 Read Full Article
Ethanol Plant CO2 Sequestration Project Reaches New Milestone
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The $163.9 million Illinois Basin-Decatur Project celebrated as new milestone as its carbon sequestration project stored 750,000 metric tons carbon dioxide from Archer Daniels Midland Co.’s ethanol plant in Decatur, Ill. “We are here today
April 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Georgia Tech Students Top Clemson and UMD in DOE $100,000 ACC Clean Energy Challenge Final Four
(University of Maryland/PR Newswire) A team of four students from the Georgia Institute of Technology developing a new electrical power grid technology with an Internet-like control architecture won the third annual ACC Clean Energy Challenge and the Department of Energy's $100,000 grand prize, competition officials announce
April 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Research Summary: Sequestration of Carbon by Shrub Willow Offsets Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(Extension.org) Grown for biofuel, energy-efficient shrub willow sequesters carbon below-ground, life-cycle assessment shows. Shrub willow is a short-rotation woody biomass crop that could be an important part of our renewable energy future. By sequestering carbon in below-ground biomass, it can
April 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Resistance is Not Futile: Joint BioEnergy Institute Researchers Engineer Resistance to Ionic Liquids in Biofuel Microbes
by Lynn Yarris (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), a multi-institutional partnership led by Berkeley Lab, have identified the genetic origins of a microbial resistance to ionic liquids and successfully
April 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Purdue Researchers Launch Innovative Biomass Renewable Energy Company
by Phillip Fiorini and Cynthia Sequin (Purdue University) Purdue University researchers are launching a company focusing on an innovative process that could revolutionize how lignocellulosic biomass is used to make biofuels and other bio-based products and chemicals. Spero Energy Inc., which is based
March 28, 2014 Read Full Article
DNA Analysis Strategy Aids in Study of Biofuel Feedstocks
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Researchers from Michigan State University, U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory published the largest soil DNA sequencing effort. “The Great Prairie represents the largest expanse of the world’s most
March 25, 2014 Read Full Article
AIM Interview: Scripps’ Dr. Mark Hildebrand
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) A new report issued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) ranked 28 Algae Technology Area projects. Dr. Mark Hildebrand and his team at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego
March 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Dually Renewable
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) ... Not only is Abengoa Biomass Energy LLC forging the path to commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol, it is taking a new road when it comes to fuel. Besides cellulosic ethanol, the Hugoton, Kan., facility, located in the southwest
March 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Vertimass Licenses ORNL Biofuel-to-Hydrocarbon Conversion Technology
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Vertimass LLC, a California-based start-up company, has licensed an Oak Ridge National Laboratory technology that directly converts ethanol into a hydrocarbon blend-stock for use in transportation fuels. The ORNL technology offers a new pathway to biomass-derived renewable
March 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Algae in Iowa
(Algae Industry Magazine) This American Land travels to Shenandoah, Iowa, to take a look at BioProcess Algae’s novel technology for recycling CO2 from corn ethanol production into algae production. WATCH VIDEO and Duke Power VIDEO
March 17, 2014 Read Full Article
IMSA Green Alternative Fuels Lauded by DOE, EPA
Leaders from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined top executives from the automobile and fuel industries Saturday at Sebring International Raceway to praise the International Motor Sports Association’s (IMSA) alternative fuels program,
March 15, 2014 Read Full Article
$100K ACC Clean Energy Challenge Announces Elite Eight Plus Two, Will Vie To Reach Final Four
(University of Maryland/Yahoo! News) The $100K ACC Clean Energy Challenge, a business plan competition supported by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) encouraging students from universities in the southeastern United States to develop business plans for
March 13, 2014 Read Full Article
Algae Biomass Organization Hails New Publication that Identifies Most Promising Locations for Commercial Algae Production Projects
(Algae Biomass Organization) Analysis can reduce time, cost associated with site development The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, today (March 10, 2014) lauded a new publication from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in partnership with
March 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Benjamins for Biofuels in the 2015 Obama Budget: The Digest’s 7-Minute Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Vitally interested in President Obama’s proposed 2015 budget and the 411 on grants, incentives, tax credits, loan guarantees and R&D support — but haven’t got the time to read all 1653 glorious pages? Try the
March 06, 2014 Read Full Article
2013 Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office Peer Review Report Released
(US Department of Energy) In 2013, BETO implemented a comprehensive external review of its project portfolio through a Project Peer Review and Program Management Review. Results of this peer review process inform the Office’s strategic planning, budget formulation, FOA development,
March 05, 2014 Read Full Article
DE-FOA-0000974: Bioenergy Technologies Incubator
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) will issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled “Bioenergy Technologies Incubator”. BETO’s mission is to engage in research and development (R&D) and demonstration at
March 05, 2014 Read Full Article
BETO Announces Launch of the Bioenergy KDF Legislative Library
(US Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office is pleased to announce the release of a new Bioenergy Knowledge Discovery Framework (Bioenergy KDF) resource: the Legislative Library. Using this database, site visitors can track federal legislation relevant to the production and
March 05, 2014 Read Full Article
Budget Proposal Extends Biofuel Tax Credit, Cuts Oil Subsidies
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget proposal released March 4, calls for extending a tax credit for cellulosic biofuels and puts forward the idea of cutting billions in fossil fuel subsidies. ... The tax credit for cellulosic biofuels
March 05, 2014 Read Full Article
UC San Diego Takes Top Two Positions in National Rankings for Biofuel Research
(University of California San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography) Department of Energy report rates Scripps Institution of Oceanography lab and UC San Diego consortium as country’s best in algae technology research A new report issued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies
March 05, 2014 Read Full Article
The 10 Hottest Trends in Algae
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae has been touted as the ultimate platform for fuels, chemicals, nutraceuticals, proteins — even cancer therapies. There’s been a rate of progress that would impress any devotee of Moore’s Law — and a series of
March 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Will the EPA Reverse Itself on the Write Down of the Renewable Mandate for 2014? The Message from the RINs Market
by Scott Irwin (FarmDocDaily/University of Illinois) ... The purpose of today's post is to show that the recent behavior of prices in the RINs market suggests the odds of the EPA reversing the proposed write down of the renewable mandate for
March 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Algae Biofuel: A Review of Some Recent Developments
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Most of the oil that we drill out of the ground was formed by algae and other sea-borne flora that piled up at the bottom of the ocean over the course of millions of
March 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Team Converts Sugarcane to a Cold-Tolerant, Oil-Producing Crop
by Diana Yates (University of Illinois) A multi-institutional team reports that it can increase sugarcane’s geographic range, boost its photosynthetic rate by 30 percent and turn it into an oil-producing crop for biodiesel production. These are only the first steps in
March 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Renewable Carbon Fiber Funding Opportunity Announcement: DE-FOA-0000996
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced the Renewable Carbon Fiber Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), which seeks to develop a cost-competitive pathway to produce high-performance carbon fiber for vehicle lightweighting from renewable non-food biomass. For more
March 03, 2014 Read Full Article
Chromatin Announces Production of Farnesene in Sorghum
(Chromatin/Biomass Magazine) Chromatin Inc., an agriculture technology company, has announced that it has created sorghum plants containing elevated levels of the energy-rich compound farnesene. “We have demonstrated that sorghum can be modified to produce significantly elevated quantities of farnesene relative to
February 28, 2014 Read Full Article
Wood-Boring Gribbles Intrigue Researchers
by Bill Scanlon (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Tiny wood borers known colloquially as gribbles make their own enzymes and use them to eat through docks in harbor towns, earning enmity from fishermen all around the world. Now, researchers from the Energy
February 27, 2014 Read Full Article
Supercomputer Exposes Biofuel Enzyme's Secrets
by Heather Lammers (National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Renewable Energy World Magazine) Thanks to newer and faster supercomputers, today's computer simulations are opening hidden vistas to researchers in all areas of science. These powerful machines are used for everything from understanding how proteins work
February 27, 2014 Read Full Article
National Association of Convenience Stores Publishes Latest Assessment of Fuels Market Through 2040
(National Journal/National Association of Convenience Stores) Gasoline will remain the dominant fuel powering light duty vehicles through 2040, but consumption will drop 24% and market share will shrink 14% as fuel efficiency improves and alternative fuels - led by diesel
February 20, 2014 Read Full Article
Levels of Global-Warming Gas Methane Exceed Government Estimates, New Study Contends
by Lenny Bernstein (The Washington Post) The amount of the heat-trapping gas methane in the atmosphere is considerably greater than government estimates, a problem significantly fueled by leaks from the U.S. natural gas system, according to a study released Thursday. The leak rate probably
February 14, 2014 Read Full Article
2013 Pacific Rim Biofuels and Biotechnology Summit Report: the Golden Age of Advanced Biofuels Is Coming
by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Good news for mankind worried about getting a more sustainable world: it is expected that the next few years will be decisive for the future of advanced biofuels and bioenergy with the establishment
February 13, 2014 Read Full Article
Envisioning the Bioconversion of Methane to Liquid Fuels
by Robert J. Conrado and Ramon Gonzalez (Science Magazine) Efforts to use natural gas in transportation, either directly or by conversion to a liquid fuel, have been spurred by recent increases in available supply and a growing price spread between
February 10, 2014 Read Full Article
DE-FOA-0000991: FY 2014 Vehicle Technologies Program Wide Funding Opportunity Announcement
(US Department of Energy) The Vehicle Technologies Office supports a broad research, development, and deployment technology portfolio focused on reducing the cost and improving the performance of a mix of near- and long-term vehicle technologies including advanced batteries, power electronics
January 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Green Racing Challenge Is Back
By Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) Green Racing 2.0 was announced today just before the start of the Rolex 24 Hour Race at Daytona International Speedway. Scott Atherton, President and COO of the race’s sanctioning body, who had introduced renewable
January 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Future of Green Racing Looks Bright
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) When the organizers of the American Le Mans Series announced the merger with NASCAR’s GRAND-AM series, we noted that the future of green racing was uncertain. GRAND-AM vehicles never took even a sip of
January 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Study Suggests E30 Biofuel Offers Huge Efficiency Improvement
(The Green Car Website) How much of an impact could a mid-level biofuel blend have on the efficiency of the vehicles we drive? According to researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the improvements could be significant. The laboratory's national transportation research
January 20, 2014 Read Full Article
US Secretaries of Defense, Agriculture and Energy Push for Cost-Competitive, Drop-In Advanced Military Biofuels Program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Agriculture, and Secretary of Energy delivered four co-signed letters to the heads of key House and Senate committees and subcommittees, in support of the Navy’s efforts to
January 06, 2014 Read Full Article
DOE Pulls Funding for Bluefire Mississippi Project over Financing Woes; BFRE to Appeal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The following notice was filed Friday with the SEC by Bluefire Renewables: On December 23, 2013, Bluefire Renewables received notice from the Department of Energy indicating that the DOE would no longer provide funding under
December 30, 2013 Read Full Article
NREL Report Counters Big Oil’s False E15 Claim
by Bob Dinneen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The concept of the blend wall is based on a controversial study that has been called into question, most recently by a National Renewable Energy Laboratory analysis that identified a series of serious flaws. ... The
December 26, 2013 Read Full Article
EIA Updates State Profiles, Adds Data on Renewables
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Energy Information Administration has updated its state energy profiles and added new analytical narratives on the energy sectors of each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. The narratives
December 26, 2013 Read Full Article
The Venus Technology: Algae Joins Wood at the Liquefaction and Supercritical Frontier for Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) PNNL develops a project that, using conditions usually found on the planet Venus, produces a continuous stream of drop-in advanced biofuels, from algae, with the potential for dramatically lowered costs. It’s another step forward in
December 26, 2013 Read Full Article
Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative's Sustainable Alternative Fuels Cost Workshop
On November 27, 2012, CAAFI—in conjunction with FAA and the Department of Energy—hosted a stakeholder workshop to benchmark the cost of producing sustainable bio-based jet-fuel processes. The event was held in advance of the 2012 CAAFI Research & Development Team
December 23, 2013 Read Full Article
Bioenergy Technologies Office Releases New Information on Aviation Biofuels Initiatives
(US Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) recently launched a new Web page that houses information about all of the Office’s research and development efforts in aviation biofuels. The page provides highlights about workshop and project efforts, and
December 23, 2013 Read Full Article
Enlisting Cells' Protein Recycling Machinery to Regulate Plant Products
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/Phys.Org) Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified a new way to regulate the production of phenols, a class of plant products with a wide range of applications for humans. These compounds serve as
December 23, 2013 Read Full Article
EIA Publishes AEO2014 Reference Case
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Energy Information Administration has published the early release of its Annual Energy Outlook 2014 (AEO2014), increasing its projections for biomass energy and other renewables. The analysis also predicts increased consumption of biofuels
December 20, 2013 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Releases $8 Billion Solicitation for Advanced Fossil Energy Projects
(US Department of Energy) As part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the Energy Department published a solicitation today, making up to $8 billion in loan guarantee authority available to support innovative advanced fossil energy projects that avoid, reduce, or sequester
December 18, 2013 Read Full Article
Ethanol Use to Hit Record as Corn Prices Slump, Feds Project
by Zain Shauk (FuelFix) Corn prices have fallen 40 percent in 2013, a drop that inspired refineries to blend a record amount of ethanol into gasoline in August. The price drop came as the government projected record corn production of 14
December 17, 2013 Read Full Article
Scale-up and Evaluation of High Solid Ionic Liquid Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Switchgrass
by Chenlin Li, Deepti Tanjore, Wei He, Jessica Wong, James L Gardner, Kenneth L Sale, Blake A Simmons and Seema Singh (Biotechnology for Biofuels) Ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment is receiving significant attention as a potential process that enables fractionation of lignocellulosic
December 17, 2013 Read Full Article
USDA and DOE Fund 7 Research Projects to Develop Plant Feedstocks for Bioenergy
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Energy (DOE) today announced $8 million in research grants to develop non-food feedstocks that can be used for bioenergy. The grants are part of a broader effort by the
December 16, 2013 Read Full Article
EPA Caves to the Petroleum Industry, Could Cost Taxpayers
by Laura Sesana (The Washington Times) The petroleum industry’s renewed campaign against Congressionally mandated increasing levels of ethanol in gasoline appears to be working. The result, however—EPA’s proposal to reduce ethanol requirements for 2014—could cost taxpayers and secure petroleum’s hold on
December 09, 2013 Read Full Article
Groundbreaking Algae Research Continues at Pecos: AgriLife Research Shares $8 Million Grant
by Steve Byrns (AgriLife Today) Pecos is usually egg-frying hot, bone dry and much of the groundwater is brackish, but Texas A&M AgriLife Research personnel know the area is prime real estate for conducting algae research, something they’ve been doing successfully
December 06, 2013 Read Full Article
U.S. DOE Posts Bioenergy Knowledge Discovery Framework Webinar
(US Department of Energy) Slides from the webinar, "Using the New Bioenergy KDF for Data Discovery and Research," on October 24, 2013, can be viewed on the EERE website, along with additional information about KDF. View the slides and find
December 02, 2013 Read Full Article
Paper Mill in Maine, US Making Sugars for Biofuel from Wood Waste
(Biofuels International) The paper industry in Old Town, Maine, US has been stuck in gradual decline for some years now. However, one company - Old Town Fuel and Fiber (OTFF) - is said to be 'on the cusp' of a
November 26, 2013 Read Full Article
New App Helps Drivers Find Alternative Fuel Stations
by Laura Legere (NPR/StateImpact) ... The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has developed a resource you can take on the road. A free iPhone app shows the location of more than 15,000 alternative fueling stations throughout the country with services for electric, natural gas,
November 21, 2013 Read Full Article
Reshaping American Energy—A Look Back at BETO’s Accomplishments in 2013.
(US Department of Energy) BETO recently published a new two-page overview document that highlights significant Office achievements from 2013. One noteworthy success was the demonstration of two cellulosic ethanol production processes at a cost of $2.15 or less per gallon.
November 21, 2013 Read Full Article
DOE Grant Helps Expand Biodiesel Training for Diesel Technicians
(Iowa Biodiesel Board) Program helps ensure long-term integration of biodiesel into American fuel supply Some instructors from throughout the Midwest who will train the diesel mechanics of tomorrow now have a thorough knowledge base on biodiesel. It’s thanks to recent training
November 20, 2013 Read Full Article
DOE's Most Promising New Tech: Bioenergy
by Jeff McMahon (Forbes) Bioenergy has shown the best results of the new energy technologies embraced by the Department of Energy in the last decade, the acting head of DOE’s Office of Science said in Chicago Tuesday. But even the most
November 08, 2013 Read Full Article
Request for Information: Demonstration and Deployment Strategies
(US Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office seeks stakeholder feedback regarding bioenergy technology validation to accelerate the deployment of advanced biofuel, bioproducts, and biopower technologies. BETO is specifically interested in information technologies that are ready for technology validation at
November 07, 2013 Read Full Article
Crafting a Better Enzyme Cocktail to Turn Plants into Fuel Faster
by Tom Rickey (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Scientists looking to create a potent blend of enzymes to transform materials like corn stalks and wood chips into fuels have developed a test that should turbocharge their efforts. The new research, published in
November 06, 2013 Read Full Article
Innovation in Feedstock Transport, Testing
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In August, Ernest Moniz, secretary for the U.S. DOE, announced more than $22 million in new investments to develop a more efficient feedstock supply chain for advanced biofuels, in addition to more affordable algae-derived
November 05, 2013 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Refutes AAA Claims
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The American Automobile Association (AAA) is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to “lower the amount of ethanol required to be blended into gasoline for 2014″ in order to “protect drivers by preventing a possible surge in gas
October 29, 2013 Read Full Article
University of Missouri-Kansas City Wins $2M in Grants to Fund Research in Biofuel, Health
by Brianne Pfannenstiel (Kansas City Business Journal) The University of Missouri-Kansas City was awarded two grants totaling more than $2 million this week. The first is a grant valued at $1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy's Joint BioEnergy Institute to fund research into how
October 29, 2013 Read Full Article
Despite Energy Abundance, US Should Curb Oil Dependence: DOE's Moniz
by Gary Gentile (Platts) America's abundance of oil and natural gas should not distract policymakers from the long-term goal of reducing our total dependence on oil, especially in the transportation sector, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said Thursday. Moniz said increasing vehicle
October 28, 2013 Read Full Article
New GREET Fuel Cycle Model Released
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, the Argonne National Laboratory is highlighting a new GREET fuel cycle model release (GREET1 2013) uploaded to the GREET web site. This release includes the following updates: New marine fuel pathways and commercial vessel
October 28, 2013 Read Full Article
North Carolina's Growing Strengths: The Solar Center's Clean Transportation Projects
(Biofuels Center of North Carolina) Celebrating 25 years at N.C. State University, the N.C. Solar Center continues its commitment to outreach, demonstration, and deployment of technology and policy solutions for a sustainable energy future. One project led by the Clean
October 17, 2013 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blending Provides Another Proxy for Gasoline Demand
(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Measuring current U.S. gasoline demand can be difficult, as there are 160,000 retail gasoline stations and more than 250 million vehicles in the country. ... Under present market conditions, where nearly all gasoline sold is
October 15, 2013 Read Full Article
NREL Analysis Affirms the Soundness of E15 and Exposes the Flaws in the CRC Engine Durability Study
by Kristy Moore (Renewable Fuels Association) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has carefully completed reviewing 43 studies on the effects of E15 on engine durability, emissions, and other factors and issued a report finding that the available literature “…did
October 14, 2013 Read Full Article
DOE Awards University of Arizona-Led Team $8M for Biofuel
(Algae Industry Magazine) The University of Arizona (UA) is the lead institution for the Regional Algal Feedstock Testbed, or RAFT, partnership, which was recently awarded $8 million over four years by the Department of Energy (DOE) to research how algae
October 03, 2013 Read Full Article
Energy Department to Award $100 Million for Energy Frontier Research Centers
(US Department of Energy) U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz today (September 30, 2013) announced a proposed $100 million in FY2014 funding for Energy Frontier Research Centers to accelerate the scientific breakthroughs needed to build a new 21st-century energy economy. Research
October 03, 2013 Read Full Article
Complete Genome Sequence of Clostridium sp. Strain DL-VIII, a Novel Solventogenic Clostridium Species Isolated from Anaerobic Sludge
Safiyh Taghavi, Javier A. Izquierdo, Daniel van der Lelie (American Society for Microbiology) We report the genome sequence of Clostridium sp. strain DL-VIII, a novel Gram-positive, endospore-forming, solventogenic bacterium isolated from activated anaerobic sludge of a wastewater treatment plant. Aside from a complete soloperon,
October 02, 2013 Read Full Article
Insight: Biofuel Produced from Wood Residue Shows Promising Water Footprint
(Environmental Research Web) Biofuels could be a promising way to reduce reliance on imported petroleum oil and improve the environment, but the downside is that they can use up considerable natural resources. A new study, published in Environmental Research Letters
October 02, 2013 Read Full Article
1998 Ethanol Vehicle Challenge: E85 Vehicles Surpass E0 on Dynamometer Tests for Mileage Efficiency
(Argonne National Laboratory) Sponsored by U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors Corporation, Natural Resources Canada In the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, college engineering students work together to design, build, and evaluate a state-of-the-art vehicle. For the 1998 Ethanol Vehicle Challenge,
September 26, 2013 Read Full Article
Cal Poly Gets $1.5 Million for Algae Biofuel Research
by Kaytlyn Leslie (The San Luis Obisbo Tribune) Cal Poly will receive $1.5 million to fund biofuel research, according to a Department of Energy news release. Cal Poly was one of two universities in the country to receive money to research the
September 23, 2013 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blend Wall? What Blend Wall?
by Ned Stowe (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The oil industry has formally petitioned the EPA to reduce the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements for 2014, arguing that the ethanol market is saturated. But now that corn and ethanol
September 20, 2013 Read Full Article
ARPA-E Awards $34M in R&D for Advanced Liquid Fuels from Methane
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Department of Energy announced that 15 breakthrough energy projects will receive approximately $34 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) via the REMOTE program (Reducing Emissions using Methanotrophic Organisms for
September 20, 2013 Read Full Article
Follow-up Audit of the Department of Energy's Financial Assistance for Integrated Biorefinery Projects
(U.S. Department of Energy) ...Despite over 7 years of effort and the expenditure of about $603 million, the Department had not yet achieved its biorefinery development and production goals. Specifically, the EPAct mandate 2 to demonstrate the commercial application of integrated biorefineries
September 13, 2013 Read Full Article
Berkeley Lab Researcher Applies Graph Theory to Biofuels Search
(US Department of Energy Office of Science) Energy scientists hope new plant varieties will yield large amounts of biomaterial, which new types of microbes will quickly and cheaply convert into clean-burning fuel. To achieve these goals, researchers will need novel
September 09, 2013 Read Full Article
Technology, Biofuel on Agenda for U.S.-Brazil Talks, Moniz Says
by Gerald Jeffris (NASDAQ.com) Increased biofuel use and the development and application of new energy technologies will be the focus of talks between Brazil and the U.S. in coming months, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said Friday. The secretary said the
August 30, 2013 Read Full Article
Argonne Leadership Computing Facility Scientists Look to Nature to Develop Biofuel Catalysts
(Argonne Leadership Computing Facility/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Scientists working at the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility are looking to nature’s catalysts, enzymes, for inspiration in their quest to find a more effective means of converting biomass into renewable fuel. The research is aimed
August 30, 2013 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Plant Reaches Capacity in US
(Biofuels International) Diamond Green Biodiesel, a joint venture between Valero Energy and Darling International, has reached capacity during its start-up phase. The plant, based next to Valero’s St Charles refinery in Louisiana, began operations in June and uses animal fat, used
August 29, 2013 Read Full Article
Water + Sunshine = Fuel as Lab in California Chases Dream: Cars
by Alan Ohnsman (Bloomberg) ...Mimicking the way plants turn sunlight and carbon dioxide in the air into energy and oxygen, the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis at the California Institute of Technology is in a race to trump nature and slow global
August 23, 2013 Read Full Article
New Frontiers: Now It’s Crude Oil from Algae that Is Being Tested
by Herman Wang (Platts/The Barrel) It’s hard to get excited over a producer making a scant 2 barrels/day of crude. But in the case of Sapphire Energy, those barrels represent the beginnings of a potential revolution that it says could upend how
August 22, 2013 Read Full Article
Technology, Biofuel on Agenda for U.S.-Brazil Talks, Moniz Says
by Gerald Jeffris (NASDAQ.com) Increased biofuel use and the development and application of new energy technologies will be the focus of talks between Brazil and the U.S. in coming months, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said Friday. The secretary said the topics
August 19, 2013 Read Full Article
Biofuels on the Verge
by Herman K. Trabish (GreenTechMedia) A photo tour of the biofuels industry The Environmental Protection Agency just announced it expects only 6 million gallons of cellulosic biofuels to contribute to the 16.55 billion gallons of renewable fuels mandated by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in
August 15, 2013 Read Full Article
New Mexico State University-Led Biofuel Research Gets Federal Funding
(Associated Press) Research into the potential of algae-based fuel is getting a $5 million boost from the U.S. Department of Energy. ... NMSU is working on the project along with Los Alamos, Argonne and Pacific Northwest national laboratories, Washington State and Michigan
August 14, 2013 Read Full Article
Florida Biofuels Plant Temporarily Closed, May Not Reopen
by Mary Wozniak (News Press) The Florida Biofuels plant is temporarily closed, and it's possible the facility will not reopen, the company’s operation manager said today. The plant has already been closed for two weeks , Chris Speake, operations manager said. There is no
August 14, 2013 Read Full Article
As Key Partner Departs, Future Dims for Michigan Cellulosic Biofuel Plant
by Andy McGlashen (Midwest Energy News) The exit of its majority owner and operator leaves the future uncertain for a long-delayed project that has attracted at least $120 million in public financing to turn wood from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula into fuel
August 07, 2013 Read Full Article
Secretary Moniz Announces New Biofuels Projects to Drive Cost Reductions, Technological Breakthroughs
(U.S. Department of Energy) During remarks at the Energy Department’s Biomass 2013 annual conference, Secretary Moniz today highlighted the important role biofuels play in the Administration’s Climate Action Plan to increase our energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation
August 06, 2013 Read Full Article
U.S. Sinks $22 Million into New Biofuels Research
(UPI) The U.S. Energy Department is teaming up with the energy industry and research institutes to help make biofuels competitive with gasoline, its leader said. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said the government is looking for ways to increase energy security and
August 06, 2013 Read Full Article
Algae Illustrated–ABO’s New Industry Project Book
(Algae Biomass Organization) The algae industry is moving faster than many people suspect. To help demonstrate how far along so many of ABO’s members are we recently created the Algae Industry Project Book, an illustrated guide of some of the most
August 02, 2013 Read Full Article
Biofuels Digest’s 5-Minute Guide to Loan Guarantees: Who Got ‘Em, What’re They Doing?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In today’s Digest – visit our 5-Minute Guide to Loan Guarantees — INEOS Bio, Myriant, Sapphire Energy, Abengoa, Chemtex, Enerkem, Fiberight, Fulcrum, ZeaChem – Plus POET-DSM, Diamond Green Diesel, Coskata and Range Fuels Projects open for business INEOS Bio ... Myriant ... Sapphire
July 30, 2013 Read Full Article
Washington Heading for Another Round of Devastating Cuts to Energy Innovation
by Matthew Stepp (The Energy Collective) Both the left and the right use inspiring and lofty rhetoric about elevating U.S. international competitiveness, stimulating economic growth, and spurring innovation. But this messaging often fails to translate into deliberate policy action. This
July 26, 2013 Read Full Article
$2.86/gal Algal Bofuel Now Possible
(National Algae Association/PRLog) The National Algae Association congratulates the National Alliance for Advancement of Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts for their research efforts. We are anxiously waiting to see the new Department of Energy Peer review to be released this summer.
July 26, 2013 Read Full Article
Fast Swimmers: 10 Algae Technologies, Where Are They in the Race for the Summit?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The Summer of Algae has passed, but dozens of companies have remained hot in pursuit of a solution for fuels, feed, nutraceuticals, fragrances, flavorings and tailored renewable oils. Their technologies? Closed systems, open-systems, hybrid systems. Hosts
July 23, 2013 Read Full Article
As Budgets Tighten, Washington Talks of Shaking Up DOE Labs
by David Malakoff (Science Magazine) The Department of Energy's 17 national labs, which spend some $12 billion annually on a wide range of research, are considered a crown jewel of U.S. science. But as federal budgets tighten, lawmakers and others are
July 15, 2013 Read Full Article
Carbo Analytics Awarded Department Of Energy Grant For Measuring Fermentable Sugar Content In Biofuel Raw Materials
(Carbo Analytics) Carbo Analytics, developers of sugar analysis systems, today announced that it has been awarded a Department of Energy (DoE) grant for the development of a biofuels sugar analysis system. Selected from over 750 applicants, Carbo Analytics was awarded a $150,000
July 10, 2013 Read Full Article
Federal Agencies Moving Ahead to Reduce Climate Change Risks: Biofuels, Agriculture, and Forestry
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) A number of federal agency initiatives are already underway in the biofuels, agriculture, and forestry sectors to help mitigate climate change and adapt to it. In a posting July 2, Doug O’Brien, Acting Under Secretary of the
July 09, 2013 Read Full Article
Flight Plan: 14 Practical Steps towards Commercial Aviation Biofuels Now
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For every 5% in global shift to aviation biofuels — create 72,000 jobs and avoid 3 million tons of carbon emissions. How to get from available field to affordable fuel in 14 steps In Illinois, the
July 05, 2013 Read Full Article
Commercial Aviation Biofuels: Translating Green Ambitions into Green Miles
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How to get from available field to affordable fuel in 14 steps. The MASBI report is out, and that’s good. ... Last week, the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative, led by United Airlines, Boeing, Honeywell’s UOP, the
July 05, 2013 Read Full Article
Energy Department Announces Investment to Accelerate Next Generation Biofuels
(US Department of Energy) Following last week's rollout of President Obama's plan to cut carbon pollution, the Energy Department today announced four research and development projects to bring next generation biofuels on line faster and drive down the cost of
July 02, 2013 Read Full Article
Pretreated Biomass for Food and Fuel
by Susanne REtka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Bruce Dale urges careful thought about energy and agriculture. A 1-ton-per-day pilot facility on the campus of Michigan State University geared up this spring to produce pretreated biomass for feed trials. It’s part of
July 02, 2013 Read Full Article
Virent Is Getting Another Federal Grant
by Judy Newman (Wisconsin State Journal) Virent, the Madison company working on non-petroleum fuels, will receive up to $4 million for a project designed to improve the efficiency of turning plant material into fuel, the U.S. Department of Energy said
July 02, 2013 Read Full Article
US Department of Energy Issues Request for Information Regarding Waste-to-Energy Technologies
The Energy Department’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) has issued a request for information (RFI) regarding waste- to-energy (WTE) technologies. Waste Applications for Sustainable Technologies for Energy seeks feedback from stakeholders on the state of technology and commercial readiness of WTE. WTE
July 01, 2013 Read Full Article
Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative (MASBI) Findings and Recommendations 2013
(Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative) MASBI found that a coordinated effort by both private and public interests would be one of the most effective ways to move the Midwest biofuels industry forward and take a pivotal step toward diversifying the
June 30, 2013 Read Full Article
Turning the Page: Reimagining the National Labs in the 21st Century Innovation Economy
(Center for Clean Energy Innovation) The National Labs are a tremendous R&D resource, but their operations are still based on a decades-old management model that no longer meets the needs of our modern innovation ecosystem. This study presents a series
June 30, 2013 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels USA Urges Introspection on Climate Change at Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency EXPO + Forum in Washington, D.C
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Robert E. Kozak, Advanced Biofuels USA founder and board member began his remarks at the Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency EXPO + Forum in Washington, D.C June 12, with the unpleasant reminder of the
June 13, 2013 Read Full Article
DOE Publishes Agenda for Biomass 2013: How the Advanced Bioindustry is Reshaping American Energy
(US Department of Energy) On July 31–August 1, 2013, the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and Advanced Biofuels USA will co-host the Office's sixth annual conference, Biomass 2013: How the Advanced Bioindustry is Reshaping American Energy, at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center. This
May 31, 2013 Read Full Article
Can Electrofuels and Electrosugars Save the Day?
Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Is the ultimate industrial fuel system going to be based on electricity, waste CO2 and brackish water – to return society to the days of energy abundance? It will take a mighty production microorganism, but R&D
May 28, 2013 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Come of Age
by Dan Seif (Mother Earth News/Rocky Mountain Institute) Advanced, non-food biofuels are gaining momentum in 2013 as several new plants have gathered the capital and momentum for large-scale production. ... Despite sparse media coverage, significant volumes of non-food biofuels have been produced
May 27, 2013 Read Full Article
Dr. Ernest Moniz Sworn in as 13th Secretary of Energy
(Department of Energy) Dr. Ernest Moniz was sworn in as the nation’s 13th Secretary of Energy by Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman in a ceremony this morning (May 21, 2013) for the Department’s employees, kicking off a busy first day that
May 22, 2013 Read Full Article
Obama's Environment, Energy Team Nears Completion with Votes
by Valerie Volcovici (Reuters) President Barack Obama's energy and environment team took two steps forward on Thursday after the U.S. Senate confirmed Ernest Moniz as energy secretary and a committee cleared Gina McCarthy to get a full Senate vote to lead
May 20, 2013 Read Full Article
New Advance in Biofuel Production
by Lynn Yarris(Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Joint BioEnergy Institute Researchers Develop Enzyme-free Ionic Liquid Pre-treatment Advanced biofuels – liquid fuels synthesized from the sugars in cellulosic biomass – offer a clean, green and renewable alternative to gasoline, diesel and jet fuels.
May 14, 2013 Read Full Article
Edeniq DOE-Supported Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Surpasses 1,000 Continuous Operational Hours
(Edeniq/Yahoo! News) Visalia Plant Milestone Signifies Greater Commercial Viability for Cellulosic Ethanol and Sugars Edeniq, a biomaterials and sustainable fuels company, today announced the company's first demonstration plant, located at its Visalia, CA headquarters, has completed a successful "performance test" that
May 14, 2013 Read Full Article
Algae: Times and Needs Have Changed.
by Barry Cohen (National Algae Association/PR Log) The DoE has spent $2.5 billion on algae research but to date nothing has been commercialized. Why? Because their mission is to develop technologies. It's not their problem or concern what happens to them
May 14, 2013 Read Full Article
Gasoline Prices Tied to Ethanol, Energy Information Administration States
(UPI) ...On a percentage basis, the EIA said the price spread was closer to 17 percent in 2001, and dipped to as low as 6 percent in early 2009. This decline is because of the increase in blending ethanol into
May 08, 2013 Read Full Article
NREL Survey Shows Dramatic Improvement in B100 Biodiesel Quality
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) The latest national survey of 100% biodiesel (B100) "blend stock" samples by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that 95% of the samples from 2011-12 met ASTM International fuel quality specifications.
May 07, 2013 Read Full Article
Makeover Puts CHARMM Back in Biofuels Business
by Bill Scanlon (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Biofuels scientists are asking more complex questions about how molecules spin, bond, and break when enzymes attack plants — all in the name of quickening the process of turning biomass into fuels for