by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Around 770,000 BC, it was fire, at some point – wood, dung and coal, to the now-ominous fossil fuels. This is the evolution of energy, and today the evolution must be accelerated to save
GHG (Greenhouse Gas Emissions)
Back TO HOMEGermany's Obligation to Reduce GHGs Drives Competition
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP)) With an average greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction of 60 percent, the competition for the highest GHG efficiency is starting. This was confirmed in the first quarterly report by the German Federal
July 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Increasing U.S. Energy Security and Reducing Greenhouse Gases in the Transportation Sector: Electricity vs. Biofuels
(OurEnergyPolicy.org) The question is: How can U.S. policymakers best support energy security and GHG emission reduction, considering the need for both biofuels and low-carbon electric vehicles? What fraction of transport energy can be supplied by each source, and what policy options
July 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Hybrid Electric-Biodiesel Buses: Cleaner, Fuel-Saving Alternative for Public Transportation
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Hybrid Electric-Biodiesel Buses used in California, Washington and Michigan Model Lower GHG Emissions Options for Cities Everywhere Public transportation plays an important role in green and sustainable practices. Public transportation use means fewer cars on the road and a cleaner environment.
July 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Scientists Study Ways to Integrate Biofuels and Food Crops on Farms
by Payal Marathe (Argonne National Laboratory) We ask a lot of the land: feed the world with crops, power the world with bioenergy, retain nutrients so they don’t pollute our water and air. To help landscapes answer these high demands,
July 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Gauging The Carbon Cost Of Fuel From Canadian Oil Sands
By Deirdre Lockwood (Chemical and Engineering News) Environment: New study finds that greenhouse gas emissions associated with fuel from Alberta oil sands are about 20% greater than those for U.S. crude oil The oil sands of Canada’s Alberta province are one
July 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Hospital Honored for Biofuel Initiative
(New Hampshire Business Review) Memorial Hospital in North Conway has been named the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Sustainable Business of the Year, in recognition of its switch to a new form of renewable biofuel. Memorial uses an advanced cellulosic
July 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Integrating Source Apportionment Tracers into a Bottom-up Inventory of Methane Emissions in the Barnett Shale Hydraulic Fracturing Region
by Amy Townsend-Small, Josette E. Marrero, David R. Lyon, Isobel J. Simpson, Simone Meinardi, and Donald R. Blake (Environmental Science and Technology) A growing dependence on natural gas for energy may exacerbate emissions of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4). Identifying fingerprints
July 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Will Sustainability Fly? Aviation Fuel Options in a Low-Carbon World
by Walter J. Palmer (Ashgate) While international negotiations to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been less than satisfactory, there is a presumption that a significant level of multi-lateral commitment will be realized at some point. International air and marine travel
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Study: Even with High LDV Electrification, Low-Carbon Biofuels Will Be Necessary to Meet 80% GHG Reduction Target; “Daunting” Policy Implications
(Green Car Congress) A study by researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Michigan State University colleague has concluded that even with a relatively high rate of electrification of the US light-duty fleet (40% of vehicle miles traveled and
July 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Nixon: Remember the Evolution of Ethanol
by Julie Harker (Brownfield Ag News) Missouri Governor Jay Nixon tells Brownfield everyone needs to step back and look at 2003 when gas prices were going up and foreign countries were dictating to the U.S. how much people were paying
July 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Europe’s Biofuels Debate Needs to Focus on Implementation
by Robert Wright (ePURE/EurActiv) As the debate kicks off on transport within Europe’s 2030 climate and energy framework, policymakers and industry must not lose sight of the challenges, says Robert Wright (secretary general of the European Renewable Ethanol Association (ePURE)). Today,
July 02, 2015 Read Full Article
United to Start Flying Biofuels out of LAX in 2015; AltAir to Supply 15 Million Gallons in 3-Year Deal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, AltAir Fuels will begin regularly scheduled deliveries of sustainable biojet fuel to United Airlines LAX operations this year, the airline announced today. AltAir’s Paramount, California-based refinery converts sustainable feedstocks, like non-edible natural oils and
July 01, 2015 Read Full Article
Big Oil’s Mouthpiece Distorts the Facts
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/The Hill) Sofie E. Miller may have left the Charles Koch Institute in 2012, but she clearly continues to do the bidding of her former employer and the rest of the oil industry (“RFS hurts
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Amyris Announces Successful Completion of Volkswagen Renewable Diesel Evaluation Program
(Amyris) Confirms Outstanding Performance and Environmental Benefits of Amyris’s Renewable Diesel Under Real-World Driving Conditions Amyris, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMRS), the industrial bioscience company, today announced the successful completion of a diesel demonstration program with Volkswagen of America, Inc. that was designed to
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
European Biomass Conference and Exhibition 2015: Biomass: Challenges and Promises
by Maija Sihvonen* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 23rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) held in Vienna 1-4 June was a massive event with nearly 1300 participants from 76 countries and some 800 presentations. The event consisted of multiple parallel
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Keystone XL Pipeline Debate: Canadian Oil Sands Crude Produces Greater Emissions Than Conventional Oils, DOE Study Finds
by Maria Gallucci (International Businesss Times) ... A new study funded by the U.S. Department of Energy found crude extracted from Canada’s oil sands region leads to greenhouse gas emissions that are 20 percent higher on average than emissions from conventionally
June 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Environmental Life Cycle Impacts of Cellulosic Ethanol in the Southern U.S. Produced from Loblolly Pine, Eucalyptus, Unmanaged Hardwoods, Forest Residues, and Switchgrass Using a Thermochemical Conversion Pathway
by Jesse Daystar, Carter Reeb, Ronalds Gonzalez, Richard Venditti, Stephen S. Kelley (Science Direct) Highlights •Cradle-to-grave environmental impacts of biofuels from five major feedstocks in the Southern U.S. •Thermochemical conversion pathway studied for ethanol production •Global warming impacts, eutrophication, acidification, and other impacts studied •95% reduction
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Hearings on Renewable Fuel Standard: Statement by DuPont
(Biofuels Digest) “DuPont believes the proposed 2014 to 2016 Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) rule is misguided and is a major step backward. Since the RFS was first enacted, the United States has quickly risen to lead the world in biofuels
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Hearings on Renewable Fuel Standard: Testimony of Brian Jennings, EVP, American Coalition for Ethanol
(Biofuels Digest) Thank you, my name is Brian Jennings, and I’m the Executive Vice President of the American Coalition for Ethanol. I’m pleased to report that more than 100 people representing ACE member companies will testify at today’s hearing, as
June 26, 2015 Read Full Article
The Need For A New Fuel Paradigm: Transitioning From Legacy Fuels to Modern Efficient Fuels
by Bill Brandon (Leaders in Energy) ... This two-part White Paper presents the proposition that we need to transition away from the legacy fuels we use today to modern liquid and gas fuels[1] that: 1) reduce or eliminate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Up with Octane and Down with Aromatics: Continuing Health Risks with Petroleum Fuels and the Need for Engine Efficiency
by Bill Brandon (Leaders in Energy) Our country has seen many transitions in travel technologies and fuels. In the first installment I reviewed our transition from 1) barley and oats for our horses and mules to high carbohydrate corn for
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Just How Ethical Are Biofuels?
by Tim Sandal (Digital Journal) One subject sure to divide opinion is biofuel. Are they a a sustainable energy supply or a product harmful to the environment? Swiss Federal Laboratories have developed a new way to answer this question. ... To help
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Boeing Completes Flight Using 5% US Biodiesel
by Militsa Mancheva (SeeNews Renewables) Under the latest stage of its ecoDemonstrator 757 programme, US aerospace group Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) successfully completed on June 17 the first flight with a fuel blend containing US-made green diesel. The 757 flew from Seattle to
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Future Fuels: Can Biofuels Make Gasoline Cleaner, Cheaper?
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Governors' Biofuels Coalition held a briefing examining the current state and potential future of the transportation fuel supply. While combustion engines are more efficient and cleaner
June 12, 2015 Read Full Article
EWG Makes Untrue Claims about Ethanol
by Geoff Cooper (Des Moines Register) Letter to Editor: The Environmental Working Group’s claim that ethanol is worse for the climate than the Keystone pipeline is like saying apple juice is worse for the human body than arsenic. The Department of Energy’s
June 03, 2015 Read Full Article
U.S. May Take First Step to Curb Airline Emissions This Week: Sources
by Valerie Volcovici (Planet Ark/Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans as soon as Friday to determine whether carbon dioxide from aircraft endangers public health, a first step to regulating emissions from the aviation sector, sources familiar with the rulemaking
June 03, 2015 Read Full Article
California Achieves 600% Growth in Use of Low Carbon E85, Establishes National Leadership in E85 Fuel Market
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Propel Fuels has published E85: A California Success Story, a white paper and associated website illustrating California’s emergence as the national leader in the use of sustainable E85 Flex Fuel. Developed by the
June 02, 2015 Read Full Article
New Environmental Study Urges “Caution” for Policymakers Considering Replacing Clean Diesel Trucks With Natural Gas Vehicles
(Diesel Technology Forum) Uncertainty Over Amount of Methane Emissions & Diesel Technology Efficiency Warrant Further Examination A new study published today said that switching from diesel to natural gas in heavy-duty trucks could worsen and accelerate negative climate impacts unless methane
May 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Reduces by 70% the Emission of Greenhouse Gases
(BrasilAgro) To supply its urban bus fleet with a mixture of 20% biodiesel in fossil diesel (B20), the 40 Brazilian cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants can decrease by up to 70% CO2 emissions caused by the production of fuel
May 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Urban Air Initiative Partners in Clean Fuels Omaha Campaign
by Kim Trinchet (Urban Air Initiative) The Urban Air Initiative joined with a broad cross section of public and private interest groups supporting the call for more aggressive regional pollution control measures in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area. Working together as Clean
May 04, 2015 Read Full Article
UK Supreme Court Ruling on Air Quality – Reaction from the European Renewable Ethanol Industry
(ePURE) Following last week’s UK Supreme Court ruling that the UK Government must revise its national air quality plans to tackle nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions, a greenhouse gas mainly attributed to diesel fuel use, Robert Wright, Secretary-General of ePURE, the
May 04, 2015 Read Full Article
Parliament Votes to Approve EU Biofuels Cap, Provides Closure
by Ron Kotrba (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Parliament voted April 28 to approve the cap on first-generation biofuels and provide a degree of closure to the long-debated measure. The new law caps first-generation biofuels from crops grown on agricultural land
April 29, 2015 Read Full Article
From Food Waste to Fuel, CEAS Does Energy Sustainability Better
By: Ashley Duvelius (University of Cincinnati) CEAS researchers take aim at reducing the United States' annual 40 percent of food waste and are now able to convert waste into solid fuels, biodiesel and other products. The Food and Agriculture Organization of
April 17, 2015 Read Full Article
University of Rostock Project to Investigate Biodiesel for Stage IV Engines
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, a project at the University of Rostock is investigating the technical feasibility of using certified sustainable rapeseed oil to produce biodiesel. In order to pave the way for manufacturers, the University of Rostock
April 13, 2015 Read Full Article
The Urban Air Initiative's Comments On EPA’s Proposal to Update the Air Quality Standards for Ground-Level Ozone Docket ID#: EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0699
(The Urban Air Initiative) UAI appreciates this opportunity to comment on EPA’s proposal to strengthen the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground level ozone, as set forth on November 25, 2014. As summarized here and developed more fully
April 02, 2015 Read Full Article
'Renewable Super Premium' Offers Boost to Biofuel Producers, Auto Industry
(25 x '25) A group of DOE National Laboratory representatives have been in Washington this week making presentations to promote the benefits of what they call “Renewable Super Premium” (RSP) fuels. The researchers have found that ethanol fuel blends of
March 27, 2015 Read Full Article
New Analysis: Giving Consumers Access to Renewable Fuel Yields Environmental Benefits
(Fuels America) A new analysis produced by the University of Illinois at Chicago’s principal research economist Dr. Stefen Mueller found that giving consumers more access to cleaner fuel options like E15 would provide significant environmental benefits. E15 is a cleaner
March 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Do Biofuel Policies Seek to Cut Emissions by Cutting Food?
by Timothy Searchinger, R. Edwards, D. Mulligan, R. Heimlich, R. Plevin (Science Magazine) Ethanol emits fossil carbon and trace gases through production (A) and biogenic carbon from the crops during fermentation (B) and ethanol combustion (C). Additional crop production can offset
March 27, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Report: Automakers Surpassing Light-Duty Greenhouse Gas Standards
(US Environmental Protection Agency) For the second consecutive model year, the automotive industry outperformed the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards by a wide margin. Overall industry compliance in model year 2013 was 12 grams/mile – or 1.4 miles per
March 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Waste-Biogas Is at Least Ten Times More Effective than Crop-Biogas at Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(Bangor University) In a paper just released in the leading bioenergy journal Global Change Biology Bioenergy, researchers from Bangor University and the Thünen Institute in Germany conclude that crop-biogas and liquid biofuels are at best inefficient options for greenhouse gas
March 06, 2015 Read Full Article
California GHG Reporting Obligations Extend to Ethanol
by Graham Noyes.(Ethanol Producer Magazine/Keyes, Fox & Wiedman LLP) California has embarked upon the most aggressive greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction program in the world. As a result of California’s Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions program (the MRR), biofuel producers,
March 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Vilsack Calls for Ethanol Industry Support of Trade Negotiations
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asked for the ethanol industry's support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership in his keynote address at the 2015 Growth Energy Executive Leadership Conference held in Phoenix Feb. 26-27. The opponents
March 02, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Names 10 More Efficient Corn Ethanol Producers
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ten more corn ethanol plants were approved through the U.S. EPA’s efficient producer petition process (EP3) at the end of January, bringing the total to 19. The first round of nine approvals were announced in
February 12, 2015 Read Full Article
Report Based on False Assumption of Either-Or Land Use Approach
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) In the World Resources Institute (WRI) working paper, “Avoiding Bioenergy Competition for Food Crops and Land,” the authors work off the assumption that land-use decisions are used making an “either-or” approach, i.e., land can either
February 08, 2015 Read Full Article
World Resources Institute Wrong About Biofuels Impact on Land Use and the Environment
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today (January 30, 2015), the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) criticized a new report by World Resources Institute (WRI) for its false data on the environmental and land use impacts of biofuels. The report titled, ‘Avoiding Bioenergy
February 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Finding the Perfect Sustainable Fuel to Meet the Global Demand Is a Challenge: Experts at TERI Conference
(The Energy and Resources Institute/PR Newswire) The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Tata Motors today organized the International Conference on 'Sustainable Fuel for IC Engines in Emerging Nations'. The two-day conference is first in a series of biennial conferences,
February 06, 2015 Read Full Article
EU Must Not Turn Its Back on Biofuels
(Farming Life) Crop based biofuels are vital for animal feed, the environment, jobs and fuel, according to Copa-Cocega General Secretary Pekka Pesonen. Speaking at the recent ‘Fuels for the Future’ conference in Berlin, he added that the EU must not limit
February 06, 2015 Read Full Article
25x’25 Responds to Questionable Assessment of Bioenergy Production
(25x'25) A report released today by the World Resources Institute would seem to demonstrate the old adage: "The more things change, the more they stay the same." The "change" in this instance is a massive amount of research showing the
February 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Biodiesel 2015: The Top 14 Trends for the New Year
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) New technologies, new markets, new research and most of the same policy challenges, as we look at the 14 top trends for 2015. ... 1. Falling oil prices – what’s the impact? The headlines in recent months
January 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Time For a Reality Check On Computer Models
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Predictive computer models have their place, writes Bob Dinneen of the RFA, but where concrete real-world data and observations exist, they should take precedence. Sound policymaking and regulation must be grounded in
January 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Life Cycle Analysis Study: Biodiesel from Animal Fat Produces 85% Fewer Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(European Fat Processors and Renderers Association) Biodiesel made from animal fat reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 85% compared to fossil fuels. This exceptional figure has been confirmed by the findings of a recent study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research
January 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Imposing Carbon Price Would Spur Bioenergy, Slash Emissions -- MIT Study
by Amanda Peterka (E&E Publishing / Greenwire) Bioenergy production would boom and spur steep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions if a global price is slapped on carbon, Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers say in a report released today. Examining bioenergy production
January 16, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Approves Algenol Fuels for Renewable Fuel Standard
(Algenol) Algenol announced today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved fuels made from Algenol’s process as an advanced biofuel, meeting the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction requirements under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Fuels produced from Algenol are now eligible for a
January 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Researchers Say the Social Cost of Carbon Will Be 6 Times the Obama Administration's Estimate
by Evan Lehmann (E&E Publishing/ClimateWire) Climate change could have much larger impacts on the economy than the U.S. government is anticipating, according to an analysis released yesterday that suggests the social cost of carbon should be six times higher. A paper
January 14, 2015 Read Full Article
EU Biofuels Policy - Inventory Backup after 2020: UFOP Chairman Vogel Calls a "iLUC Free" Base Amount of 7%
(German Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants/google translation) "The course for a true inventory of hedging existing biofuels industry after 2020 must be made now." The European biofuel industry must be able to evolve from 7% based on
January 12, 2015 Read Full Article
The 5 Most Maddening Myths about Corn and Ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Food vs Fuel, emissions, cost competitiveness, and RINsanity. Some of the most unfair bricks hurled at corn starch-based ethanol — and here’s why. ... In the field of renewable fuels, there’s no technology that’s done more
January 12, 2015 Read Full Article
White Paper Highlights Corn Ethanol’s Decreasing Carbon Intensity
(Governors' Biofuels Coalition/Ethanol Across America) Innovations in conversion technology and energy use at ethanol facilities, coupled with enhanced efficiency fertilizers and corn production management have resulted in corn ethanol being significantly shortchanged in its value to reduce carbon emissions, according
January 09, 2015 Read Full Article
State Panel OKs Rules for Alternative Motor Vehicle Fuels
by Steve Law (Portland Tribune) The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission voted Wednesday to approve operating rules for the state’s Clean Fuels Program, which mandates an overall 10 percent reduction in carbon emissions from gasoline and diesel fuel over the next
January 08, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Accepting Comments on Preliminary Biomass Sorghum Analysis
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is accepting public comments on its preliminary analysis of the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the growth and transport of biomass sorghum for use as biofuel feedstock through Jan.
January 06, 2015 Read Full Article
University of Minnesota Report Contains Inaccurate and Misleading Information on Ethanol
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The recent report released by the University of Minnesota, “Life Cycle Air Quality Impacts Of Conventional And Alternative Light-Duty Transportation In the United States,” contains several inaccuracies and misleading information. In particular, its conclusion that corn-based ethanol contains more
December 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Amyris Renewable Jet Fuel Receives Regulatory Approval in Brazil
(Amyris) Brazil Now Cleared for Flying With Locally-Produced, Sugarcane-Derived Jet Fuel as Study Indicates That Amyris’s Renewable Fuels Greatly Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Compared to Fossil Fuels Amyris, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMRS) welcomed the approval of its renewable jet fuel by Brazil’s fuels
December 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuels Are the Answer to Reducing Global Transport GHG Emissions: GRFA
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) Today, as COP 2014 is fully underway in Lima, Peru, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) reiterated that biofuels, like ethanol, are presently one of the most commercially viable, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reducing transport fuel
December 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Direct Measurements of Methane Emissions from Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells in Pennsylvania
by Mary Kanga, Cynthia M. Kannoa, Matthew C. Reida, Xin Zhangb, Denise L. Mauzeralla, Michael A. Celia, Yuheng Chen, and Tullis C. Onstott (PNAS) Abandoned oil and gas wells provide a potential pathway for subsurface migration and emissions of methane and other fluids to
December 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Plant Expansions Fueled by Shale Gas Boom to Boost Greenhouse Gas, Toxic Air Emissions
by Talla Buford (The Center for Public Integrity) ... By 2018, the land (Stacey) Ryan and other holdouts have fought to keep will be consumed by an $8.1 billion ethane cracker and a multibillion-dollar gas-to-liquids facility, a massive addition to
December 10, 2014 Read Full Article
EU Encourages Action on Advanced Biofuels
(Biofuels International) Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels (LSB), an industry coalition to promote advanced biofuels, met on 4 December at the European Parliament with Members of the European Parliament, Commission representatives, and stakeholders in Brussels. LSB, which is chaired by
December 05, 2014 Read Full Article
Myths And Facts About The Renewable Fuel Standard
by Kevin Kalhoefer and Denise Robbins (Media Matters) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that it will delay its decision about the 2014 levels for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires oil refiners to blend renewable fuels into the
December 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Study: Ethanol Use in Michigan Reduces Pollution by Reducing GHGs
(Michigan Corn Growers Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new study released by Michigan State University researchers Bruce Dale and Seungdo Kim shows ethanol use by Michigan drivers and boaters reduces pollution by cutting down on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Use of
November 24, 2014 Read Full Article
Carbon Fee Bill Would Benefit Algae Industry
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Legislation recently introduced in the U.S. Senate includes a provision that would encourage carbon utilization technology. The Algae Biomass Organization has spoken out to applaud the bill, which calls for greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations that
November 21, 2014 Read Full Article
Guest Opinion: Ethanol Policy and the Economy
by Paul Kenney (North Platte Bulletin) Recent reports from the University of Nebraska clearly document the impressive economic benefits that occur when the corn, cattle and ethanol industries are efficiently integrated. Economists describe the economic “bounce” we realize in the
November 21, 2014 Read Full Article
EU Transport: Emission Savings of Biofuels 80% Better than Thought, New Calculations Show
(Ecofys) European calculation rules substantially underestimate the climate benefit of biofuels in the transport sector. Their greenhouse gas emissions should be compared with the emissions of the fossil fuels that they replace in the market. These ‘marginally’ replaced fossil fuels
November 14, 2014 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Submits Comments to Washington State on LCFS Draft Report
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy submitted initial comments to the state of Washington on their draft report regarding the potential implementation of a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Growth Energy’s comments outline how an implementation of a LCFS could potentially
November 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Pressure Builds on EPA to Back down on Ethanol Emissions, as Society of Automotive Engineers Issues Stunning Rebuke
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, what has been described within the industry as “The growing movement to call out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its ethanol emissions testing procedures” picked up support today as a new study
November 06, 2014 Read Full Article
EU: Reducing the Carbon Content of Transport Fuels
(Balkans News) The European Commission has adopted a proposal to implement existing obligations in the 2009 amendment of the Fuel Quality Directive. Article 7a of the Fuel Quality Directive obliges suppliers to reduce by 6% the life cycle greenhouse gas
November 03, 2014 Read Full Article
Two Organizations Call Out the EPA on Corn Ethanol Emissions Modeling, 'Seriously Flawed'
by Aaron Turpen (Torque News) The UAI and the EFC have called the EPA MOVES2014 corn ethanol emissions model "seriously flawed" and are calling for peer review of the emissions estimates in the annual report. The Urban Air Initiative (UAI) and
October 28, 2014 Read Full Article
Argonne Lowers Land Use Change GHG Emissions for Corn Ethanol
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to land use change (LUC) for corn ethanol has been ratcheted down by Argonne National Laboratory. The recently published manual for the Carbon Calculator for
October 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Ethanol Slashes GHG Emissions
by Bliss Baker (Global Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In advance of important climate change meetings set for Septemeber, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance sent an open letter to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, outlining ethanol's power to reduce GHG emissions,
October 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Clariant Announces Results of Cellulosic E20 Fleet Test
(Clariant/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Clariant, Haltermann and Mercedes-Benz have tested a fuel of the future in a fleet test since January. Initial results prove the high quality and excellent properties of sunliquid 20 fuel (contains 20 percent ethanol coming from straw). With
September 26, 2014 Read Full Article
Estimated GHG Increase from Obama Administration Inaction on the 2014 RFS
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) In November 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed waiving a substantial portion of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandated volumes for 2014 and reducing the use of biofuels in U.S. transportation compared to 2013.1 The
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
The Absurdity of Zero GHG Formula-E Racing or Advanced Biofuel Racing is the Real Deal
by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) This past weekend the first race of the much hyped Formula-E electric car series was run in Beijing, China. http://www.racer.com/f1/formula-e/item/108558-formula-e-di-grassi-wins-as-prost-triggers-last-lap-crash The 45 minute race, which required two electric cars (with top speeds about 80 mph
September 13, 2014 Read Full Article
The President's Biggest Enemy
by Brent Erickson (The Hill/Biotechnology Industry Organization) President Obama’s bold vision to transition the nation to a cleaner energy future is about to be derailed by one of his most potent adversaries: himself. To the great consternation of many of the
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
New Study: E15 Would Reduce Smog & Cancer Risk
(ClearTheAirChicago.com) Using E15 gas rather than regular gas will reduce cancer-causing pollutants and smog in Chicago’s air, says a new report that reviews and aggregates the results of independent research by the Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, California
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Greenhouse Gas Report to Assist Producers Facing Climate Challenges
(US Department of Agriculture) For the First Time, USDA Climate Hubs Get New Tools to Gauge Progress in Building Drought-Resistant Healthy Soil The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today (July 31, 2014) released a report that, for the first time, provides
August 12, 2014 Read Full Article
World Bank: Climate-Smart Development Benefits Lives, Jobs, GDP
by Sue Retka Schill (Biomass Magazine) Advanced biofuels and biomass play supporting roles in several scenarios examined in a recent report from the World Bank Group looking at climate-smart development. The report introduces a new comprehensive model developed to take
August 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Brazil's GOL to Start International Flights using Newly-Certified Amyris/Total Renewable Jet Fuel
(GreenAir Online) Less than a month after approval for commercial use by fuel certification body ASTM International, Brazilian carrier GOL has announced it is to begin flying with blended farnesane renewable jet fuel developed by the Amyris/Total partnership. The sugarcane-derived Synthetic
August 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Producers Share Revolutionary Efforts at Corn Ethanol Plants
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Many ethanol advocates attending and speaking at the 2014 American Coalition for Ethanol conference are not strangers to the ethanol industry. Even though they have been with the industry for a while, many reject
August 07, 2014 Read Full Article
Greenhouse Gas Report to Assist Producers Facing Climate Challenges
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a report that,for the first time, provides uniform scientific methods for quantifying the changes in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and carbon storage from various land management and conservation activities.
August 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Rethinking the Future of Biofuels: Leveraging Three Routes Forward
by Dr. Lew Fulton (University of California-Davis Institute of Transportation Studies) ... In a new white paper released this week by the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis (ITS-Davis), we measure the incremental changes that are occurring in the U.S.
July 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Reassessment of Inter-related Biofuel, GHG and FFV Policies Needed
(25 x '25) Reports out of Washington this week that the Obama administration’s lengthy delay in releasing a final 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuel blending rule due to a White House desire to re-evaluate the blending requirements in context
July 18, 2014 Read Full Article
25x'25 Statement on CBO Renewable Fuel Standard Report
(25 x '25/Biofuels Journal) How the Congressional Budget Office reached the conclusion in a report released Thursday that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) will raise gas and biodiesel prices is a mystery, given the deep price discount advantages biofuels offer in the
June 27, 2014 Read Full Article
Supreme Court Issues Its Decision on EPA's GHG Tailoring Rule
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 23, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision on the U.S. EPA’s Tailoring Rule. While the court invalidated a portion of the rule, it essentially held up EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas
June 27, 2014 Read Full Article
Anticipation Bubbles Up for ADM Carbon Capture Project
by Chris Luvardi (herald-review.com) Archer Daniels Midland Co. passed through a public hearing process Wednesday with limited concern voiced about its proposal to drill a second injection well in Decatur to store carbon dioxide deep underground. The hearing at the Decatur Public
June 27, 2014 Read Full Article
RNG: The Next Renewable Vehicle Fuel
By Stephanie Thorson (Canadian Biogas Association /Biomass Magazine) Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a little-known fuel that has enormous potential to economically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation, a sector that has high emissions. In the same way that ethanol is blended
June 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Honeywell Green Jet Fuel(TM) To Power Flights Transporting The Brazil National Soccer Team During The 2014 FIFA World Cup(TM)
(Honeywell UOP/PR NewsWire/Wall Street Journal) GOL Airlines, the official airline of the Brazil soccer team, will use Honeywell Green Jet Fuel on 200 commercial flights during the 2014 World Cup UOP LLC, a Honeywell (NYSE: HON) company, announced today that Honeywell
June 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Producers, Advocates Hit Capitol Hill
(National Biodiesel Board) Nearly 100 biodiesel producers, feedstock suppliers and other advocates are traveling to Washington this week to voice concerns about the Obama Administration’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for biodiesel. The biodiesel supporters, who will be visiting with lawmakers
June 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Accounting for Bioenergy Emissions, Benefits Must be Done Right
(25 x '25) With the White House shining a very bright spotlight on its plans for addressing climate change – in particular, the long-awaited proposal to regulate carbon emissions from existing power plants under Clean Air Act ‑ it is important that
June 13, 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 Are Part of Vibrant Energy Marketplace
by Rebecca Maitland (Houston Chronicle) ... Biofuels' primary benefits are in energy security, economic growth and environmental performance. "Biofuels reduce dependence on imported fuels. This strengthens our energy security while also creating jobs and improving local economies," Dascal (Rob Dascal, vice president,
June 03, 2014 Read Full Article
Using Less Corn Ethanol Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(Environmental Working Group) The Environmental Protection Agency’s pending proposal to cut the amount of corn ethanol that must be blended into gasoline in 2014 by 1.39 billion gallons would lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 3 million
May 29, 2014 Read Full Article
House Committee Passes Anti-Biofuel Amendments in Markup Session
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On May 7, the House Armed Service Committee held a markup session on H.R. 4435, the fiscal year 2015 national defense authorization bill. During that markup session, committee members voted in favor of three amendments that
May 22, 2014 Read Full Article
California Council on Science and Technology Releases Report on Expanding Biofuels in California
(California Council on Science and Technology) Advanced biofuels have the potential to provide California with economic opportunities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the state's climate and clean air policies. However, the state may not have sufficient incentives in
May 14, 2014 Read Full Article
Carmakers' Greenhouse Gas Reductions Greater Than Required for 2012, EPA Says
by Andrew Childers (Bloomberg BNA) Light-duty vehicle manufacturers achieved more greenhouse gas emissions reductions in model year 2012 vehicles than was required by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to an annual EPA report. On average, 2012 vehicles emitted 10 grams less carbon
May 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Carmakers' Greenhouse Gas Reductions Greater Than Required for 2012, EPA Says
by Andrew Childers (Bloomberg BNA) Light-duty vehicle manufacturers achieved more greenhouse gas emissions reductions in model year 2012 vehicles than was required by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to an annual EPA report. On average, 2012 vehicles emitted 10 grams less carbon
May 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Cheap, Abundant Shale Gas Won’t Significantly Cut U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
by Janet Pelley (Chemical and Engineering News) Energy: New study looks at the contested effects of increased shale gas production on the release of greenhouse gases The rapid expansion of shale gas production in the U.S. has triggered a polarizing debate:
May 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard Benefits More than Farmers
by Chris Hausman (News-Gazette) ... The critics of renewable fuels fall into three groups — the oil industry, dyed-in-the wool environmentalists, and free market think tanks.Even the "unbiased" Associated Press (AP) has participated in ethanol bashing. While each of these
May 12, 2014 Read Full Article
CIRES, NOAA Study Finds More Methane, Ozone Precursors and Benzene than Estimated by Regulators
(CIRES) During two days of intensive airborne measurements, oil and gas operations in Colorado’s Front Range leaked nearly three times as much methane, a greenhouse gas, as predicted based on inventory estimates, and seven times as much benzene, a regulated
May 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Government Ducks Opportunity for Much-Needed Biofuels Policy Reform
(Renewable Energy Association) Lack of clear policy framework for sustainable biofuels sees UK lose out as investments and jobs go overseas The REA is frustrated by the lack of concrete measures to improve the policy framework for sustainable biofuels in Government decisions
May 07, 2014 Read Full Article
New Ontario Biodiesel Mandate Falls Short, Troubles Producers
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The government of Ontario, Canada, issued its new biodiesel mandate regulations for the province April 1, and some biodiesel stakeholders, including members of the Ontario Biodiesel Producers Association, are frustrated and concerned with how the government
May 06, 2014 Read Full Article
Canadian Biodiesel Exports Put Mandate into Question
by Sean Pratt (The Western Producer) Hardly any of Canada’s biodiesel mandate is being filled by domestically produced product. “Last year we exported 100 percent of our production and then imported the equivalent to meet our mandate,” said Scott Thurlow,
April 29, 2014 Read Full Article
EPA Report: Data Show Automakers on Track in Meeting Greenhouse Gas Standards
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a Manufacturers Performance Report that assesses the automobile industry’s progress toward meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for cars and light trucks in the 2012 model year – the
April 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Commentary: Cellulosic Ethanol Worse than Gas? Not so Fast
by Brendan Jordan (Midwest Energy News) A new academic paper on biofuels was released this week, and some media outlets have reached sweeping conclusions. “Fuels from corn waste not better than gas,” claimed the Associated Press. The Daily Caller one-upped
April 24, 2014 Read Full Article
Ontario Changes Biodiesel Requirements
(Canadian Biomass) The Government of Ontario has released new rules for the use of biodiesel in the province's fuel supply. New rules, which went into effect April 1, are being phased in over three years. By 2017, the amount of biofuel blended
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
Canada: Biofuels Digest’s Spring 2014 5-Minute Guide – CCEMC Grand Challenge Hands $500K Seed Grants to 24
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Alberta’s Grand Challenge on carbon — Liquid Light, Enerkem among 24 winners picking up $500,000 seed grants in first round. Next round will result in up to five $3M grants in 2018, and $10M to
April 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Study Raises New Concerns about Emissions from Shale Gas Wells
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (FuelFix) Researchers found higher-than-expected emissions of a potent greenhouse gas emanating from Pennsylvania wells, according to a study published Monday that adds to concerns about the environmental footprint of natural gas. The study, conducted by Purdue and Cornell universities
April 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Oil And Gas Sector Biggest Producer Of Greenhouse Gases In Canada
by Will Campbell (The Canadian Press/Huffington Post) An environmental analyst says the rise of oil and gas production as Canada's biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions adds further weight to calls for the federal government to bring in long-promised regulations
April 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuels: When the Quest for 'Perfect' Becomes the Enemy of the Good
(25 x '25) Risk is a word closely associated with the agriculture industry ‑ and rightfully so. Farming and ranching are some of the most risk-prevalent callings on the planet, given the vagaries of weather, markets, soil conditions, technology and
April 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Obama Administration Proposal for 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard Will Increase Greenhouse Gas Emissions
by Paul Winters (Biotechnology Industry Organization) If left unchanged, the Obama administration’s proposal to slash use of biofuels in 2014 would increase emissions of greenhouse gases next year, according to a new white paper from the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). Brent Erickson,
April 03, 2014 Read Full Article
UFOP: Making the Case for First-Gen Biofuels in EU Policy Future
(UFOP (Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e. V. )/Biodiesel Magazine) The European resolution and discussion situation with respect to European Commission proposals for amendments to the Renewable Energies Directive and the Fuel Quality Directive only permits one conclusion at
April 02, 2014 Read Full Article
European Report Shows Increased ILUC Levels for Ethanol
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Commission’s Joint Research Center recently published a new report on indirect land use change (ILUC) emissions from biofuels. The study presents the results of a new run on the economic model MIRAGE
April 01, 2014 Read Full Article
25x'25, Energy Future Coalition Commend IPCC Work Group's Recognition of Bioenergy's Role in Mitigating Climate Change
(25 x '25 Alliance) The 25x'25 Alliance and the Energy Future Coalition applaud an International Panel on Climate Change work group for recognizing the valuable role that bioenergy, including biofuels, can play in addressing a changing climate. The second of
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
Estimating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Proposed Changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard Through 2022
by Brent Erickson, Matt Carr, and Paul Winters (Industrial Biotechnology) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a significant change to the US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014 and beyond, which will have an impact on greenhouse gas (GHG)
March 26, 2014 Read Full Article
Developers of Project to Convert Sugar Beets into Ethanol Looking for Commitment from Growers
by Dave Kolpack (Associated Press/Star Tribune) Backers of a proposed project in North Dakota that would turn a variety of sugar beets into ethanol have preached patience for the last five years. Now they're looking for a commitment from farmers
March 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Scientists Urge CARB to Revisit LCFS Land Use Change Penalties
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) According to the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and other media organizations, 14 scientists and researchers submitted a letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on March 6 urging the agency to meaningfully reduce its
March 11, 2014 Read Full Article
In Response: Ethanol Rule Helps the Environment
by Ashwin Raman (Duluth News Tribune) I disagreed with the Feb. 18 commentary, “Ethanol mandate hurts environment,” by Annette Meeks of the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota. How Meeks came to the conclusion that, “Since its inception, the ethanol mandate had made neither
March 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Why We Are Producing Biofuels
by Robert C. Brown and Tristan Brown (The Gazette) In the face of criticism about ethanol, delays in the commercialization of advanced biofuels and the recent development of domestic supplies of fracked gas and petroleum, some people are asking, “Why are
March 04, 2014 Read Full Article
New Policy Paper Discusses Future of the Biochar Industry
(University of Northern British Columbia) Biochar, a renewable charcoal-like product derived from burning organic matter in a high-temperature oxygen-limited kiln, could be a substitute for the coal and some of the natural gas burned in British Columbia, according to a
February 24, 2014 Read Full Article
U.S. to Raise Fuel Efficiency Standards for Larger Trucks
By Juliet Eilperin (The Washington Post) President Obama announced Tuesday that the government will tighten fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, part of an ongoing effort to use his executive authority to address climate change and spur domestic
February 19, 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
RFS Proposals to Increase GHG Emissions?
(EnergyGlobal) In light of the proposed rule for the 2014 RFS, BIO have utilised the GREET 1.2013 model to estimate the changes in petroleum demand and the associated CO2 equivalent emissions from both 2013 and the statutory RFS levels for 2014. Proposals,
December 13, 2013 Read Full Article
What Role for Short-Lived Climate Pollutants in Mitigation Policy?
by J. K. Shoemaker, D. P. Schrag, M. J. Molina, V. Ramanathan (Science Magazine) Short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) include methane (CH4), black carbon (BC), tropospheric ozone, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). They are important contributors to anthropogenic climate change, responsible for as much
December 13, 2013 Read Full Article
Senate Hearing Addresses 2014 RFS Proposal
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works held a hearing Dec. 11 on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to set 2014 volume requirements under the renewable fuel standard (RFS). The hearing, titled
December 12, 2013 Read Full Article
EU Biofuel Supply Chain Associations Reject European Council Proposal
by Sean Bartlett(Platts) A European Council proposal to amend the Renewable Energy Directive will fail to realize EU targets for greenhouse gas-saving emissions, lead to job losses, and reduce competitiveness across the agricultural and biofuels sectors, associations representing the biofuels
December 11, 2013 Read Full Article
Lithuanian proposal Seems a Missed Opportunity to Incentivise Best Performing Biofuels
(ePURE) After one year of heated debates on the ILUC (Indirect Land Use Change) file, the Lithuanian Presidency has put forward a proposal which no longer incentivises best performing biofuels. The distinction between the performance of the different biofuels seems to have
December 05, 2013 Read Full Article
It Isn’t Only Corn: Brazilian Sugar Cane Ethanol Worries about Changes in RFS
by Herman Wang (Platts) Much of the rhetoric surrounding the US Renewable Fuel Standard centers around the notion of home-grown fuels enhancing American energy security and independence. That puts Leticia Phillips in a bit of a delicate situation, as she advocates
November 25, 2013 Read Full Article
Study: US Spewing 50% More Methane than EPA Says
by Seth Borenstein (Associated Press/US News and World Report) The United States is spewing 50 percent more methane — a potent heat-trapping gas — than the federal government estimates, a new comprehensive scientific study says. Much of it is coming
November 25, 2013 Read Full Article
How Electric Cars Can Increase Greenhouse Gas Emissions
by Joshua Linn and Virginia McConnell (Resources Magazine) ...The motivation for these policies is that many consider electric vehicles to be essential for achieving the long-term goals of dramatically reducing vehicles’ oil consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In reality, GHG
November 18, 2013 Read Full Article
Study Highlights GHG Reduction Potential of Butanol, Drop-In Biofuels
(Biomass Magazine) U.K.-based Element Energy recently published a report finding that advanced biofuels offer a more cost-effective means to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the next 17 years, when compared to electric vehicles. The report, titled “The Role of
October 31, 2013 Read Full Article
Report: Carbon Taxes, Trading Bring Most Cost-Effective Pollution Cuts
by Ben Geman (The Hill E2Wire) A new report finds that the most cost-effective climate change policies are the ones with the least political traction in the United States. Imposing an explicit cost on carbon pollution is the best way to
October 15, 2013 Read Full Article
GRFA Releases Annual Ethanol Production, GHG Reduction Forecasts
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance/Ethanol Producer Magazine) As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change wraps up its Plenary Session and launches its assessment report in Stockholm, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance in cooperation with F.O. Licht and (S&T)2 Consultants Inc. released their
October 02, 2013 Read Full Article
Algae Biofuel Can Cut CO2 Emissions by at Least 50% Petroleum Fuels
(UPI.com) Algae-derived biofuels can reduce the life cycle of carbon dioxide emissions by at least 50 percent compared to petroleum fuels, a U.S. university study found. The peer-review study -- the first to analyze real-world data from an existing algae-to-energy demonstration
September 23, 2013 Read Full Article
Graphene Nanochem PLC : PlatClear Receives EPA Approval
(4-Traders.com/Graphene NanoChem plc) Graphene NanoChem (AIM: GRPH), the performance chemicals and advanced materials company, is pleased to announce that PlatClear, the Group's waste-based second generation biofuel and the Group's Senawang chemicals facility ("Senawang") have both received approval from the US
September 19, 2013 Read Full Article
In the Black: Advanced Biofuels and Chems: Sizzling Carbon and Parity-Pricing Updates
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A report published by strategic energy consultancy Element Energy finds that by 2030, higher levels of advanced biofuels could cut Britain’s annual car CO2 emissions by 27% or 12 million tonnes a year — at
September 18, 2013 Read Full Article
Methane Emissions from Onshore Natural Gas Drilling Found Lower than Estimates
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) A new study by the University of Texas at Austin shows that methane emissions from onshore natural gas drilling are much lower than previous estimates, in part because of the effectiveness of techniques required
September 17, 2013 Read Full Article
Mileage Gains Using Ethanol Seen 20% Higher Than EPA Estimates
by Mark Drajem (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) A tweak to an automobile’s engine software can improve by as much as 20 percent the estimated fuel efficiency when using gasoline with ethanol or methanol, according to a non-profit group pushing gasoline alternatives. A Fuel
September 09, 2013 Read Full Article
Fixing Rufus: Congress, 2013 and the Renewable Fuel Standard
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Based on our industry sources, here’s an outline for a “change the RFS” outcome – what that might look like. We see four key elements — ethanol, drop-ins, biodiesel and the RIN system for smoothing
September 05, 2013 Read Full Article
Will the Draft European Biomass Policy Repeat Biofuel Mistakes?
by Tildy Bayar (Renewable Energy World) In a leaked draft proposal for a European biomass policy, seen by REW, the European Commission has laid out sustainability criteria for the Union’s future biomass use. The proposal would require a minimum greenhouse gas
August 23, 2013 Read Full Article
Why Sugarcane Ethanol is Essential to RFS
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) ...According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calculations, sugarcane ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by at least 61 percent when compared to traditional fuel, i.e. gasoline. Today, sugarcane ethanol represents 3 percent of all fuels under the
August 14, 2013 Read Full Article
Green Plains CEO Challenges Environmentalists on Corn Ethanol
by Herman K. Trabish (GreenTechMedia) “I invite anyone here, anytime. We’ll show them what we do.” Attention, Union of Concerned Scientists, Sierra Club and other environmental advocates: Green Plains Renewable Energy (GPRE) CEO Todd Becker wants you to come to his Iowa corn