by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, Global Bioenergies has completed construction of its 100 tons/year demonstration-scale plant, a project which commenced in mid-2015. It is located in the facility owned by the Fraunhofer CBP, on the Leuna refinery platform. It was
grants
Back TO HOMEForest-Powered Flight Heads to Washington, D.C.
(Alaska Airlines/PR Newswire) First of its kind renewable biofuel made from residual wood used by Alaska Airlines -- Washington state-based Alaska Airlines today made history flying the first commercial flight using the world's first renewable, alternative jet fuel made from
November 14, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Resumes Incentives to Grow the Bioeconomy and Improve Forest Health
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that $1.5 million will be available in fiscal year 2017 for farmers and foresters who harvest and deliver biomass for renewable energy. The
November 10, 2016 Read Full Article
Algae Hard at Work in Hawaii
by Alison Goss Eng (U.S. Department of Energy/Renewable Energy World) The beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii, is known for its pristine beaches and dramatic mountain ranges. But Kauai is not just a vacation spot; it is also the location of
November 08, 2016 Read Full Article
BIOHEC-LIFE - Advanced Biodiesel in Circular Economy for Low Carbon Public Transports.
(European Commission) ... Used cooking oils (UCOs) are processed from food industry and catering waste; cheap and widely available, they are playing an increasing role in the development of advanced biofuels. However, although the legislative framework is in place,
November 08, 2016 Read Full Article
National USDA Official Highlights Biofuels Investments in Colorado
by Russ Baldwin (The Prowers Journal) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini on Monday highlighted the USDA’s recent biofuel-infrastructure investments in Colorado during a stop in Greeley. Joined by Colorado Agriculture Commissioner Don Brown and
November 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Garnett Fuel Retailer to Celebrate New Ethanol Fuel Choices at Event Thursday
by KS Corn (Rural Radio Network) Sandra’s Quick Stop will celebrate new fuel choices for drivers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m Thursday, Nov. 10 in Garnett. The Quick Stop, located at the junction of Highway 169 and Highway 59,
November 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Sheetz And The U.S. Department Of Agriculture Bring Cleaner Burning Fuel To Virginia
(Sheetz/PR Newswire) Through the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership, Sheetz completes its 10th E85/E15 refueling station in Virginia -- Sheetz, one of America's fastest-growing family-owned and operated convenience retailers, celebrated the impact of the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Biofuel Infrastructure Project
November 06, 2016 Read Full Article
McGinty's Agency Subsidized the Ethanol Company which then Hired Her
by Timothy P. Carney (Washington Examiner) Katie McGinty, the Democrats' nominee for Senate in Pennsylvania, cashed out of state government and into the subsidized renewable-energy companies whose agenda she had pushed when in office. That subsidized energy company then turned
November 05, 2016 Read Full Article
National Research Council Showcasing New Algal Biorefinery Project to Reduce CO2 Emissions
(CNW/Newswire) The Government of Canada is supporting clean energy research, development and technology demonstration at all stages of the innovation spectrum, from high-risk, early stage research that can deliver transformative energy solutions, to later stage technology demonstrations to help speed
November 05, 2016 Read Full Article
MSU Awarded Grant to Research Biofuel, Carbon Capture Technologies for Upper Missouri River Basin
by Evelyn Boswell (Montana State University) A regional interdisciplinary team led by Montana State University has received $6 million to develop new innovations at the intersection of food, energy and water systems while training the next generation of scientists. The four-year
November 04, 2016 Read Full Article
VW Billions to Foster Natural Gas Vehicles?
by Rich Piellisch (Fleets & Fuels) NGVAmerica Urges States to Take Advantage of Settlement -- States should take advantage of the big diesel emissions settlement with Volkswagen to promote natural gas vehicles to reduce pollution, says NGVAmerica. The association notes that
October 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Can Beets Provide Wealth for the Shore and Fuel the World?
by Jeremy Cox (DelmarvaNow) ... The beet plants bred by his (Frank Turano's) company, meanwhile, appear to be largely free of disease. And they're producing tubers up to twice the size of the commercial varieties growing in the same rows. Turano, the
October 24, 2016 Read Full Article
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2017
(US Department of Agriculture/Federal Register) The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (the Agency) announces the acceptance of applications under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) which is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption
October 21, 2016 Read Full Article
Ames Laboratory to Receive $3 Million to Develop Instrument to Study Plant Cell Walls
(Ames Laboratory) A team of scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory will be developing new instrumentation aimed at determining the chemical and structural makeup of plant cell walls to better understand how to convert plant material into
October 20, 2016 Read Full Article
EPA Awards $10.8M for National Environmental Education Training Program
(Environmental Protection Agency) More than 4,400 environmental educators will gain training and leadership opportunities in 2017 through a new cooperative agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). EPA is funding up
October 20, 2016 Read Full Article
DOE Awards Microvi Grant for Innovative Biogas Conversion Technology
(Microvi) Microvi has been awarded a grant from the US Department of Energy for a new groundbreaking biocatalytic technology that converts methane and carbon dioxide in biogas into valuable liquid chemicals, the company announced today. The new technology, based on Microvi’s
October 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Danish Bioethanol Project Halted Due to Lack of Political Support and Financing Issues
Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Plans to build Denmark’s first biorefinery near Holstebro, which was due to produce bioethanol and biogas, have come to a halt as a result of lack of political support and financing issues. The parties behind the Maabjerg
October 13, 2016 Read Full Article
$1.87M Grant Lets NCBiotech Lead SE Sorghum Initiative
(North Carolina Biotechnology Center) The North Carolina Biotechnology Center, aided by a $1.87 million federal grant, has embarked on a three-year project to study the production of sorghum as biomass for fuel and high-value chemicals in the Mid-Atlantic region. The project,
October 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Stanford Faculty Share in $24 Million National Science Foundation Grant
by Taylor Kubota (Stanford News) Two Stanford faculty are part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers who will share a $24 million Science and Technology Center grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant will found a bioengineering research and
October 12, 2016 Read Full Article
FCC and Seat Partner in Project to Drive Biogas Production for Vehicular Use
(Bioenergy Insight) ... The project seeks to develop an innovative process for enhancing bioenergy production from municipal, agricultural, and industrial waste, and a progress report was presented at Biometa 2016, held in Barcelona in May. Methamorphosis, which was granted funding
October 04, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Results: Powering America with a More Sustainable Energy Future
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) ... The Obama Administration has pursued a carefully balanced approach, deploying technologies that improve the very best of our existing energy sources, while rigorously implementing policies that invest in the second and third generations of tomorrow’s fuels. ... In
October 03, 2016 Read Full Article
Iowa Awards More Fueling Future Funds
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Iowa has released the availability of nearly $350,000 in funds under the “Fueling Our Future 100” initiative as announced by Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey. Retailers who are interested can apply for the cost share funding
October 01, 2016 Read Full Article
ARPA-E Funding More Innovation in Algae Based Fuels and Chemicals
(Algae Biomass Organization) Innovations for producing algae based fuels and chemicals will get another boost now that the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is moving forward with a significant new funding opportunity. ARPA-E’s Teaming List Announcement, entitled “SCALABLE MACROALGAE CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGIES
September 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Capitol Digest: Ethanol Incentives Announced
by Tom Thoma (Globe Gazette) Ethanol Incentives: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said Wednesday about $350,000 in uncommitted funds are now available to interested retailers in Iowa seeking cost-share funding to help buy and install blender pumps and underground
September 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Tick-tick-tick…This Plastic Will Self-Destruct
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) They called it Mission Impossible. Create a means to biodegrade any plastic out there that needs to decompose in the environment after use. Find little microbes that can break the material into something that ordinary
September 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Answers to Your Questions about Renewables and the Advanced Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane and Ron Cascone (Biofuels Digest/NEXANT) Recently, we held a popular webinar on Renewables and the Advanced Bioeconomy with NEXANT principal Ron Cascone, for which you can see the slides here. During the webinar, we received a number of excellent questions,
September 22, 2016 Read Full Article
UK's Argent Energy Wins Awards for Waste-Based Biodiesel Supply
(Argent Energy/Biodiesel Magazine) Argent Energy, one of the U.K.’s leading suppliers of sustainable biodiesel, has won two awards at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) Low Carbon Champions Awards 2016: the Low Carbon Fuel Initiative of the Year Award and
September 21, 2016 Read Full Article
Several Bioenergy Projects Receive SBIR Funding
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA recently announced $7.4 million in grants will be awarded to 76 small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research program to support research related to food security, natural resources and agricultural issues. ... Bioenergy
September 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Borregaard Invests in Bioethanol Upgrade
(Borregaard) Borregaard has decided to invest NOK 63 million in a project which includes an upgrade of the bioethanol plant and a facility to capture and store biogas. The project has been awarded a grant of NOK 18.9 million from Enova,
September 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Turning Beets to BioFuel on Delmarva
by Todd Karli (WBOC) ... A group of students and scientists are exploring the idea that sugar beets, what they're calling energy beets, can be converted into jet fuel, with the Navy keeping a watchful eye. "This is so exciting because it
September 16, 2016 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels at End of Obama Administration
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) For advanced biofuels under the Obama administration, what started out with a boom in 2008 ended with a whimper in 2016. ... As the nascent industry began to develop, companies hoping to deliver the
September 11, 2016 Read Full Article
INEOS Bio Selling Indian River County Biofuel Plant
by Paul Ivice (TC Palm) INEOS Bio is selling its $130 million biofuel plant on Oslo Road, where it's been developing yard waste-to-ethanol technology since August 2013. INEOS, which received millions in taxpayer-funded incentives for its joint venture with New Planet Energy
September 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels USA Receives USDA Rural Business Development Grant for Feasibility Study of Eastern Shore Energy Beet-to-Jetfuel Project
For Immediate Release, September 7, 2016: Frederick, Maryland -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided $16,893 to Advanced Biofuels USA, a Maryland based 501(c) 3 nonprofit educational organization, for a feasibility study of producing bio-jetfuel from energy beets grown
September 07, 2016 Read Full Article
SuperBIO Project to Support EU Bioeconomy Innovation
(Bio Base Europe/Biomass Magazine) SuperBIO is an innovation project supported through the EU Horizon2020 funding program. The € 3.8 million ($4.24 million) project supports the development of promising industrial value chains in the bioeconomy. It therefore engages with the EU
September 03, 2016 Read Full Article
Using Genetics to Domesticate Pennycress as New Cover Crop
(Illinois State University) Illinois State Associate Professor of Genetics John Sedbrook is collaborating on a $1 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop genetic resources that can be used to rapidly domesticate field pennycress as
September 02, 2016 Read Full Article
Petroleum Today, Bio Tomorrow, BIOFOREVER
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, the BIOFOREVER consortium of 14 European companies emerged from stealth with the news that they have started their demonstration project for the conversion of woody biomass to value adding chemical building blocks. BIOFOREVER intends
September 02, 2016 Read Full Article
Ensuring Energy Independence Through Bio-Based Energy Systems
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) NIFA 's Bioeconomy-Bioenergy-Bioproduct portfolio facilitates the development of sustainable regional production systems for biofuels and bio-based products through research, product development and demonstration, extension, and education. By creating non-carbon based fuels, power sources, chemicals, and other products,
September 02, 2016 Read Full Article
RTI International Awarded Project to Support Development of Advanced Biofuels
(RTI International) The U.S. Department of Energy awarded RTI International a project to support the development of biomass-to-hydrocarbon biofuels conversion pathways that can produce variable amounts of fuels or products. As part of the more than $2 million, 3-year project, RTI
August 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Researchers Garner Grant to Study Innovative Biofuels Production Technology
by Robert Mills (Iowa State University) A team of researchers from Iowa State University’s Bioeconomy Institute is investigating a new technology for converting biomass into biofuels and chemicals. With a $371,000, one-year grant from the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Advanced
August 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Department of Energy’s Small Business Vouchers Program Awards Vouches to Five Bioenergy Companies
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Department of Energy’s Small Business Vouchers program awarded $8 million worth of research vouchers to 43 small businesses, of which five were related to bioenergy: Avatar Sustainable Technologies, Syracuse, New York Avatar Sustainable Technologies
August 24, 2016 Read Full Article
£1.7m Boost for Biofuel Firm
(Motherwell Times) A Newarthill project promoting the use of biodiesels has been awarded £1.7 million in EU funding. Argent Energy will coordinate partners from Austria, France and two from the UK, Perth-based Stagecoach Bus and Liverpool John Moores University, to
August 24, 2016 Read Full Article
SIUE, Madison County to Partner on Energy Sector Study
by Kelsey Landis (The Telegraph) A grant from a national non-profit organization will fund a study examining how to develop Madison County’s energy industry, officials announced last week. Representatives from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville applied for the grant along with Madison County
August 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Ethanol Opportunities and Challenges: A State-by-State Look at Higher Blends
by Rebecca Chillrud (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... Gas stations that offer higher blends are currently few and far between, but the ACE’s “Retailer Roadmap” aims to help change the fuels landscape. The Roadmap analyzes the potential demand for higher
August 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Green Genome Awards DEADLINE: September 9, 2016
(SEED Center)As part of a national effort to support sustainability practices, programs and training at the nation’s more than 1,100 community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) awards cash prizes to exemplary community colleges for their sustainability education initiatives through their
August 22, 2016 Read Full Article
PTDF to Establish Biofuel Research Institute in Kaduna
by Owolabi Oluwasegun (The Herald) The Petroleum Technology Development fund (PTDF) said it would establish a national coordination centre for research on development of biofuel and other attractive resources in Kaduna. Acting Executive Secretary of the Fund, Alhaji Galadima Aminu, announced this
August 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Grants Aim to Expand Ethanol Availability
by Alex Brown (Inside Indiana Business) The Indiana Office of Energy Development and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council have awarded more than $330,000 in grants as part of the Hoosier Homegrown Fuels Blender Pump Program. New Haven-based Lassus Brothers Oil Inc.
August 17, 2016 Read Full Article
There Is an E15 Consumer Disconnect
by Susanna Retka-Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sheetz, Thortons executives give careful thought to strategically offering the new fuel. -- Almost weekly, another announcement is made about a retail location offering E15. The rollouts, large and small, are indicators E15 is
August 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Call for Proposals: BioFuelNet Canada DEADLINE: September 1, 2016
(BioFuelNet Canada) BioFuelNet Canada (BFN) was first funded by the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program for the period of April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2017. The present call for proposals is to identify potential research to be
August 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Grant to Result in More Ethanol Refueling Stations
by Bruce Hotchkiss (The Delmarva Farmer) A $5 million grant from the USDA is providing the financial foundation for the installation of 30 ethanol refueling stations across Maryland and Virginia. As originally conceived, the work — which has been underway in
August 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Dabbling in Duckweed: Environmental Uses for a Green Menace
by Paul Simons (The Guardian) Despite its troublesome reputation, the weed blanket smothering ponds and waterways also has its virtues as a biofuel and food -- ... Despite its troublesome reputation, duckweed also has its virtues. As its name suggests, ducks
August 12, 2016 Read Full Article
NIFA Announces $3.1 Million in Available Funding to Train the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of $3.1 million to train the next generation of agricultural leaders. This funding is available through the Food and
August 12, 2016 Read Full Article
What’s DOE Doing about Feedstock Costs? The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to DOE’s Feedstock Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Is it just cost that bedevils industrial biotechnology in bringing fuels technologies to scale. Not just, says BETO program director Jonathan Male, who adds that a DOE “Tiger Team” indentified many other factors: What about these? Use
August 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Maryland Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program (AFIP) Funding Opportunity Enrollment Open
(Maryland Energy Administration) The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program (AFIP) is intended to aid in the development of public access, alternative fuel refilling/charging infrastructure in the state of Maryland. As such, MEA anticipates issuing one or more grants to applicants for
August 11, 2016 Read Full Article
India Seeks to Expand Biofuels Market to $7.5 Billion by 2022
by Anindya Upadhyay and Debjit Chakraborty (Bloomberg) India’s current biofuels market size is about $1 billion; India to source all raw material for biofuels domestically -- India is targeting a more than sevenfold expansion in its biofuels market over the next six
August 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Governments of Canada and Quebec Support Innovative Renewable Fuel Oil Project
(Ensyn) Support for clean technology innovation is vital to growing Canada’s economy and addressing climate change. With its abundance of renewable biomass, Canada has the potential to develop a strong and globally competitive bioenergy sector. The Governments of Canada and Quebec will provide
August 08, 2016 Read Full Article
MEGA-BIO and the Three Amigos: DOE Hands Out $11.3M — Who for, and Whyfor?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Department of Energy announced up to $11.3 million for three projects that support the development of biomass-to-hydrocarbon biofuels conversion pathways that, as the DOE remarked, “can produce variable amounts of fuels
August 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Bentley Research Fellow Planning Algae Commercialization
by Joanna Howarth (Algae Industry Magazine) Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Michael Walsh, a research fellow in Bentley University’s Center for Integration of Science and Industry, who holds a doctorate in biological and environmental engineering,
August 07, 2016 Read Full Article
U.S. Commerce Department Invests More Than $4 Million In Maine, Deploys Interagency Team To Help Strengthen State's Forest Economy
(U.S. Economic Development Administration) U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Matt Erskine today announced the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will invest more than $4 million to help diversify and grow the Maine economy, which includes
August 05, 2016 Read Full Article
Energy Department Announces $11.3 Million for MEGA-BIO: Bioproducts To Enable Biofuels
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today up to $11.3 million for three projects that support the development of biomass-to-hydrocarbon biofuels conversion pathways that can produce variable amounts of fuels and/or products based on external
August 02, 2016 Read Full Article
Funds Available for #Biomass Powered Biorefineries
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) The USDA is helping biorefineries go even greener. The USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service, a division within the USDA, has allocated funds through the Repowering Assistance Program, to assist renewable fuel facilities convert away from fossil-fuel based
August 02, 2016 Read Full Article
Energy Department Announces $7 Million to Accelerate Fuel and Engine Co-Optimization Technologies
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S Department of Energy (DOE) announced today up to $7 million in project funding to accelerate the introduction of affordable, scalable, and sustainable high-performance fuels for use in high-efficiency, low-emission engines as part of the
August 01, 2016 Read Full Article
Adopting a Circular Economy: The Biorefinery Concept
by Paul Hudman (Renewable Energy World) ... For many governments, part of this shift involves adopting a circular economy approach, utilising all aspects of ‘waste’ throughout the production chain. The concept of the biorefinery embraces this standard by making use of the entire
July 27, 2016 Read Full Article
The EU Offers Strong Support for the Realization of the Kemi Biofuel Refinery
(Kaidi) The European Commission has decided to grant EUR 88,5 million of NER 300 investment subsidies for the biofuel refinery planned by Kaidi in Ajos, Kemi. . The subsidy, which is directed towards producers of renewable energy, was initially granted
July 26, 2016 Read Full Article
DOE to Fund Projects Combining Biofuel and Engine Research
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy has announced its intent to issue a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) entitled “Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines.” According to the DOE, the FOA will support the Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines
July 25, 2016 Read Full Article
Three Algae Companies Awarded $1 Million Each by the Energy Department
by Paul Mullen (Algae Biomass Organization) The Energy Department announced that they will be awarding 23 small businesses with $1 million each over the next two years to help the small businesses advance their concepts. Three algae companies were among
July 21, 2016 Read Full Article
Energy Department Grants $2.5M for Biorefinery Waste Use, Renewable Bioproduct Study
by Kathleen Phillips (AgriLife Today) The U.S. Department of Energy has granted $2.5 million for a Texas A&M AgriLife Research study to find ways to use biorefinery waste to make new, marketable products. “In the biorefinery field, we have a saying: You
July 21, 2016 Read Full Article
Indiana Gets More Ethanol Blend Pumps
(Agri-News) Sixteen ethanol blender pumps soon will be available at gas stations in Allen and LaPorte counties thanks in part to funding from Indiana Corn Marketing Council. ICMC and the Indiana Office of Energy Development announced more than $331,000 will be
July 20, 2016 Read Full Article
SDTC Puts Entrepreneurs' Needs First: Changes Application Process
(Sustainable Development Technology Canada/Marketwired) Today, Leah Lawrence, president and CEO of Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), announced changes to the foundation's funding model and application process. Effective immediately, SDTC will be discontinuing regularly scheduled calls for applications in favour of
July 20, 2016 Read Full Article
Canada and Quebec to Provide C$76.5 Million to AE Côte-Nord Bioenergy Canada
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, the Governments of Canada and Quebec will provide C$76.5 million in funding to AE Côte-Nord Bioenergy Canada Inc. for the production of renewable fuel oil from forest residues at its Port-Cartier facility. Canada’s Minister
July 20, 2016 Read Full Article
Plant Scientists Study Interactions between GMOs and the Environment
(University of Connecticut) ... The research team is led by professor emerita Carol Auer and supported by a grant from the Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grant Program, an initiative of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Auer and her research
July 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Algae Production, Efficient and Consistent: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to Global Algae Innovations
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Algae Innovations designs innovative technology to make algae production more efficient and consistent. This week, the DOE made a major award to a group led by GAI, including the University of California-San Diego, TSD Management Associates,
July 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Energy Department Announces $15 Million to Advance Algae-based Biofuels and Bioproducts
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced up to $15 million for three projects aimed at reducing the production costs of algae-based biofuels and bioproducts through improvements in algal biomass yields. These projects will develop highly productive algal
July 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Firm Eyes Expansion
by Tennessa Wild (The Western Producer) Processor developing second generation biofuel with opportunity for wider use -- Growing demand worldwide for renewable diesel fuel has Saskatchewan’s only biodiesel producer looking to expand. Milligan Biofuels Inc. produces biodiesel as well as half
July 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Retailer to Expand Availability of Ethanol Blends at 20 Stations
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association is proud to announce that the Power Energy Corp. has been awarded a $1.44 million grant from Illinois to offer higher ethanol blends at 20 retail stations in the state. The grant,
July 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Energy Department Awards $18 Million to Develop Valuable Bioproducts and Biofuels from Algae
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced six projects that will receive up to $18 million in funding to reduce the modeled price of algae-based biofuels to less than $5 per gasoline gallon equivalent (gge) by 2019. This
July 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Manta Biofuel Awarded $1 Million from DOE
(Algae Industry Magazine) Manta Biofuel, of Bethesda, Maryland has won a $1 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to further develop its algal technology. A member of Bethesda Green’s business incubator, Manta Biofuel LLC is a biotechnology firm that has developed
July 17, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Backs Small Rural Firms with $55M in Grants, Loan Guarantees
by Stephen Davies (Agri-Pulse) USDA is providing nearly $55 million in grants and loan guarantees to help 821 small businesses in rural areas save on energy costs. The latest round of grants awarded under the Rural Energy for America Program total
July 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Bioenergy Technologies Office Announces Notice of Intent for the Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines Initiative
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technology Office (BETO) and Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) entitled “Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines.” The
July 15, 2016 Read Full Article
EPA Awards Environmental Education Grants in 26 States
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the completion of grant awards under the 2015 Environmental Education (EE) Grants Program. EPA will award grants under the 2016 EE Grants Program later this year. Projects address a range of topics
July 05, 2016 Read Full Article
Global Bioenergies Obtains a EU400,000 Grant from the German Federal Ministry of Research and Education (BMBF) to Produce Renewable Gasoline Additives - Audi Will Use These for Engine Testing
(Globe Newswire/Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies announces today that its German subsidiary, Global Bioenergies GmbH, secured a €400.000 grant from the BMBF (the German federal ministry for research and education) to finance a 14 month-project aimed at producing renewable gasoline additives. The Company
July 05, 2016 Read Full Article
DOE Announces $16 Million for 54 Projects to Help Commercialize Promising Energy Technologies
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced nearly $16 million in funding to help businesses move promising energy technologies from DOE’s National Laboratories to the marketplace. This first Department-wide round of funding through the Technology
June 30, 2016 Read Full Article
They ♥ DME, Yeah Yeah Yeah: NREL, Enerkem Advance BIO-DME to Commercialization
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Poor DME. it burns like natural gas, handles like LPG, powers like diesel, and it’s as well-known as a good place for sewing machine repair in Burundi. San Diego-based Oberon Fuels has been the one consistent
June 27, 2016 Read Full Article
ARENA Backs Australia’s 1st Biorefinery Lab
by Militsa Mancheva (See News Renewables) The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) said Thursday it will help finance Southern Oil Refining Pty Ltd’s (SOR) biocrude and biofuel test laboratory in the state of Queensland. ARENA is contributing up to AUD 2.4 million
June 24, 2016 Read Full Article
Sevilla Buses Tested in 2017 a New Biodiesel from Used Cooking Oil
(Geregras (Google translation)) The ecological fuel obtained from recycling used cooking oils is becoming a reality thanks Life Bioseville an EU - funded project that will be tested in the fleet of city buses in Sevilla and whose pilot plant
June 24, 2016 Read Full Article
Missing a Turn on the Road to a Billion Tons
by Corinne Young and Michele Jalbert (re:chem/Biofuels Digest) A Billion Ton Bioeconomy. For those of us who have worked in this space for the last decade, the US government’s aspiration to grow the sector to such size and scope is music
June 20, 2016 Read Full Article
Research Examines Obstacles to Making Biofuel from Perennial Plants
(University of Arkansas) A University of Arkansas chemistry professor has received a $400,000 award from the National Science Foundation to investigate a roadblock in the harvesting of biomass from perennial plants for the purpose of creating a source of renewable
June 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Ship Voyages on 100 Percent Renewable Biofuel for 1 Year
by Brittany Hook (University of California San Diego) Harnessing the University of California’s leadership in sustainability and pledge to become carbon neutral by 2025, Scripps Institution of Oceanography Associate Director Bruce Appelgate had a bright idea: What if Scripps Oceanography at UC
June 14, 2016 Read Full Article
ADM, Biofuel Supporters Say EPA Underestimates Use of Higher-Ethanol Fuels
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Archer Daniels Midland Co and other supporters of biofuels on Thursday said U.S. regulators grossly underestimated the amount of higher-ethanol fuel blends at pumps when requirements for next year's use of renewables were proposed. The comments came
June 10, 2016 Read Full Article
Sorghum Checkoff Announces $500,000 Investment
(Sorghum Checkoff/Biomass Magazine) The Sorghum Checkoff recently announced a $500,000 investment in sorghum research, made at the inaugural Transportation Energy Resources from Renewable Agriculture (TERRA) program field day at the University of Arizona's Maricopa Agricultural Center in Maricopa, Arizona. This investment follows the
June 10, 2016 Read Full Article
Ethanol Project Grant Denied: New Energy Investors Developers Updating Grant Request
by Keith Norman (The Jamestown Sun) Officials with New Energy Investors are planning on submitting an updated grant request to the North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Committee after its previous request was denied in May, according to Robert Johnson, CEO
June 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Ontario Slates $100 Million toward Renewable Natural Gas
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Ontario’s government plans to spend up to $100 million over the next four years to foster growth of renewable natural gas (RNG) in the province. On May 26, the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
June 06, 2016 Read Full Article
Sorghum Checkoff Announces $500,000 Investment
by Jennifer Blackburn (United Sorghum Checkoff Program/MyPlainView.com) The Sorghum Checkoff announced Thursday a $500,000 investment in sorghum research, made at the inaugural Transportation Energy Resources from Renewable Agriculture (TERRA) program field day at the University of Arizona's Maricopa Agricultural Center in
June 03, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Resumes Incentives to Grow and Harvest Biomass for Energy and Biobased Products
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that incentives resume this month for farmers and foresters who grow and harvest biomass for renewable energy and biobased products. The funds
May 28, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Announces More Than $8 Million in Payments to Support the Production of Advanced Biofuel
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $8.8 million to boost the production of advanced biofuels and sustain jobs at renewable energy facilities in 39 states. USDA continues
May 27, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Announces $21 Million Available for Bioeconomy Research and Development
(US Department of Agriculture/EurekAlert!) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today (May 18, 2016) announced the availability of $21 million to support the development of regional systems in sustainable bioenergy and biobased products, as well as education and training for the
May 19, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA: Inviting Organisations for AFRI Sustainable Bioenergy and Bioproducts Challenge
by Deepika (FundsForNGOs.org) The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), an agency of United States Department of Agriculture is seeking applications from organisations for Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Sustainable Bioenergy and Bioproducts (SBEBP) Challenge Area Program with an
May 17, 2016 Read Full Article
ASU Scores Chunk of $10M DOE Funding for Bioenergy R&D
(Algae Industry Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy announced up to $10 million in funding for six projects representing innovative technologies and solutions to advance bioenergy development. These projects, located in Arizona, California, North Carolina, Delaware, and Illinois, will support
May 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Guest Commentary: New Gas Pumps Fuel NWI Energy Options
by Michael McIntire (Northwest Indiana Times) ... Family Express, a favorite local company, is installing new fuel pumps across eight counties with help from the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Drivers will have the option to fuel
May 16, 2016 Read Full Article
UC Riverside Awarded $1.3M from USDA for Green Energy Research
by Sarah Nightingale (University of California Riverside) Charles Wyman, Distinguished Professor in Chemical and Environmental Engineering and holder of the Ford Motor Company Chair in Environmental Engineering at the Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), and Charles Cai, research engineer
May 13, 2016 Read Full Article
DOE Funding Opps Target Energy-Intensive Ops (Oil, Gas, Biofuel, Fuel Cell, Chemical)
by Barbara Vergetis Lundin (SmartGridNews.com) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is looking for proposals for a new Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute as part of the Administration's broader National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI), which drives collaboration between small- and
May 13, 2016 Read Full Article
Senator Sherrod Brown Announces Up to $2 Million in New Federal Resources for The Ohio State University to Support Research on Biofuel
(Office of Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) 25 Percent of Soybean Oil Processed in U.S. is used for Biodiesel and Bioheat. Ohio Ranks Sixth in the Nation for Soybean Production. -- Today (May 11, 2016), U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) )
May 13, 2016 Read Full Article
US Looks to Go Gig on Biofuels as It Diversifies Away from Foreign Oil
by Anmar Frangoul (CNBC.com) ... The DOE added that the U.S. is currently spending around $1 billion every three days on "imported oil." ... The importance of biofuels is only set to increase. A 2011 report from the IEA projects
May 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Researcher Wins Grants to Support Woody Biomass-to-Biofuel Work
(University of Arkansas/Biomass Magazine) University of Arkansas chemical engineering associate professor Jamie Hestekin has received two grants totaling $145,250 from a local technology development firm to help the company convert woody biomass into bio-oil and eventually liquid biofuel. The funding will
May 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Senate Opens Door for Increased Ethanol Use
by Tom C. Doran (AgriNews) Legislation that supporters say will enhance consumer choices and increase demand for Illinois corn was unanimously approved in the Illinois Senate. The bill allows the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to receive nearly $11.98 million from
May 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Grant Helps Project Realize “Ultra-Productive” Biofuel Crops, Attract Investors
by Claire Benjamin (University of Illinois) ... The University of Illinois and the University of Florida have been awarded a third round of funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to realize ultra-productive biofuel crops. ... Nearly $300,000 of
May 10, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA, DOE Partner to Invest $10 Million in Green Energy Research
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the joint investment of $10 million towards research that will drive more efficient biofuels production
May 09, 2016 Read Full Article
Energy Department Announces Funding for Design and Construction of Manufacturing of Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biopower
(U.S. Department of Energy) Recognizing the importance of biofuels to energy and climate security, the Energy Department today announced up to $90 million in project funding focused on designing, constructing and operating integrated biorefinery facilities. The production of biofuels from
May 09, 2016 Read Full Article
FY 2017 MAERDAF Now Open for Applications
(Rural Maryland Council) Established in 2000, the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) offers important financial support to rural-serving nonprofit organizations that promote statewide and regional planning, economic and community development, and agricultural and forestry education efforts.
May 09, 2016 Read Full Article
Wassup, ARPA-E? The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to ARPA-E’s AgroEnergy projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What’s up at the DOE’s ARPA-E unit — the Advanced Research Projects Agency? Technology to Market advisor Krishna Doraiswamy answered the question in this update, given at the Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee meeting. In
May 06, 2016 Read Full Article
Australian Renewable Energy Agency Supports Development of $800m Bio-Energy Project
(Refining and Petrochemicals Energy Business Review) Renewable Developments Australia (RDA) has secured $3m from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Arena) to support the development of a renewable biofuel production facility. The funding will be used by RDA to develop the business
May 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Iowa Legislature Approves Funding for State Blender Pump Program
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Iowa Legislature Votes Overwhelmingly to Extend Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program Another Year -- The Iowa Legislature voted 94 – 0 in the House of Representatives and 49 – 0 in the Iowa Senate to secure
May 03, 2016 Read Full Article
Indiana Fuel Retailer Family Express Receives $789K for Blender Pumps
(Renewable Fuels Association) Convenience store and fuel retailer Family Express is receiving more than $789,000 through an Indiana blender pump program to bring online 45 dispensers at 37 stations in the state, it was announced Monday. The Hoosier Homegrown Fuels Blender
May 03, 2016 Read Full Article
Green Energy & Biofuels Gets Acumen $800,000 Investment for Clean Cooking Solutions
(Development Diaries) Acumen, the nonprofit social venture fund, announces its new investment in Green Energy & BioFuels (GEB), a Nigerian company creating cleaner, more cost-effective cooking solutions for West Africa’s low-income households. In Nigeria, more than 40 percent of urban
April 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Bioenergy Technologies Office Announces Notice of Intent for the Manufacturing of Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biopower
(Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office, a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled “Project Definition for Pilot and Demonstration Scale Manufacturing
April 28, 2016 Read Full Article
DOE to Offer Funding for Biorefinery Projects
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has announced plans to issue a funding opportunity on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office to support technology development plans for the manufacture
April 27, 2016 Read Full Article
Indiana’s Family Express Awarded Blender Grant
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Indiana fuel retailer Family Express has been awarded more than $789,000 through an Indiana blender pump program. The retailer will be using the monies to install 45 dispensers at 37 stations. Of the stations, 34 already
April 27, 2016 Read Full Article
Muradel Refocuses Whyalla Biofuel Venture
(Algae Industry Magazine) Valerina Changarathil writes in Adelaide Now that the Whyalla, Australia-based commercial biofuel producer Muradel will receive a new federal grant next month to start scaling up its demonstration plant as it refocuses on new feedstock. Muradel did
April 26, 2016 Read Full Article
How Drones Can Give a Boost to Biofuels
by Christina Couch (MIT Technology Review) Next month, a team of researchers will load one small aerial drone and two ground drones with sensors and release them on a field planted with hundreds of varieties of sorghum. In just one
April 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Biofuels Retail Advancement in Wisconsin Transportation (BRAWT) Additional Funding Available Now!
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) Second Round Funding Now Available--ALL GRANT PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY: FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016 AT 12:00 PM CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME Submit completed applications via email to seo@wisconsin.gov. Questions? Submit to seo@wisconsin.gov and answers will be posted at the bottom. On October 28,
April 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Bioenergy Technologies Office Announces Notice of Intent for the Manufacturing of Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biopower
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office, a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled “Project Definition for Pilot and Demonstration Scale
April 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Carbon Farming – Agriculture’s Answer to Climate Change?
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On April 12, the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) announced a new funding opportunity aimed at increasing the carbon storage potential of U.S. agricultural soils. Land-use, which includes agriculture, is responsible
April 18, 2016 Read Full Article
California Energy Commission Announces $17.3 M in Funding for Hydrogen Infrastructure
(FuelCellsWorks) The California Energy Commission recently released a $17.3-million solicitation (GFO-15-605) for hydrogen stations in California. Summary of the Funding: $17.3 million funding opportunity for light-duty hydrogen stations in California O&M funding for stations previously funded with CEC grant New station funding for I5 connector and
April 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Supporting the Bioeconomy: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Biomass Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This month, we held a well-attended webinar on USDA Biomass programs. Here below is a slide deck presented on the day, by the USDA’s Mark Brodziski. The recorded version of the USDA Biomass Programs webinar can
April 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Environmental Engineering Student Wins Prestigious Award to Pursue Biofuel Research
(Tennessee Today) UT Civil and Environmental Engineering doctoral student Hannah Woo was recently honored as one of ninety students in the United States and Canada to receive a $15,000 Scholar Award from the Philanthropic Educational Organization Sisterhood. Woo focuses on environmental issues
April 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Fund for Environmental Journalism Announces Grant Opportunity DEADLINE: June 15, 2016
(Fund for Environmental Journalism) SEJ’s Fund for Environmental Journalism invests in top quality public service reporting on environment-related issues, and the journalists who produce it. FEJ grants support development and dissemination of significant coverage that otherwise could not be completed. JUNE
April 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Planned for Spiritwood
by Keith Norman (Jamestown Sun) Plans for a $150 million cellulosic ethanol plant at the Spiritwood Energy Park Association industrial park are underway, according to Thomas Corle, founding partner of New Energy Investors, a Pennsylvania company. If built, the ethanol plant
April 12, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Agricultural Producers Increase the Value of Their Products
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is making up to $44 million available to farmers, ranchers and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the Value-Added Producer Grant program. "America's farmers, ranchers
April 08, 2016 Read Full Article
DOE’s ARPA-E TERRA Projects Seek to Accelerate Sustainable Energy Crop Development
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the DOE’s ARPA-E TERRA projects seek to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. To accomplish this, the projects uniquely integrate agriculture, information technology,
April 06, 2016 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Energy Programs Enable New Feedstock Production To Help Fuel the Biobased Economy
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... Congress changed mandatory funding for two key bioenergy programs – despite their tangible successes – through its Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) Omnibus spending bill. USDA’s Section 9003 Loan Guarantee Program and the Biomass
April 06, 2016 Read Full Article
DOE BETO Updates Multi-Year Program Plan
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office has released the 2016 update of its Multi-Year Program Plan, which serves as an operational guide to help the BETO manage and coordinate its activities. The plan
April 05, 2016 Read Full Article
Giant Step Forward for New Biofuels Industry in Queensland
(Queensland Government) A $16 million advanced biofuels pilot plant will be built at Southern Oil Refining’s Yarwun plant at Gladstone, a ‘giant’ step towards securing a large-scale biofuels industry in Queensland. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Northern Oil Advanced Biofuels Pilot
April 04, 2016 Read Full Article
EEP Southern and East Africa Issues Call for Project Proposals DEADLINE: April 25, 2016
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In South Africa, the Energy and Environment Partnership Programme with Southern and East Africa (EEP S&EA) is seeking high-quality applications for projects in the two regions that can contribute to the reduction of poverty by promoting
April 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Enerkem Biofuel Plant, Backed by City of Edmonton, Mired in Legal Controversy
by Sylvain Bascaron (CBC News) Lawsuits totalling $7.4 million allege unpaid services and supplies -- Already years behind schedule and tens of millions of dollars over budget, a project to turn the city of Edmonton's waste into biofuel is now facing
April 04, 2016 Read Full Article
University of Tennessee Center Continues Efforts to Develop Low-Cost Biofuels and Bio-Based Products
(AZO CleanTech) A few years ago, petroleum-based products, including gasoline, were not available at affordable prices, unlike the case today. However, the prices are likely to return to the same level in the coming years. Due to this impending scenario, researchers
April 04, 2016 Read Full Article
BIRD Foundation Grant (up to $1 Million) Application Deadline for Proposals: June 29, 2016
The US-Israel Binational R&D Foundation (BIRD Foundation) is a joint program of the US Dept of Commerce and Israeli Ministry of Economy and Trade that provides grants up to $1 million for research collaboration between American and Israeli businesses. It's
March 31, 2016 Read Full Article
Australia to Invest a Billion Bucks into Clean Energy and Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, the Federal Government announced that it is establishing a $1 billion Clean Energy Innovation Fund to support emerging technologies make the leap from demonstration to commercial deployment. The Clean Energy Innovation Fund will
March 25, 2016 Read Full Article
Canada’s Budget Pitches for Clean Tech and Emissions Reductions in Transport and Energy
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, the proposed national budget provides C$50 million over four years to Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to support the development of clean technologies; C$82.5 million over two years to NRC to bring clean
March 24, 2016 Read Full Article
AST Increases Scale of Wisconsin Research Facility
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) American Science and Technology has completed the scale-up of its biorefinery in Wausau, Wisconsin. The scale-up increase’s the processing capacity of AST, an emerging technology company in the biochemicals and renewable fuel sector, from 100 kilograms
March 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Lincoln Park Professor Nets $450K Grant for Biofuel Research
by William Westhoven (Parsippany, NJ Daily Record) A Lincoln Park educator has been awarded a $450,000 grant to help fund continued research into the development of biofuel alternatives in certain regions of the United States. Montclair State University announced Tuesday that Pankaj
March 23, 2016 Read Full Article
A 21st-Century Investment in Productive, Sustainable Agriculture
by Margaret M. Zeigler (The Hill/Global Harvest Initiative) ... Held each year since 1973, National AG Day helps consumers, the administration and Congress understand how farmers grow safe and affordable food, and underscores the essential role of agriculture in maintaining both a
March 22, 2016 Read Full Article
IRFA: Interest in Offering Renewable Fuels Higher than Ever
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association recently reported interest amongst Iowa retailers in offering renewable fuels is at an all-time high, following the recent Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Board meeting which set records by awarding 68 projects
March 21, 2016 Read Full Article
US Agency Sets Sights on Grass in Bid to Make a Better Biofuel
by Suzanne Goldenberg (The Guardian) Arpa-E project deploys drones and robots to breed fast-growing, drought-resistant and greener biofuel from sorghum which could replace corn ethanol -- A US government agency is trying to build a better biofuel, using a higher energy-producing
March 21, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Announces $260 Million Available for Regional Conservation Partnership Program
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of up to $260 million for partner proposals to improve the nation's water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. The funding
March 14, 2016 Read Full Article
BETO Allocates $1.9 Million for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Small Business Vouchers Pilot
(U.S. Department of Energy) In an effort to advance the clean energy economy, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has developed a new initiative to provide technical assistance and collaborative research and development (R&D) opportunities for small businesses in the
March 10, 2016 Read Full Article
Comet Biorefining Picks up $10.9M SDTC Grant for Low-Cost, Non-Food, Bio-Based Sugars Project
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, Sustainable Development Technology Canada awarded Comet Biorefining a CA$10.9 million grant for the construction of its first-of-a-kind advanced bio-based chemicals plant. Located in Sarnia, Ontario, the plant will use proprietary conversion technology to
March 09, 2016 Read Full Article
A Conversation with US Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
(Industrial Biotechnology) ... My current assessment is that there exists an unlimited sense of opportunity in the biobased products and bioenergy sector. I look at the work being done at the USDA, which is extensive and has been helpful in getting
March 08, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA Highlights Bioeconomy Investments
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA recently published a fact sheet highlighting its investments in rural America, including several related to sparking innovation in America’s bioeconomy to support the development of biomanufacturing and advanced biofuels. According to fact sheet, USDA
March 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Vislack Defends Biofuels, Bioenergy during House Hearing
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Feb. 24, the House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing on the state of the rural economy. Biofuels and bioenergy were among the topics discussed during the nearly three-hour event. When asked to characterize the
March 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Popular Government Energy Program Seeks a Big New Twist
by Katie Fehrenbacher (Fortune) ... The ARPA-E Summit is meant to highlight lab research, startups, and corporate R&D projects that the Department of Energy has supported with small grants through its ARPA-E program. That program, which kicked off in 2010,