by Sophie Cocke (Pacific Business News) Monday’s grand opening of the Center for Microbial Oceanography at the University of Hawaii Manoa could work in tandem with the state’s push towards renewable energy. Microbial oceanography, an emerging sub-discipline within oceanography, studies marine microbes,
grants
Back TO HOMERefining Equipment Funding Available in Ohio
by Luke Geiver (Biodiesel Magazine) The Advancing Biofuels Beyond the Basics program, run by the Ohio Department of Development, is now accepting applications from biodiesel and ethanol companies seeking funding for refining equipment purchases. With $8 million in available funding
October 26, 2010 Read Full Article
Chemists Improve Synthesis of Biodiesel
by Sahil Luthra (The Brown Daily Herald) Two Brown chemists have developed a more efficient way to produce biodiesel from waste vegetable oil. Using two catalysts common in organic chemistry, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Jason Sello and Postdoctoral Fellow Aaron Socha
October 25, 2010 Read Full Article
Illinois College to Develop Biofuels Program
Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) Ina, Ill.-based Rend Lake College has received a $60,835 grant from the USDA to support a three-part biofuels education program, which will include training on farm-based biodiesel production. The program is currently slated to run 18
October 22, 2010 Read Full Article
Remarks by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Biofuels as Prepared for Delivery at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C.
(EIN News/USDA) ...USDA announced assistance under the Recovery Act for 334 broadband expansions designed to reach more than 6 million people and 250,000 businesses in rural and remote areas. ...By launching the USDA led effort "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food"
October 22, 2010 Read Full Article
Arkansas Receives $20M to Study Renewable Energy
(AP/Bloomberg Businessweek) The Arkansas Science and Technology Authority has received a $20 million grant to study renewable energy. The five-year grant from the National Science Foundation will be bolstered by $4 million in matching funds from the state. ...Researchers at seven Arkansas schools
October 18, 2010 Read Full Article
Development of Technology to Produce Biodiesel from Microalgae
(FIS Worldnews) A new project, which is financially supported by the Chilean government, will promote the diversification of energy through the production of biofuels from microalgae. The main objective of the initiative is to develop algae production which captures carbon dioxide
October 18, 2010 Read Full Article
San Diego Biofuels Company Lands $1.8M Grant
by Onell R. Soto (Sign On San Diego) Pearson Fuels is working on infrastructure to make it easier and cheaper to distribute biodiesel. San Diego-based Pearson Fuels has landed a $1.8 million state grant to help put biodiesel into more tanker trucks. "We
October 15, 2010 Read Full Article
Alternative Fuels Center of Excellence to be Launched
(University of California, Riverside) Introducing new center on Oct. 14 at the Center for Environmental Research and Technology highlights day of alternative fuels related ...A $1.2 million grant from the California Energy Commission will allow the center of excellence to work
October 13, 2010 Read Full Article
Scientists Say It Is High Time for Hemp-Based Biofuel
by Danny Bradbury (BusinessGreen) University of Connecticut reveals plan to build biofuel research plant capable of turning hemp into biodiesel. Researchers at the University of Connecticut have found that hemp is a viable feedstock for biodiesel fuel and are now working
October 12, 2010 Read Full Article
Biofuels Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
by Brent D. Yacobucci (Congressional Research Service) ...Ethanol and biodiesel, the two most widely used biofuels, receive significant government support under federal law in the form of mandated fuel use, tax incentives, loan and grant programs, and certain regulatory requirements. The
October 12, 2010 Read Full Article
Lexington Woman Recognized for Innovative Environmental Leadership: Honoree Receives Audubon/Toyota TogetherGreen Fellowship
(Audubon) A Lexington, KY woman is the recipient of a national conservation fellowship, enabling her to bring biofuel education to Kentucky schools. TogetherGreen Fellow. Supported by a conservation alliance of Audubon and Toyota, the TogetherGreen Fellowship offers specialized training in
October 06, 2010 Read Full Article
Cleantech Stimulus Still Not Stimulating
by David Gold (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) ...While stimulus supporters and the press love to focus on the selection of award winners for grants and loans, funds appropriated but sitting in the U.S. Treasury have zero potential to stimulate the economy irrespective of
September 29, 2010 Read Full Article
William & Mary Receives $500,000 for Biofuel Study
(TAPPI) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Washington, D.C., USA, has awarded the College of William & Mary, WIlliansburg, Va., $500,000 to study various aspects of using wild aquatic algae as both biofuel feedstock and as a medium for helping to
September 28, 2010 Read Full Article
Ohio to Offer $8M in Subsidies for Ethanol, Biodiesel
(Dayton Business Journal) Ohio is preparing to dole out $8 million to boost manufacturers by subsidizing ethanol and biodiesel refining equipment purchases. ...Under the Advancing Biofuels Beyond the Basics program, companies can snag $500,000 to $1 million for buying equipment that
September 27, 2010 Read Full Article
Camelina: Potential Biofuels Crop in Western Nebraska
by IANR News Service (North Platte Bulletin) ...Camelina is a yellow-flowering oilseed crop that grows one to three feet tall. It has some advantages as an industrial oil crop, said University of Nebraska-Lincoln scientist Ed Cahoon. For example, it's not
September 23, 2010 Read Full Article
The Biorefinery Project of the Future: A 10-Part Series
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...We have spoken to farmers, local business owners, environmentalists, community development officials, engine developers, scientists, policy makers, producers, investors, lenders, blenders, wholesalers, retailers, and end users. We have visited development projects on four continents. We have
September 22, 2010 Read Full Article
Renewable Algal Energy Scores $3 Million from DOE
(Algae Industry Magazine) Renewable Algal Energy, LLC of Kingsport, Tennessee, has announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded them $3,000,000 to develop “Algal Biodiesel via Innovative Harvesting and Aquaculture Systems.” READ MORE and MORE (Department of Energy)
September 22, 2010 Read Full Article
State Assists Laurel Ethanol Startup
by Dave Dreeszen (Sioux City Journal) The state of Nebraska on Thursday awarded a half million dollars in infrastructure funds to assist a northeast Nebraska startup planning to turn an ethanol byproduct into plastics. Laurel BioComposite, a producer of what’s known as
September 21, 2010 Read Full Article
Blairstown Ethanol Plant Gets $2.9 Million State Grant
by George Ford (SourceMedia Group News/Eastern Iowa Business) The Iowa Power Fund Board awarded a $2.9 million grant to a cellulosic ethanol plant in Blairstown. Fiberight-Blairstown Operating LLC received the grant to demonstrate how municipal solid waste can be converted into cellulosic
September 17, 2010 Read Full Article
Easing Lignocellulosic Biofuel Production
(RenewableEnergyFocus.com) Following the discovery of the genes of two enzymes that toughen plants, researchers aim to breed non-food crops that require less processing, energy and chemicals to convert them into biofuel. ...Lead Researcher, Professor Paul Dupree, says: “There is a lot
September 16, 2010 Read Full Article
EPA Awards Grants for Students to Design Sustainable Technologies to Help Environment and Economy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded 55 grants to teams of college and university students across the country who will design creative solutions to sustainability challenges in the developed and developing world. The People, Prosperity, and the Planet (P3)
September 14, 2010 Read Full Article
SRSenergy and Partners Secure $6.2 Million DOE Contract
(Algae Industry Magazine) Solution Recovery Services, of Dexter Michigan, an employee owned industry leader in oil separation and purification systems has partnered with Touchstone Research Laboratory, a privately owned U.S. company with principal operations in Triadelphia, W.V. The project team together
September 14, 2010 Read Full Article
Fiberight Receives $2.9M Grant for Cellulosic Plant
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel) Fiberight-Blairstown Operating LLC has received a $2.9 million grant to help build a cellulosic ethanol plant in Blairstown, Iowa. The award was given by the Iowa Power Board Fund yesterday. Fiberight is developing technology to convert
September 13, 2010 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Applications from Producers to Conduct Renewable Energy Feasibility Studies
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced September 7, 2010, the availability of funding under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems for agriculture producers and rural small businesses. "Renewable energy production represents a promising
September 09, 2010 Read Full Article
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Repowering Assistance Support to Reduce Biorefinery Fossil Fuel Use
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced September 9, 2010, the selection of a biorefinery producer to receive payments under a program to encourage the use of renewable biomass as a replacement for fossil fuels that provide process heat
September 09, 2010 Read Full Article
DOE Announces Awards for up to $16.5 Million for Biomass Research and Development
(US Department of Energy) U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced September 8, 2010, the investment of up to $16.5 million for two major research and development (R&D) initiatives that will support the expansion of renewable transportation fuels production. The first initiative
September 09, 2010 Read Full Article
College Awarded $100,000 Grant to Train Bio-Fuels Technicians
(The River Views) Stepping forward to meet the demand, Anoka-Ramsey Community College has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Minnesota Governor’s Workforce Development Council to strengthen the local clean energy marketplace. The grant will train approximately 44 participants, selected from a target
September 06, 2010 Read Full Article
Sustainable Development Technology Canada Announces Latest Call for Clean Technology Funding Applications
(SDTC) Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) today announced its 18th round of funding for Canadian clean technology demonstration projects. Canadian entrepreneurs and technology developers with new technologies and a compelling business case are encouraged to submit Statements of Interests to
September 01, 2010 Read Full Article
Georgia’s First Wood-to-Ethanol Plant Opens
by Dave Williams (Atlanta Business Chronicle) The nation’s first commercial plant producing ethanol from wood wastes is open for business in the timber country of southeastern Georgia. More than a year and a half behind its original schedule, Colorado-based Range Fuels Inc.
August 31, 2010 Read Full Article
Arizona Set to Become Center for Algae-Based, Biofuel Industry
by William Hermann(The Arizona Republic) Clean, green energy source could replace fossil fuels. ...With its ideal climate and abundance of available land, Arizona is poised to become a major center of a multibillion-dollar, algae-based, biofuel industry. Scientists at Arizona State University's Polytechnic
August 31, 2010 Read Full Article
Indianapolis-Based Xylogenics Licenses Yeast Strain to Ethanol Producer
(Indianapolis Business Journal) Indianapolis-based bioengineering firm Xylogenics Inc. has licensed its proprietary yeast strain to a Milwaukee firm that is a supplier to the fuel-ethanol industry. It is the first such licensing agreement for Xylogenics. Lallemand Ethanol Technology will use Xylogenics’
August 30, 2010 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Industries Selected for Proposed Grant by the California Energy Commission
(PRNewsWire) Biodiesel Industries announced today the company's selection by the California Energy Commission for a project grant to support the state's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. This Biofuel Production Plants grant provides funding and financial assistance for the
August 25, 2010 Read Full Article
Atlanta Firm Launches Cellulosic Ethanol Project in Michigan
by James Cartledge (BrighterEnergy.org) Atlanta company American Process Incorporated has started work on a waste-to-ethanol biorefinery at Alpena, Michigan. The company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the site last week, attended by Michigan Governor Jennifer M Granholm. The project is supported by
August 24, 2010 Read Full Article
The Green Behind Green Crude
By Jennifer McEntee (The Voice of San Diego) Investors are a tough crowd to cultivate. Yet in the pond that is the biotechnology market, one product seems to be rising to the top like the green sludge it is: algae. Its
August 23, 2010 Read Full Article
Company to Demonstrate Ethanol Extraction in Woodbine
by Ben Leach (Press of Atlantic City) A multimillion-dollar ethanol plant is planned for a former landfill site, but members of the community can get a sneak peak of the technology in action next week. Garden State Ethanol will demonstrate extracting the
August 20, 2010 Read Full Article
Algae Fuel Effort Grows: Tulsa University Students Researching Alternatives
by Rod Walton (Tulsa World) ..."I got into it because of the potential with algae," said Geoffrey Price, professor, department chairman and part of the research team. "It's because they take in sunlight more efficiently than other plants." Price and his
August 19, 2010 Read Full Article
Biorefinery a Step Closer
by Bob Boughner (Chatham Daily News) A proposed $38-million Chatham facility designed to prove corn cobs can be used to produce ethanol fuel received $4 million Wednesday from the province. The (Ontario) government is supporting the development of innovative, bio-fuel technology by Greenfield
August 12, 2010 Read Full Article
Auburn Forest-Products Firm Receives $1 Million Biofuel Grant
by C.R. Roberts (The News Tribune) Auburn-based Forest Concepts LLC has won a $1 million Department of Energy Small Business Innovation Research grant for the second phase of a biomass-production system. The system makes uniform particles from wood waste, and the particles
August 12, 2010 Read Full Article
Professors Receive Funding for Cellulosic Biofuels Research
by Linsey Davis(North Dakota State University) Two NDSU professors received $309,357 from the National Science Foundation for research to improve conversion and reduce costs of making ethanol from cellulosic biomass. Andriy Voronov, assistant professor in the Department of Coatings and Polymeric
August 10, 2010 Read Full Article
Biofuels Generates $3.45 Billion in Funding for 2009-10: “Who’s Getting Some”, Special Biofuels Digest Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biofuels Digest reports that tracked biofuels companies and institutional projects received $3.45 billion in grants and investments in the past 12 months through August 2010. The Digest released its 120-page review: “Who’s Getting Some in Bioenergy?”, profiling
August 10, 2010 Read Full Article
NSF Grant to NC State U. for Algae Biofuel from Dunaliella
(Algae Industry Magazine) Dr. William L. Roberts, a professor in the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering at North Carolina State University, and his colleagues, four biologists and three engineers, are working on ways to produce and extract lipids from
August 09, 2010 Read Full Article
Hydrocarbon Fuels: Opportunities for Biofuels in the European Union
by Philippe Schild (Programme Officer, Directorate General Research, European Commission) In his presentation, Schild summarizes the mandated standards for biofuels in the EU, and ongoing programs to help meet these initiatives. Renewable fuel production research forms a substantial portion of
August 04, 2010 Read Full Article
Texas Awards Terrabon $2.75M to Support Biofuels Work
(EcoFriendlyMag.com) Texas Governor Rick Perry has awarded $2.75 million from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) to Terrabon for its work in biofuel technology development. Governor Perry made the announcement in Laredo, where he and city officials announce the benefits of a
August 02, 2010 Read Full Article
The AIM Interview: LANL’s José Olivares
by David Schwartz (Algae Industry Magazine) National security is at the root of the nearly seventy-year old Los Alamos National Laboratory, one of the world’s leading scientific research institutions. While originally organized for a single purpose: to design and build the
July 30, 2010 Read Full Article
Donaldson Foundation Establishes Endowment for University of Minnesota Engineers
(BusinessWire) $25,000 for Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering The Donaldson Foundation, a long time supporter of the University of Minnesota, announced today the establishment of an endowed scholarship for the Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (BBE) Department. The $25,000 endowment will
July 20, 2010 Read Full Article
Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection Makes $6 Million Available for Alternative Fuel Transportation Projects
(PR-USA.net) Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger announced today that the department is now accepting applications through the state's $6 million Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant program, or AFIG, for homegrown fuel projects throughout Pennsylvania. "The AFIG program helps improve our environment and economy
July 20, 2010 Read Full Article
Profile in Commercialization: OPX Biotechnologies
by Jim Lane (Biotech Digest) This past April, ARPA-E announced a new grant round, and the largest single award in the round, $6 million, went to a group led by OPX Biotechnologies, in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and
July 19, 2010 Read Full Article
Codexis and CO2 Solution Unveil Carbon Capture Program
(CO2 Solution) Codexis, Inc., and CO2 Solution Inc., on July 13, 2010, will make the first joint public presentation on their program to develop carbon capture technology to reduce pollution from coal-fired power plants. The presentation is being made at the 4th Annual
July 13, 2010 Read Full Article
Accelergy Receives Grant from Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority
(Accelergy) Carbon Cycle Technology Alliance to scale carbon capture and recycling operations Accelergy Corporation, a global leader in the production of high-grade, domestically sourced liquid fuels, has been awarded an alternative and clean energy program grant from the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority
July 12, 2010 Read Full Article
Government of Canada Announces Investment to Promote Clean Technology Projects and Help Support Jobs Creation
(SDTC) Eighteen clean technology projects from across Canada that will help green Canada’s economy today received $40 million in funding to help move innovative technology solutions to the market. The announcement, confirming the decision of the Board of Directors of Sustainable
July 07, 2010 Read Full Article
Growing Biomass Innovation: Progress Towards Transformative Energy Technology Innovation
by Dr. Eric Toone (Program Director, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, U.S. Department of Energy) Dr. Toone described the role and mission of ARPA-E, the process related to ARPA-E's first Financial Opportunity Announcement (FOA1), project selection and awards at the Biomass 2010 Conference March
July 06, 2010 Read Full Article
New Government Program Develops Future Fuels
by Sharon Epperson (CNBC) New financing from the federal government may help biotech companies develop fuels of the future, helping reduce America's dependence on oil. One such company is Agrivida, a small, agricultural biotech outside Boston. Until recently, most of its funding
July 01, 2010 Read Full Article
Federal Stimulus Dollars to Convert Vehicles to Alternative Fuels
by Amber Stearns (WIBC) A federal stimulus grant through the U.S. Department of Energy will allow eight Indiana public and private agencies to convert over 900 work vehicles to use alternative fuels. The Greater Indiana Clean Cities Coalition and the Indiana
July 01, 2010 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Announces $24 Million for Algal Biofuels Research
(US Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced June 28, 2010, the investment of up to $24 million for three research groups to tackle key hurdles in the commercialization of algae-based biofuels. The selections will support the development of a
June 29, 2010 Read Full Article
University of Toledo to Add $1M Facility for Algae Biofuel work
(Toledo Blade) By early next year, the University of Toledo's Scott Park Campus for Energy and Innovation will be home to a nearly $1 million facility to research and develop algae biofuels in hopes of accelerating the alternative fuel's commercialization. Ohio University,
June 29, 2010 Read Full Article
ICM to Begin Construction on Pilot Cellulosic Ethanol Plant
(ICM) ICM, Inc. Signs Contract with the U.S. Department of Energy for $31 Million Cooperative Agreement. Construction to Commence August 2010 on Pilot Plant in St. Joseph, MO for Production of Fuel Ethanol from High-Impact Cellulosic Feedstocks. ICM, Inc. is pleased
June 24, 2010 Read Full Article
The Song That Never Ends: the Financing of Cellulosic Ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The Infinite Loop in financing cellulosic ethanol is the setting of conditions for loan guarantees by the Department of Energy which cannot be fulfilled; the insistence of project financiers that, without loan guarantees, project financing
June 24, 2010 Read Full Article
ICM to Begin Construction on Pilot Cellulosic Ethanol Plant
(ICM) , Inc. is pleased to announce that it has signed a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to receive $25 million to fund the construction and operation of its cellulosic ethanol pilot and demonstration facility in St.
June 15, 2010 Read Full Article
Grant Support for Teesside Bioethanol Plant
(Evening Gazette) An advanced bioethanol from waste plant, set to be developed on Teesside, has received a multi-million pound boost. INEOS Bio has been awarded a £7.3m grant from regional development agency One North East and the Department for Energy and
June 14, 2010 Read Full Article
South Dakota Reviewing Blender Pump Grant Applications
by Hank Behar (Convenience Store News) ...Now the South Dakota legislature, recognizing the benefits of ethanol blending by retailers, has taken a giant step to encourage the practice by offering gas stations one-time grants of up to $10,000 per blender
June 08, 2010 Read Full Article
DOE Announces Funding Opportunity for Sustainable Bioenergy Feedstock Production
(US Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) June 2, 2010, announced $5 million in funding for research focused on sustainable production of large quantities of non-food biomass for bioenergy. The intent of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to quantify
June 04, 2010 Read Full Article
Advanced Australian Biofuels
by Nicole Beasdale (National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, Biofuels Digest) ...Referred to as the NCRIS Biofuels Project, the $15 million investment has provided the platform required for Australia to become an active contributor in the global push to develop renewable
June 03, 2010 Read Full Article
AusBiotech to Manage Major National Biofuels Project for Feds
(AusBiotech) AusBiotech has been appointed to manage a new Federal Government project to boost research into second generation biofuels, with a $3 million investment as part of the Super Science Education Investment Fund (EIF). The “Sustainable Energy – Second Generation Biofuels Research
June 03, 2010 Read Full Article
DOE Announces up to $11 Million for Biofuels Technology Development (Pyrolysis)
(US Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced up to $11 million in funding over three years for research and development in the area of thermochemical conversion of biomass into advanced biofuels that are compatible with existing
June 02, 2010 Read Full Article
Energy Biosciences Institute Issues 2010 Call for Research Proposals
(Energy Biosciences Institute) The Energy Biosciences Institute, a unique public-private research partnership dedicated to exploring the applications of modern biology to the energy sector, is inviting pre-proposals for possible project funding in five different areas of investigation. The deadline for pre-proposal
June 02, 2010 Read Full Article
The Name is Bond, part II: Financiers Find Biofuels Financing Options in Bond Market
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Although equity investors (primarily strategics and venture capitalists) and the government grant market has continued to participate strongly in biofuels investing, the debt market that typically represents up to 80 percent of commercial scale financing
May 17, 2010 Read Full Article
The Presidential Biofuels Directive: One Year Later, Where Are We?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The invite-only meeting, which attracted more than 100 attendees, was structured around two panels, one focused primarily on policy and led by USDA Chief Economist Joe Glauber and featuring biofuels consortium head Jose Olivares (Los
May 14, 2010 Read Full Article
Vilsack: USDA Needs to Take Chances
by Jerry Hagstrom (Ag Week) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said at a White House clean energy forum May 6 that USDA may have to take bigger chances with its business loan guarantees if it is going to finance energy plants
May 14, 2010 Read Full Article
EPA Awards Small Businesses to Develop New Environmental Technologies
(US Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded nearly $2.5 million to 11 companies to support their work in eight key environmental areas: monitoring and control of air emissions, biofuels, green buildings, drinking water monitoring, hazardous
May 13, 2010 Read Full Article
OPXBIO Wins $6 Million Department of Energy Grant
(Marketwire) Award Accelerates Development of Advanced Biofuels OPX Biotechnologies Inc., a renewable biochemical and biofuel company, has been awarded a $6 million grant for the development of advancement biofuels by the U.S. Department of Energy through its Advanced Research Project Agency -
May 12, 2010 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industry Eyes Growth
by Thom Gabrukiewicz (ArgusLeader.com) ...Tom Vilsack, the president's agriculture secretary, said Thursday that much progress has been made - but more must be done. "We're conducting the first national on-energy production survey to find out among 20,000 farms and ranches precisely
May 12, 2010 Read Full Article
DOE, USDA Announce Funding for Biomass Research and Development Initiative
(US Department of Energy) The U.S. Departments of Energy (DOE) and Agriculture (USDA) today jointly announced up to $33 million in funding for research and development of technologies and processes to produce biofuels, bioenergy and high-value biobased products, subject to annual
May 11, 2010 Read Full Article
Funding for Next Wave of Biofuels Trickling In, Finally
by Katie Fehrenbacher (earth2tech) It was about this time last year that the economic downturn’s effects on the ability of next-generation biofuel companies to raise funds became really apparent. Companies that could have more easily snagged funds in better economic times
May 07, 2010 Read Full Article
Vice President Biden Announces Recovery Act Funding for 37 Transformational Energy Research Projects
(US Department of Energy) At a Recovery Act Cabinet Meeting today, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced that the U.S. Department of Energy is awarding $106 million in funding for 37 ambitious research projects that
May 03, 2010 Read Full Article
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Invites Public Comment on Proposed Rules for USDA Renewable Energy Programs
(USDA) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack April 16, 2010, invited public comment on several proposed rules designed to increase the production of advanced biofuels and the development of biorefineries. The programs are authorized under the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (The
April 20, 2010 Read Full Article
Pickens Encourages Investment in American Energy
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel) “When do we stop investing in OPEC and start investing in America?” That’s the question that oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens asked at a House Ways and Means committee hearing Wednesday (April 14, 2010) on “Energy Tax
April 15, 2010 Read Full Article
Woodland Biofuels Awarded $4 Million by Ontario For Revolutionary Cellulosic Ethanol Demonstration Plant
Ontario is investing $4 million through the Innovation Demonstration Fund (IDF) to help Woodland Biofuels Inc. and its partners build a groundbreaking demonstration plant that will efficiently produce cellulosic ethanol from renewable wastes. The plant will use Woodland’s patented technology, which
April 09, 2010 Read Full Article
Governor Rendell: Investing in Alternative Fuel Transportation Projects Will Drive Pennsylvania toward Energy Independence
Seeking to enhance Pennsylvania's energy security, promote alternative forms of energy and create a cleaner environment, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced an $8 million investment in 20 projects that will advance the alternative fuels industry in the state. “The Alternative Fuel
April 07, 2010 Read Full Article
Department of Energy to Invest Nearly $18 Million for Advanced Biofuels User Facility
U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Cathy Zoi today announced that the Department’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will build an advanced biofuels process development facility aimed at speeding the commercialization of advanced biofuels by
April 06, 2010 Read Full Article
EPA Awards Small Business Grants for Biofuels and Vehicle Emissions Reduction
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $2.38 million to 34 small businesses to develop innovative, sustainable technologies to protect human health and the environment. These efforts will help improve air quality, protect our water, work to decrease the
April 05, 2010 Read Full Article
Cup Plant Promising for Ethanol Use
by Thom Gabrukiewicz (Argus Leader) A native perennial might hold the promise of being not only a new source crop for cellulosic ethanol, but also a way to help capture and store carbon. South Dakota State University plant breeders are helping investigate
March 29, 2010 Read Full Article
UK Looks to Produce 70bn Litres of Biofuel a Year from Pondlife
(clickgreen) The Carbon Trust has announced plans to take on the world in the global race to develop a sustainable, cost-effective biofuel from algae. The "dream team" of eleven leading UK institutions was unveiled who will work together with the Carbon
March 19, 2010 Read Full Article
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Availability of Funding to Promote Rural Biofuel and Bioenergy Production
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funding is available again through three USDA programs to promote increased production of biofuel and bioenergy. The programs are authorized under the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008
March 18, 2010 Read Full Article
Federal Loan Programs Ill-Suited for Cellulosic Ethanol
by Cole Gustafson (Prairie Business Magazine) ... In addition to problems on Wall Street following the collapse of the financial markets, cellulosic biofuel producers have lacked standard benchmarks of performance like those used in grain corn ethanol plants (1 bushel
March 16, 2010 Read Full Article
Over There: The Yanks are Coming (同胞, Can You Spare a Dime?)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BIO exec VP Brent Erickson ruefully noted in a conference with reporters that the biofuels industry was “very disappointed in the loan guarantee program. Biomass was mixed in with wind and solar, which have much
March 16, 2010 Read Full Article
Kentucky Awards a Combined $530,000 to Develop Alternative Fuels and Renewable Energy Technologies
(MFRTech) Two Kentucky companies have been awarded a combined $530,000 in funding from the Kentucky New Energy Ventures Fund. The state program provides public funds to promising, early-stage Kentucky companies developing and commercializing alternative fuels and renewable energy technologies. ...Southeast Biofuels,
March 15, 2010 Read Full Article
Improved Biomass Deconstruction Technologies Will Speed the Use of Non-Food Feedstocks as a Source of Cost-Effective, Infrastructure-Compatible Renewable Biofuels
Virent Energy Systems, Inc. announced today that it has been awarded $2.4 million from the U.S. Department of Energy as part of a $33.8 million grant to the National Advanced Biofuels Consortium (NABC). The NABC aims to develop technologies to
March 11, 2010 Read Full Article
Spring Algae Bloom: an Inside Look at the DOE’s New Algal Fuels Consortium, the NAABB.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) was a cold Wednesday afternoon in January when the news came through that a consortium called the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts had received a $44 million grant from the Department of Energy.
March 04, 2010 Read Full Article
Senate Offers Some Hope for Legislation to Combat Climate Change
Editorial (The Washington Post) ... Is there no alternative between simple do-nothingism and House complexity? In fact, there is. An alternative proposal increasingly capturing interest on Capitol Hill is the CLEAR Act, sponsored by Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Susan
February 15, 2010 Read Full Article
Grant Buys 120 Hybrid, 'Flex Fuel' Squad Cars
by Michael Gonzalez (Post-Tribune) More of Gary's men and women in blue could be driving green by spring. The Board of Works on Wednesday voted to advertise for vendors to provide up to 120 "flex fuel" and hybrid vehicles for the
February 15, 2010 Read Full Article
"This Approach, We Fear, Drives a Systematic Bias toward Lending for Power Generation Projects.”
(Biofuels Digest) A letter to Energy Secretary Chu from 11 cellulosic ethanol CEOs and directors: “The Department is obligated by statute to determine that LGP-funded projects offer a “reasonable prospect of repayment” (EPAct Section 1702(d)(1)). We understand that, at present,
February 09, 2010 Read Full Article
Rules Change for Algenol, but Lee County's Gamble Could Work
by David Plazas (News-Press) The Lee County Commissioners on Tuesday changed the rules on doling out economic development incentive money, and maybe that’s a good thing. We’ll have to see because Algenol Biofuels— which is now getting $10 million of
February 02, 2010 Read Full Article
Is This the Life Sciences Century? A Washington, DC, Conversation
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) “Maybe the “Valley of Death” is working as it should for the biofuels industry. First generation biofuels seem to be finding their place in the market. Maybe there are good reasons that other technologies
January 27, 2010 Read Full Article
Testimony of Energy Secretary Steven Chu before the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
(January 21, 2010) ...It is imperative that government provide R&D funding, especially at the front end when private investments would not recoup the full value of the shared social good or when a new technology would displace an embedded way
January 22, 2010 Read Full Article
Secretary Chu Announces Nearly $80 Million Investment for Advanced Biofuels Research and Fueling Infrastructure
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the investment of nearly $80 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for advanced biofuels research and fueling infrastructure that will help support the development of a clean sustainable transportation
January 13, 2010 Read Full Article
Self-destructing Bacteria Improve Renewable Biofuel Production
by Joe Caspermeyer (Renewable Energy World) An Arizona State University research team has developed a process that removes a key obstacle to producing lower cost, renewable biofuels. The team has programmed a photosynthetic microbe to self-destruct, making the recovery of
January 11, 2010 Read Full Article
US Jet Fuel Biorefinery Projects Receive $100m
by Megan Kuhn (Flightglobal) Four companies with biorefinery projects targeting alternative jet fuel production will receive grant money totalling up to $100 million from the US Energy Department. Honeywell subsidiary UOP, algae-based fuel developer Sapphire Energy, chemical producer Elevance Renewable Sciences
January 11, 2010 Read Full Article
NC Solicits Grant Proposals for Bioenergy Projects
by Kris Bevill (Biomass Magazine) The North Carolina Board of Science & Technology is currently accepting proposals for the state’s 2009-’10 Green Business Fund grant program. The fund, developed to promote environmentally friendly economic growth in North Carolina, will award
January 06, 2010 Read Full Article
Cellulosic-Ethanol Mandate Faces Snags
by Naureen S. Malik (Wall Street Journal) Cellulosic-ethanol production, a cornerstone of the U.S. government's plan to curb greenhouse-gas emissions, is earmarked to overtake corn ethanol over the next decade. But the industry's expected takeoff could be delayed by a year. Several potholes
December 29, 2009 Read Full Article
Department of Energy to Invest $366M in Energy Innovation Hubs
Funding Opportunity Announcement for Fuels from Sunlight Hub is Issued. U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu outlined the Department’s plans to invest up to $366 million to establish and operate three new Energy Innovation Hubs focused on accelerating research
December 29, 2009 Read Full Article
Dynaflow Announces DOE Small Business Innovation Grant for Cavitation-Based Algae Harvest, Oil Extract System
Dynaflow, Inc.®, a leader in R&D services and products in fluid dynamics and applied sciences, today announced that it has been awarded a Department of Energy (DOE) Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to develop and demonstrate a
December 28, 2009 Read Full Article
The Hottest 50 Companies in Bioenergy and the DOE Integrated Bioenergy Grants, in Maps
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest has prepared several maps which help to visualize the distribution in the US of advanced biofuels development. Maps include: 1. Locations of the companies in the 50 Hottest Companies in Bioenergy. Free download. 2. Locations
December 28, 2009 Read Full Article
Inside DOE: A Look at How the $564 Million Integrated Bioenergy Grant Process Operated
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “What you win is the right to negotiate,” chuckles Jim Imbler, CEO of ZeaChem, reflecting on the company’s recent success in winning one of the DOE’s recently announced 19 awards for integrated bioenergy pilot and demonstration
December 14, 2009 Read Full Article
Grant to Fund Construction of Biomass Gasifier for Production of Renewable Synthetic Fuels at Rentech’s Demonstration Plant in Colorado
Rentech, Inc., and ClearFuels Technology Inc. (ClearFuels) jointly announced that they have been selected to receive up to $23 million as a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) to construct a biomass gasifier at Rentech’s Energy Technology Center
December 08, 2009 Read Full Article
PetroSun Announces the Selection of the Gas Technology Institute's Integrated Biorefinery Proposal by the DOE
PetroSun, Inc., announced that the Department of Energy has advised Gas Technology Institute of Des Plaines, Illinois that its Integrated Biorefinery application has been selected for negotiations leading to an award. The GTI team members include PetroSun, Cargill, Blue Marble
December 08, 2009 Read Full Article
ADM Receives $24.8 Million U.S. Department of Energy Grant to Develop and Commercialize Advanced Biofuels
The U.S. Department of Energy today awarded Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) a $24.8 million grant to develop and construct a facility that will convert biomass into renewable fuel. One of 19 biofuel projects to receive Department of Energy
December 08, 2009 Read Full Article
Secretary Chu Announces $100 Million for Advanced Research Projects: EXCLUDES Funds for Biomass to Transportation Fuels
U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced that a second round of funding opportunities for transformational energy research projects will be made available through the Department’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). At an event today with Commerce Secretary Gary Locke,
December 08, 2009 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Increases Funding to $81 M for Phase II of BlueFire Ethanol's Planned Fulton, MS Biorefinery
BlueFire Ethanol Fuels, Inc., a company focused on changing the world's transportation fuel paradigm through the production of ethanol from non-food cellulosic wastes, announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) increased funding to $81.1 million dollars for Phase II construction
December 07, 2009 Read Full Article
Secretaries Chu and Vilsack Announce More Than $600 Million Investment in Advanced Biorefinery Projects
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 19 integrated biorefinery projects to receive up to $564 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to accelerate the construction and operation
December 07, 2009 Read Full Article
DuPont's 'Unique' Seaweed Venture Nets DOE Cash
by Dina Fine Maron (New York Times Greenwire) Seaweed holds promise as more than an ingredient in a purifying face mask or a maki roll. So say researchers at E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., which alongside Seattle-based Bio
November 30, 2009 Read Full Article
Alganomics in Southport Receives 'Green' Grant from North Carolina
by Jim Brumm (Star News) The governor’s office said that Alganomics is one of 18 small companies that will receive grants to develop and market promising green and alternative energy technologies and products. Alganomics will receive $59,500 to support its
November 23, 2009 Read Full Article
Recovery Act Announcement: DOE Awards up to $5.5 Million for X PRIZE to Promote Clean, Energy Efficient Vehicles
Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that the Department of Energy is providing up to $5.5 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support the X PRIZE Foundation's work to inspire a new generation of energy efficient
November 04, 2009 Read Full Article
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Cleantech Group Announce Launch of Government Funding Resource
The publicly available tool--driven by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati content--aggregates and frequently updates the numerous financing opportunities, such as grants, loan guarantees, tax credits, and other programs, being offered by federal and state governments. Users are able to search
October 29, 2009 Read Full Article
ARPE-E Awards $151 Million in Advanced Energy R&D – Pyrolysis, Algae, Butanol, CO2 Capture among Hot Technologies Funded
In California, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced that ARPA-E — the Department’s recently-formed Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy — has awarded $151 million in funding for 37 research projects. Biofuels Digest lists and describes the projects that relate to advanced
October 28, 2009 Read Full Article
Opening Second Tender Global Sustainable Biomass Fund
The Global Sustainable Biomass Fund supports developing countries in making their biomass production for energy uses sustainable. It thus enables them to access the local or international market of sustainable biomass for energy uses. The overall goal of the subsidy
October 24, 2009 Read Full Article
NC State Receives $2 Million for Algae Research
Imagine filling up your car with fuel that comes from inexpensive algae that grow quickly, don’t use up freshwater supplies and can be cultivated in areas where they won’t compete with traditional food crops, such as corn or soybeans. Researchers
October 22, 2009 Read Full Article
Biofuels Producers Warn They Are Going to Fall Far Short of Federal Mandates
by Jessica Leber (New York Times Climatewire) The emerging cellulosic biofuel industry, stung by frozen credit markets, ineffective federal loan programs and lagging federal policies, will fall far short of mandated production volumes over the next few years. U.S. EPA is
October 10, 2009 Read Full Article
Kansas Wheat Commission Seeking Proposals
(Kansas Farmer) Researchers are invited to submit proposals to help wheat growers. Possible areas of inquiry include wheat and wheat bi-products for use in biofuel applications, including on-farm fuel production. The Kansas Wheat Commission is looking for research proposals that can
October 07, 2009 Read Full Article
Algae initiative Aims to Produce Fuel while Helping the Environment
The College of William and Mary and its Virginia Institute of Marine Science have formed a collaborative research initiative to investigate a promising new technology to produce biofuel from the algae growing naturally in rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. The
October 05, 2009 Read Full Article
Gore-Backed Car Firm Gets Large U.S. Loan
by Josh Mitchell and Stephen Power (Wall Street Journal) A tiny car company backed by former Vice President Al Gore has just gotten a $529 million U.S. government loan to help build a hybrid sports car in Finland that will sell
September 30, 2009 Read Full Article
US DOE Funds Research on Novel Energy Initiatives
Washington University and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have received two awards totaling $35 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to do research on novel energy initiatives. At $20 million, the Washington University research award is the
September 03, 2009 Read Full Article
Funding Available for Clean Technology Projects: SDTC Calls for Statements of Interest for its Sixteenth Round of Funding
Clean technology developers from across Canada are invited to submit Statements of Interest to the $550-million SD Tech Fund(TM), as Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) opens its sixteenth funding round. ... SDTC is a not-for-profit corporation created by the Government
September 03, 2009 Read Full Article
Grant: Value-Added Producer Grants for Alternative Uses of Agricultural Products
Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) help independent producers of agricultural commodities, agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures develop strategies to create marketing opportunities and to help develop business plans for viable marketing opportunities. This may include
September 03, 2009 Read Full Article
DOE Selects Biofuels Projects to Receive up to $21 Million in Funding
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that up to $21 million will be made available for the selection of five projects that will develop supply systems to handle and deliver high tonnage biomass feedstocks for cellulosic biofuels
September 01, 2009 Read Full Article
The Rise of Biofuels from Algae
(ClearSkies.com) Clean Skies News Dipka Bhambhani reports on the rise of biofuels from algae as part of the nation's energy portfolio. WATCH VIDEO
August 30, 2009 Read Full Article
Secretary Chu Announces Nearly $300 Million in Clean Cities Grants to Support Clean Fuels, Vehicles, and Infrastructure Development
Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the selection of 25 cost-share projects under the Clean Cities program that will be funded with nearly $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects will speed the transformation of the
August 28, 2009 Read Full Article
Applications Being Accepted for Recovery Act 1603 Cash Grants in Lieu of Tax Credits
U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Energy announced at the end of July that they would be accepting applications for a program that will make direct payments in lieu of tax credits to companies that create
August 26, 2009 Read Full Article
AdvBiofUSA Disappointed in DOE Failure to Include Advanced Biofuels in SBIR/STTR Grant Program
by Joanne Ivancic Although U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu claimed to "(emphasize) the Department’s commitment to developing near-term, clean energy technologies while allowing small businesses (to) take part in the new industrial revolution that the sustainable energy economy will bring,"
August 25, 2009 Read Full Article
DOE Announces $37 Million for Small Business Research and Technology
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that $37 million in funding from the Recovery Act will be made available to qualified small businesses through the Department’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. This funding
August 25, 2009 Read Full Article
Trillium FiberFuels Awarded $750,000 Grant to Develop Cellulosic Ethanol Technology
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has just announced the 2009 awardees of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. This award is a Phase II continuation that follows Trillium’s successful completion of Phase I during 2008 and early
August 17, 2009 Read Full Article
DOE Awards $377 Million in Funding for 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers
In a major effort to accelerate the scientific breakthroughs needed to build a new 21st-century energy economy, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the delivery of $377 million in funding for 46 new multi-million-dollar Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) located
August 12, 2009 Read Full Article
Solazyme Awarded California Energy Commission Grant to Develop Clean Fuel from Local Cellulosic Feedstocks
Solazyme, Inc., a renewable oil production company and algal biotechnology company, was awarded a $789,697 Biosynthetic Transportation Fuel Production grant from the California Energy Commission's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program. ... The PIER Program Opportunity Notice (PON) announced that
August 11, 2009 Read Full Article
DOE, USDA Grant $6.3M for Biofuel Studies
(GenomeWeb Daily News) Seven research teams at institutions around the country will use $6.3 million from the US Government to run genomics studies of plant feedstocks for biofuel production using switchgrass, sorghum, alfalfa, and others. The Department of Energy and
July 28, 2009 Read Full Article
US Dept of Energy Sets $85 Million for Development of Algal Based and Advanced Cellulosic Biofuels
DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), through the Office of the Biomass Program (OBP), announces the availability of funding for establishing Consortia for two primary topic areas - Development of Algal Based Biofuels, and Development of Advanced
July 21, 2009 Read Full Article
US Dept of Energy Office of Biomass Programs Peer Review Presentations Available
All Programs in the U.S Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, are required to conduct a Peer Review of their funded projects on an annual or biannual schedule. The Office of Biomass Program (OBP) conducts these reviews by
July 17, 2009 Read Full Article
Ohio Awards $5 Million Grant for 3rd Generation Biofuels Technology
Velocys, Inc. (“Velocys”), has been awarded a $5 million commercialisation grant, applicable over a period of two and a half years. The grant will assist in commercialising the Oxford Catalysts Group’s microchannel technology for hydro-processing − an important step in
June 01, 2009 Read Full Article
US DOE Funds Lignocellulose Research
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The newly funded Center for Lignocellulose Structure and Formation at Pennsylvania State University will be home to investigations into plant cells to produce better biomass-based fuels. The U.S. DOE will fund the center with
May 30, 2009 Read Full Article
$2.77 Million Boost from NC Biofuels Center
The Biofuels Center of North Carolina, which is tasked by the General Assembly with developing a biofuels sector in North Carolina, sets aside more than half its annual budget for grants to accelerate the technologies and feedstocks needed for a
March 11, 2009 Read Full Article
University of California Berkeley, the University of Illinois and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Join Research Effort
(British Petroleum) BP today announced it has selected the University of California Berkeley and its partners the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to join in a $500 million research program that will explore how bioscience