by Jim Venhoff (Genscape) The Jefferson Energy Terminal has hit the ground running since completing four large storage tanks in late 2017, capable of handling a total 550,000 barrels (bbls) of ethanol. The tanker “Bow Kiso” (IMO: 9379894) received the first ethanol
Investing
Back TO HOMEGrassley: RFS Has Minimal Impact on Success of Refineries
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has released a memo produced by his energy policy staff that finds that Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements and the cost of renewable identification numbers (RINs) have little to do with
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
10 Years After: Advanced Biofuels’ Status, Opportunities and Challenges
by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) In 2007 the US government established a national strategy for the development of advanced biofuels made using non-edible biomass. After 10 years we are still short of achieving the targets of this plan
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
UPM Looking into New, 500,000 Tonne Biodiesel Facility
(Biofuels International) Finnish forest industry company and biofuel producer UPM has started an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for a possible biorefinery in Mussalo, Kotka, in the southeast of Finland. The proposed site is in the area of a dismantled power plant
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Norway Sets Ambition for All-Electric Short-Haul Flights by 2040 as Aerospace Majors Announce Hybrid-Electric Venture
(GreenAir Online) By 2040, all short-haul flights within Norway and neighbouring countries lasting up to one-and-a-half hours should be operated by electric aircraft, forecasts Norwegian airport operator Avinor. In the transition to all-electric aircraft operations, the country, which aims to be
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Bankrupt Refiner Made Missteps
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Washington Times) The oil industry’s campaign to undermine the growth of domestically produced renewable fuels such as ethanol has certainly been ramped up lately. Today they’re callously capitalizing on the financial woes of one of the
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Innovators Dilemma Revisited in Renewable Chemicals and Materials
by Daniel Lane and Joel Stone (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) ... These disruptive technology innovations have happened many times throughout history and are discussed in the popular book The Innovator’s Dilemma, by Clayton Christensen. He coined the phrase in describing a process
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Biomass Data-Management System Launches in Alberta
(Silvacom/Canadian Biomass Magazine) Silvacom Ltd. and Alberta Innovates are pleased to announce that the Bio-Resource Information Management System (BRIMS) is now available for public use. BRIMS is a world-class, publicly available data and information management system that collates inventories from forestry, agriculture, and municipal
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels: Now? Later? Never?
by Terry J. Mazanec (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... Most modern refineries comprise more than 20 individual unit operations, each of which is a complex process on its own. And different refineries are optimized for different blends of crude oil, different
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
What’s the Real Story behind Philadelphia Energy Solutions’ Bankruptcy, Crude Oil, and the Renewable Fuel Standard?
by Joelle Simonpietri (Biofuels Digest) On Jan 21st 2018, Carlyle-backed Philadelphia Energy Solutions(PES), the largest refinery complex on the U.S. east coast at 335,000 barrels per day, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, blaming Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance costs. In the week since the filing, the Washington Examiner reports
February 02, 2018 Read Full Article
A Quiet Year for Biofuels M&A: 2017 Review and Outlook
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park Advisors/Biofuels Digest) More industry players chose to develop and build new capacity rather than buy plants -- The North American biofuels industry experienced the fewest merger and acquisition transactions in recent history in 2017. There were only
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Palm Oil to Be Phased out as Biodiesel Feedstock?
by Cheryl Kalisch Gordon (Rabobank/The Land) Only a month after the European Union confirmed Australian canola would satisfy the new 2018 greenhouse gas requirements for use in EU biodiesel, a proposal to alter the EU’s overarching renewable energy policy has
January 31, 2018 Read Full Article
State of the Advanced Bioeconomy 2018 – An 8-Part Series
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week in the Digest, we begin a Special 8-part Series: The State of the Advanced Bioeconomy: Challenges and Priorities for 2018. As we head into the final month before ABLC 2018, these in-depth examinations from a group
January 31, 2018 Read Full Article
OPG Turns Focus to Laos for Oil Palm Plantation
(Bangkok Post) OPG Tech Co, a local palm oil trader, is gearing up for oil palm plantation and biodiesel production in Laos after seeing limited business opportunities in Thailand. OPG plans to develop the plantation on a 16,000-hectare plot, about 100,000
January 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Qantas, Agrisoma, Honeywell, AltAir, WFS Partner in Historic First Pacific Jet Biofuels Flight
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The world’s first dedicated biofuel flight between the United States and Australia, QF96 from Los Angeles to Melbourne, has departed from LAX and arrives roughly at Digest press time. The trans-Pacific 15 hour flight will operate
January 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Petrobras to Join Oil and Gas Climate Initiative after Selling off Biofuel Assets
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) is joining the Switzerland-based Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, whose member companies represent more than a quarter of the world’s oil and gas production. OGCI aims to speed and scale up
January 29, 2018 Read Full Article
Québec’s First Biomethanation Project Allows to Refuel Local Fleet
(Énergir/NGV Journal) The City of Saint-Hyacinthe confirmed that its biomethanation plant has entered full service, along with the injection of the renewable natural gas (RNG) produced there into Énergir’s (Gaz Metro) network. This step marks the culmination of an investment project
January 29, 2018 Read Full Article
Biobased Buzz: Renewable Propylene Glycol – Early Success in Renewable Chemical Market
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... According to the Department of Energy, substitution of renewable propylene glycol made from biomass can reduce greenhouse gases by 61 percent, as compared to using petroleum-based propylene glycol. The process for converting biomass
January 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Corn Overtakes Sugar Cane as Ethanol Feedstock in Brazil
by Mike Verdin (Agrimoney) Brazil’s low season for cane crushing is proving particularly downbeat, with processing volumes reaching their lowest in a decade – leaving corn, unusually, as the country’s top ethanol feedstock. ... A sharp fall-off is typical at this time of
January 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Company Official Shares Biofuel Plant Details
by Tina Alvey (The Register-Herald) PPD of WV is putting together the final financial pieces of the puzzle, in hopes of breaking ground on its new biofuel plant near Sam Black Church this spring, according to company official Jason Perry. Perry spoke
January 25, 2018 Read Full Article
The Rise, Rise, Rise of Bio-Methanol for Fuels and Chemical Markets
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The clearest intersecting theme is bio-methanol. Let’s see why. For one, Södra has much more going on than Silva, and we reported on a major development in December when we related that Södra will invest more
January 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Agents of Change
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine spotlights four companies—a respected producer, a service-oriented wholesaler, a 200-year old chemical firm, and a fuel conditioning company—that enable biodiesel's role as an effective change agent. PQ Corp. ... John Votta, global business director for PQ’s silica
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Against the Odds
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Continued investment and expansion took place in the U.S. biodiesel sector throughout 2017, despite rising political uncertainty and a lapsed tax credit. Here is an overview of some of the activity, plus a special sidebar story
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
On The Spot
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Most consumers make their fuel purchase decisions at the pump. Consistent branding based on market research can help boost ethanol’s appeal. -- ... Bosselman Enterprises, which owns 44 Pump & Pantry stations in Nebraska, markets E15
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Despite EU Palm Oil Ban, Biofuel Problems Will Continue
(Deutsche Welle) Members of the European Parliament have rejected an attempt to phase out support for crop-based biofuels. So what's next in the food versus fuel debate? -- ... The legislative shift, set to take effect in 2020, won't actually change much
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Zera Boss Grilled over ‘Favourable’ Rautenbach’s Green Fuel Ethanol Price
by Veneranda Langa (News Day) Legislators yesterday grilled Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) chief executive officer Gloria Magombo over the price of Billy Rautenberg’s Green Fuel ethanol, which is 11 cents more expensive than the ethanol being produced by Triangle Limited. The
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
INSIGHTS Anaerobic Digesters as a Tool for California’s Clean Transportation Efforts
by Cliff Gladstein (Gladstein, Neandross & Associates/ACT News) As one of the most populous states in the nation and a center of agricultural activity, California faces a waste disposal problem. Organic waste sent to municipal waste water treatment plants and landfills
January 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Certification Scheme Will “Revolutionise” UK Anaerobic Digestion Industry
(Bioenergy Insight) A newly launched certification scheme could be a breath of fresh air for the UK’s anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas industries, according to Duncan McPherson, finance director at CooperOstlund. As 2017 drew to a close, the UK’s Anaerobic Digestion and
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Enerkem and Sinobioway Group Sign a C$125M Agreement to Accelerate Enerkem's Global Expansion and Create a Joint Venture to Build over 100 Biofuel Facilities in China
(Enerkem/PR Newswire) Enerkem Inc. (www.enerkem.com), a world leading waste-to-biofuels and renewable chemicals producer, announced today it has signed an agreement with Sinobioway Group worth over C$125M in the form of equity investment in Enerkem Inc., future licenses, equipment manufacturing and sales, as
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Professor Snape and Partners Create Magic with First Hydrothermal Carbonization Plant in UK
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... In the United Kingdom, The University of Nottingham, the Energy Research Accelerator, and CPL Industries are working together to develop a new £4m (about $5.5 million) facility to use the hot new technology Hydrothermal Carbonization to
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Sweet Sorghum as an Ethanol Feedstock in Western Nebraska - Could It Happen?
by Richard Perrin, Lilyan Fulginiti, Subir Bairagi, Ismail Dweikat (KRVN) It has been proposed that non-irrigated sweet sorghum might be grown in western Nebraska as a seasonal substitute for corn grain in corn ethanol plants. In the research summarized here1, we
January 20, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the SPARC Regional Biojet Fuel Consortium
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sometimes, what an engine needs to roar to life is a spark. Or a SPARC, as in this case. As in the Southeastern Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC), a consortium consisting of the University of Florida (lead),
January 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Top 20 Advanced Bioeconomy Projects underway in North America
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To date, North America is the most active of all regions in terms of deploying advanced technology — whether it is cellulosic ethanol, isobutanol for fuels and chemicals, or renewable chemical plants, you see the first
January 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Forging New Sources for Biodiesel and Hydrocarbon-Based Products
by Cheryl Croucher (Troy Media) Part 3 of a 10-part series: Forge Hydrocarbons, a U of A spinoff, turns low-grade fats and oils into valuable fuel -- New technology employed by Forge Hydrocarbons Corp., a University of Alberta spinoff company, proves you
January 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Carbon Dioxide to Chemicals and Fuels
by Ron Cascone (Nexant, Inc.) Shown here is a current version of an iconic cost curve, or “stack chart” generated in an ongoing analysis started by the Scandinavian utility, Vattenfall, and carried on by McKinsey & Co and the US EPA, of
January 18, 2018 Read Full Article
How a Bengaluru-Based Company Is Working to Transform Sewage into Biodiesel
by Akshatha M. (Economic Times) The fat and oil substances that enter some of Bengaluru's lakes through the city's broken sewage system may transform into biodiesel if a pilot project taken up at the Bellandur lake pays off. The Bangalore Water Supply
January 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Start Right, Finish Right: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Project Development for New Technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Scale-up. Everyone wants it, but how do you get it done, right, on-time, on-target, on-budget? How do you meet the safety, reliability, economic and sustainability goals? Mike Schultz is Managing Director of PTI Global Solutions, with nearly
January 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels Plant Development Expected to Begin at Ontonagon Paper Mill
by Jan Tucker (Your Daily Globe) A public announcement of the construction and development of a $300 million advanced biofuels plant at the site of the closed paper mill in Ontonagon is "expected shortly," Pat Tucker told the Ontonagon County Economic Development Corporation Wednesday. He indicated
January 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Newsweek Names United Airlines Top Global Carrier in 2017 Green Rankings
(United Airlines) United Airlines ranked number one among global carriers in Newsweek's 2017 Global 500 Green Rankings, one of the most recognized environmental performance assessments of the world's largest publicly traded companies. United placed 59th among 500 U.S. brands and 100th among 500 global
January 15, 2018 Read Full Article
The Long, Long, Long Journey to Green: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Bioeconomy Investing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What are the true drivers of Innovation and what are the returns for investors — what’s up and what works? There is just not a more authentic authority on the subject than long-time venture capitalist Roger
January 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Socialists, EPP and ALDE Propose to Cap Biofuels Shares at 2017 Level, End Palm Oil
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV.com) Lawmakers from three political families of the European Parliament reached on 10 January a compromise to cap the level of crop-based biofuels at the level that each member state reached in 2017 and “kill” palm oil as a
January 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Bill de Blasio: This Is Why New York Is Suing and Divesting from Big Oil
by Bill de Blasio (New York City Mayor/Washington Post) ... America’s largest city, 8.5 million strong, is taking decisive action on two separate fronts. We are demanding compensation from those who profit from climate change. And we plan to withdraw our
January 14, 2018 Read Full Article
GGC Readies B7bn Complex
by Yuthana Praiwan (Bangkok Post) Global Green Chemical Plc (GGC), the SET-listed biochemical arm of PTT Global Chemical Plc (PTTGC), plans to kick off development of its 7-billion-baht biochemical complex by the third quarter. Managing director Jirawat Nooritanon said it plans to
January 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Abu Dhabi Works towards Cooking Oil Recycling Plan
by Anwar Ahmad (Gulf News) Abu Dhabi will open a new facility to recycle used cooking oil by the end of this year, a top official from Tadweer, the Centre of Waste Management in Abu Dhabi, said on Tuesday. The centre will also
January 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Alabama Producers Growing Carinata for Biofuel
by Katie Nichols (Alabama Extension Daily) Alabama growers are sowing the seeds of a new biofuel oil crop this winter. Brassica carinata, informally known as carinata, is similar to canola (Brassica napus L.)—a crop many producers introduced to rotations several years ago. An oilseed crop, carinata
January 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Cash out of Trash: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Fiberight
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Fiberight is a privately held company founded in 2007 with current operations in Virginia, Maryland and Iowa. The company focuses on transforming post-recycled municipal solid wastes and other organic feedstocks into next generation renewable biofuels, with
January 12, 2018 Read Full Article
€12.4 Million Investment for Swedish Biogas from Industrial Waste Project
(Bioenergy Insight) The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has awarded an investment grant to explore the possibility of producing biogas from industrial waste water. A €12.4 million investment subsidy has been awarded to Finnish energy company Gasum, which is evaluating the potential of
January 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Biogas Plant in Northern Ireland Wins Sustainability Award
(Bioenergy Insight) A biogas plant close to the town of Ballymena in Northern Ireland has been recognised in the Sustainable Ireland Awards. The Tully Quarry plant produces biogas from 100% chicken litter. Built by biogas technology specialists Xergi, the facility has won
January 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Alkol Biotech Agrees to Supply 500,000 Tonnes of Biomass to Europe’s ‘Largest’ Biorefinery
(Biofuel International) Alkol Biotech and Bio Refinery Development have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for the sourcing of up to 500 thousand tonnes of non-woody lignocellulosic biomass for what would be Europe’s ‘largest’ biorefinery. UK based Alkol Biotech adapts plant varieties
January 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Myanmar Sugar Development Co to Invest $20m in First Phase of Project
by Juliet Shwe Gaung (Deal Street Asia) Myanmar Sugar Development Public Co Ltd has secured state approval to invest $20 million in setting up a sugar mill in Kathar township, Sagaing Region, to produce sugar for local consumption and byproducts, power and
January 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Jet Fuel from (Any) Bio-Alcohol: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Byogy Renewables
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Byogy has developed a catalytic platform that converts any source of ethanol, butanol, mixed alcohols, or related olefins, into full replacement, and cost competitive biofuels including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Byogy’s jet fuel is not
January 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Last Train to Emeryville: The DigiBio Value Engine Is Leavin’ the Station, Are You on It?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Tie-ins for Zymergen, Radiant Genomics, DMC, Capricorn Venture Partners, Syngenta and CHS demonstrate the firepower and scope of digital biology. Today, products made via traditional biological tools tap into easy-to-grow-in-a-lab organisms, and mostly nothin’ else. Sort of
January 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Fighting Food Waste in Africa with Biofuel-Run Sparky Dryer
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Uganda, engineering graduate Lawrence Okettayot is addressing food waste with his new Sparky Dryer, which is a food dehydrator that runs on biofuel from a farmer’s garden and burns with zero-carbon emissions. The dehydrator helps
January 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Finland Looks to “Finnish” First in Biofuels
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Finland cities are taking action on their carbon neutral goals and taking them oh so seriously. The Public Works Department at the City of Espoo, the second largest city in Finland, announced their decision
January 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Indian Oil to Arrange Biomass-to-Ethanol Plant in Panipat
(Kaplan Herald) The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) would initiate production of second generation ethanol by utilizing surplus crop residues and other biomass as feedstock at Baoli village in Panipat district. The capacity of the proposed plant would be 100 kilolitre
January 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Breaking the Bottleneck: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to POET-DSM Cellulosic Biofuels Commercialization
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In November we reported that POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels achieved a major breakthrough in cellulosic biofuels production at its Project LIBERTY plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa. The company has solved the critical challenge in pretreatment, overcoming what has been the
January 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Make Haste Slowly: The Story of Anellotech’s Journey towards a Bio-BTX Breakthrough
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In it, we are reminded that innovation is a never-ending war between two brothers named Urgency and Diligence — and the conflict comes roaring back to life when we consider the news that occasionally seeps out of that mysterious
January 05, 2018 Read Full Article
What’s Needed in African Agriculture Before Technology
by Louisa Burwood-Taylor (AgFunderNews) “A lot of what’s needed in African agriculture is quite low-tech if tech at all,” says Gary Vaughan-Smith, chief investment officer at SilverStreet Capital, the agribusiness private equity firm. SilverStreet has been investing in African agriculture since 2011 when it
January 04, 2018 Read Full Article
USDA Reports Says Indonesia Faces Ethanol Dilemma
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Indonesia instituted a national ethanol policy in 2006, but has been having troubles meeting their goals. The country’s plans to develop bioethanol are facing many setbacks, including costly inputs, capacity limitations and trade restrictions limiting
January 04, 2018 Read Full Article
Affordable, Low-Capex GTL Is Here: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Velocys
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Velocys enables modular gas-to-liquids and biomass-to-liquids plants to convert unconventional, remote and problem gas and waste biomass into valuable, drop-in liquid fuels. After 15 years and some $300 million in investment, Velocys technology is at commercial-scale. The
January 04, 2018 Read Full Article
Neste Launches Website Pushing for Sustainable Aviation
(Biofuels International) The project aims to raise awareness of alternate fuels for the industry. According to World Bank statistics, 3.6 billion people travelled by air in 2016. In a survey conducted by Neste, 53% of European passengers are concerned by the environmental impact of
January 04, 2018 Read Full Article
The Next Big Thing In Ethanol Yet To Reap Profits, Solve Technical Problems
by Amy Mayer (Harvest Public Media/NetNebraska) Advanced biofuels have been touted as the next step beyond the corn-based ethanol that’s the bulk of the country’s renewable fuel for cars and trucks. But cellulosic ethanol is harder to make and companies have
January 03, 2018 Read Full Article
2017 — It Was a Seaweed Year for Algae
(Algae Industry Magazine) ... In September, the US Department of Energy (DOE) awarded $22 million in grants to fund projects for marine biomass farming for production of commercial products, including feedstock for domestic transportation fuels. The funding was provided through the
January 03, 2018 Read Full Article
What Is Shaping AgTech: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Advanced Agriculture and Its technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last year, industry consultant Vonnie Estes — whose latest Digest column is here — picked up the Rosa Franklin Award for leadership in industrial biotechnology — and her most recent presentation decks offer a pretty good sense of why
January 03, 2018 Read Full Article
How Refiners Can Lower the High Price of Renewable Fuel Credits: Invest
by James C. Greenwood (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/The Hill) ... The refiners want to lower the price of renewable identification numbers, or RINs, which are the credits they must accumulate to prove compliance with the program — every gallon of biofuel that
December 29, 2017 Read Full Article
A New Catalyst to Produce the Biodiesel of the Future
(FGUSAL/DICYT) Researchers at the University of Salamanca test a catalyst to produce biodiesel more efficiently and economically in accordance with the requirements imposed by the regulations for the coming years -- ... However, the problem is that nowadays it is only possible
December 29, 2017 Read Full Article
IndianOil to Start Production of Biomass-Based Ethanol
(Economic Times) Indian Oil Corporation (IndianOil) would initiate production of second generation ethanol by utilising crop residues and other biomass as feedstock at village Baoli in Panipat district of Haryana. The capacity of proposed plant would be 100 kilo litre of ethanol
December 29, 2017 Read Full Article
In for a Penny, In for a Pound: The Advanced Bioeconomy and All the Pivots
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Algae.Tec has (once again) shifted its business focus, and what was once a developer of algae bioreactors to make cost-competitive fuels is now in the business of “heirloom cannabis varietals”. So, um, High Times at Algae.Tec. ... It’s
December 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Nutrition, Energy from Methane: The Digest’s 2017 Muti-Slide Guide to Calysta
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In December, we reported that Cargill and Calysta will co-create the world’s largest gas fermentation facility in Memphis, Tennessee to produce Calysta’s FeedKind protein, a family of sustainable, traceable nutritional ingredients for fish, livestock and pets. Start-up is
December 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Top Trends in 7 Key Latin America Hotspots
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In a striking pledge made in the latter part of 2016. 20 Latin American countries promised to promote biofuel production and use, with the support of development finance institutions. That was then, this is now. What’s happening towards
December 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Avoiding GMOs Isn’t Just Anti-Science. It’s Immoral.
by Mitch Daniels (The Washington Post) Of the several claims of “anti-science” that clutter our national debates these days, none can be more flagrantly clear than the campaign against modern agricultural technology, most specifically the use of molecular techniques to create
December 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Inside Insight
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) To kick off the new year, we rounded up a few experts to discuss five main industry topics: exports, policy, production, finance and technology. Find out what they said. -- As we head into 2018, ethanol
December 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Boosting Ethanol’s Value via CO2 Use: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to White Dog Labs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) US-based White Dog Labs have developed a new process that eliminates the production of CO2, a potent greenhouse gas, during fermentation and instead shifts the carbon to added ethanol production, boosting fermentation yields by around 50
December 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Bioeconomy Curves and Slides, Snakes and Ladders
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Over the years we’ve all seen a lot of curveballs in the advanced bioeconomy. You see companies like Valero, which lobby the United States Congress with unbridled intensity to get rid of the Renewable Fuel Standard,
December 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuel Projects Named as Semi-Finalists in Ontario Competition
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Ontario Centres of Excellence have announced 20 semi-finalists for Ontario’s Solutions 2030 Challenge, which calls on innovators to propose solutions to help the province’s industry reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution. Several of the finalists
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Ink MoA for Research on Bio-Fuel
(New Indian Express) After initiating the move to set up a second generation ethanol plant in Bargarh district with an investment of `750 crore, the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has partnered with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT)
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Affordable, Renewable Hydrocarbons Made from Ethanol: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Vertimass
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Vertimass technology was originated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where scientists discovered novel catalysts that convert a wide range of alcohols into various hydrocarbon blend stocks which can be used in existing gasoline, diesel and jet
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Top 10 Asia Bioeconomy Trends
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With apologies to every other region around the world. we continue to see Asia as the epicenter of the biobased revolution over the next 20 years. The reasons are three and relatively straightforward: 1. Continued and robust
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Canadian Ground-Breaking Waste Management System Will Produce Biogas to Power Surrey’s Refuse Fleet
(NGV Journal) Waste-to-product company Renewi plc has started accepting the first waste at its new Organics Biofuels Processing Facility in Surrey – the first closed-loop and fully-integrated organics waste management system in Canada. The facility is the largest of its kind
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuel and Bioproducts from Algae
by Tamara Scully (Country Folks) The next big thing in alternative energy may be pretty small. Algae, which are aquatic, single-celled organisms, produce oxygen while consuming carbon dioxide. Nitrogen, phosphorous and other nutrients which can degrade our waterways, plus sunlight and
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Biogas Fuel Exploration Launched in Qatar
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Qatar, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment launched a project to produce biogas from wastes with Qatar University’s College of Engineering with the goal of using that biogas as a clean energy to power
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Top 17 for 2017
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) 2017 was a roller coaster year. There was a paradigm shift in biofuels, technology advancements, innovations abounded, politics chaotic. Some companies shut down and disappeared like the Hobo vanishing in the snow atop the Polar
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
A Boeing/Embraer Merger Could Mean Deeper Aviation Biofuel Research Collaboration
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, collaboration on aviation biofuel research may deepen between Boeing and Embraer should a merger between the two companies go forward, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. The paper broke the story Wednesday
December 22, 2017 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to EnerSysNet Canada
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) An early stage renewable energy company focused on commercializing patent-pending technologies to convert low-value forestry residuals to high value liquid hydrocarbons that are compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure. EnerSysNet Canada CEO Gary Scoggins gave this illuminating
December 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Perspectives on Biofuels in Sub-Saharan Africa
by Susan van Dyk, Emile van Zyl, Brett Pletschke (International Energy Agency Bioenergy Task 39) This short contribution provides some perspectives on opportunities for biofuel production on the African continent. Africa has a large land base, with only 27% of its arable
December 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Steel Tycoon Looks to Skies for Future of U.K.'s Last Mills
by Rachel Morison (Bloomberg) ... Sanjeev Gupta plans to cut production costs at his Liberty Steel Inc. by doubling its collection of wind, hydroelectric and biofuel assets. READ MORE
December 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Governor Cuomo Unveils 9th Proposal of 2018 State of the State: Calling on the NYS Common Fund to Cease All New Investments in Entities with Significant Fossil Fuel-Related Activities and Develop a De-Carbonization Plan for Divesting from Fossil Fuel
(Office of the Governor of New York State) New York's Common Fund, the Third Largest in the Nation, Manages Over $200 Billion in Retirement Assets for More than One Million New Yorkers; Will Partner with Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to Form Advisory Panel
December 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Notes from Scaleville: The Global Bioenergies, Gevo and Siluria Stories
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week we’ve received news from three companies that have struck out in search of new markets for their fundamental processes, and new applications for biotechnology in some ancient and ossified markets such as jet fuel,
December 20, 2017 Read Full Article
World's Biggest 100 Polluting Companies Put on Notice by Investors to Tackle Climate Change
by Nicole Hasham (Sydney Morning Herald) Shareholders have turned up the heat on the world's 100 biggest polluting companies including Australian firms BHP Billiton, Wesfarmers and Rio Tinto, in the first coordinated global effort by investors to force corporate action on climate
December 20, 2017 Read Full Article
How Biofuels Will Change the Trucking Industry
by Jason Hall (The Motley Fool) As countries around the world shift toward cleaner energy sources, the transport industry is ripe for some green disruption. -- ... In this week's episode of Industry Focus: Energy, Sarah Priestley and Jason Hall dive into how alternative
December 18, 2017 Read Full Article
$76.8 Million Advanced Biofuel Demonstration Plant Coming to Norway
(Biofuels International) A (CDN) $76.8 million (€50.7 million) industrial scale advanced biofuel demonstration plant will be constructed at a former pulp mill in Tofte, Norway. The new facility is apparently a step towards the creation of a commercial scale project. Danish-Canadian clean-fuel
December 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Dar, Chinese Firm Deal to Revitalise Cassava Farming
Pius Rugonzibwa In Mwanza (Daily News) The production of cassava in the country has received a major boost after the government recently signed a deal with a Chinese firm worth over 2.5trl/- aimed at commercialising its farming. -- Opening the annual review
December 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Debates on Ethanol as Fuel in Bolivia
(Prensa Latina) The use of ethanol as a fuel to replace the import of gasoline centers the debate of the International Ethanol Forum ''Bolivia Seeding Energy'' that today takes place in the department of Santa Cruz. The Minister of Hydrocarbons Luis Alberto
December 15, 2017 Read Full Article
BP and Copersucar Join up to Operate Major Ethanol Terminal
(Biofuels International) BP Biofuels and Copersucar have agreed to a new joint venture to own and operate a major ethanol storage terminal in Brazil. According to a statement from BP, the aim of the new terminal is to ‘better and flexibly’
December 14, 2017 Read Full Article
The Bio-Based Industries Consortium (BIC) Has Released a New Overview of Financial Instruments Available to Support European Bioeconomy Development.
(Bio-Based Industries Consortium) ‘Access to EU financial instruments suitable for the implementation of large bio-based industry investments’ outlines a range of funding opportunities and explores the synergies between different instruments for co-financing bio-based projects. Since BIC’s 2014 report ‘Combining BBI (H2020) and
December 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Can the European Union Afford to Phase Out Conventional Biofuels?
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On November 7th, 2017, industrial experts, leaders and policy makers alike met for the 20th Annual World Ethanol & Biofuels Conference held in Brussels, Belgium to discuss how the future of de-fossilizing the transport
December 13, 2017 Read Full Article
VIDEO: Planning Permission for Celtic Renewables’ Whiskey Waste to Biofuel Plant
(Waste Management World) Celtic Renewables has secured planning permission from Falkirk Council to build a commercial demonstrator plant, which will produce over half a million litres of biofuel each year from whiskey wastes. Scottish biofuel start-up, Celtic Renewables Ltd, has secured planning permission
December 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Neste's Growth Program for Renewable Products Takes a Step Forward
(Neste Corporation) Neste's Board of Directors has decided that Neste's additional production capacity for renewable diesel, renewable aviation fuel and raw materials for various biochemical uses will be located in Singapore. The decision initiates technical design of the new production line,
December 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Case Studies in Renewable Finance: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide to Funding Bioeconomy Projects in the US vs Internationally
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bottom line, if you’re in the business of financing a renewable fuels project with a loan guarantee in the mix, you’re probably talking with some combination of New Energy Risk, Stern Brothers, Faegre Baker Daniels partner John
December 13, 2017 Read Full Article
PA To Increase Acreage Of Industrial Hemp 100-Fold Next Year
by Sarah Boden (WESA) The number of acres permitted to grow industrial hemp in Pennsylvania is going to increase 100-fold in 2018, from less than 50 to possibly more than 5,000. This year was the first since the 1930s that farmers could
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
I Don’t Like Losses, Sport: The Invention of Bioeconomy Risk Insurance and Fulcrum BioEnergy’s Leap to Scale
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The problem of Investor risk is ridiculously easy to understand and ridiculously hard to solve. ... Financial investors will tolerate very short-term cases of marginally sub-par returns and they have no tolerance at all of losses. ... And risk induces panic and suffocation long
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Stelco and Pond Technologies to Build Commercial CO2 Abatement Plant
(Algae Industry Magazine) Stelco Algae Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Stelco Inc., one of Canada’s leading integrated steel companies, and algal cultivation specialists Pond Technologies Inc., of Markham, Ontario, Canada, have announced their collaboration for the construction of what they
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Whisky Residue to Energy AD Facility Will Lower Scottish Distillery’s Carbon Footprint
(Bioenergy Insight) UK anaerobic digestion specialist Clearfleau has started construction on a new biogas facility at a distillery in Scotland. Part of a £3 million project commissioned by Inver House Distillers, the new facility will generate energy in the form of
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
ADBA Chief Executive Talks Pushing Number 10 and Anaerobic Digestion Future
by Luke Acton (Bioenergy Insight) With the dearth of subsidies and volatile political environment, Charlotte Morton shared her views on what lay ahead for the UK’s anaerobic digestion (AD) industry. Of the ten million tonnes of food waste a year in the
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Aria Energy Partners with BP to Expand RNG Business
by Joseph Bebon (NGT News) Novi, Mich.-based Aria Energy has announced it purchased a 50% interest in Mavrix LLC from BP and will work with the global oil and gas company to market and distribute renewable natural gas (RNG) to U.S. customers. Financial
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
24-Year-Old Calgarian Honoured for Innovation that Turns Canola Oil into Biofuel
by Sarah Rieger (CBC News) Nabaa Alam named an Everyday Political Citizen by Samara Canada -- ... University of Alberta graduate Nabaa Alam was named an Everyday Political Citizen by civic engagement non-profit Samara Canada on Thursday. When Alam was in his last year of
December 11, 2017 Read Full Article
EKAE, Pearson Fuels Announce Exclusive Marketing Agreement
(Pearson Fuels/Ethanol Producer Magazine) East Kansas Agri-Energy of Garnett, Kansas, and Pearson Fuels of San Diego, California, announce the signing of an exclusive West Coast marketing agreement for the distribution of renewable diesel from EKAE’s recently commissioned plant in Garnett. Renewable diesel
December 11, 2017 Read Full Article
ArcelorMittal Gets Nod from World Economic Forum for Integrating Circular Economy Principles into Its Business Model
(ArcelorMittal) The world’s most prestigious award programme for the circular economy, The Circulars, has highly commended ArcelorMittal for demonstrating leadership and innovation by applying circular economy principles to its business models. ... Partnering with technical and industry leaders to develop and scale
December 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Timemedia, Goldwater Eye Construction of Cellulosic Ethanol Factory in Bosnia
(See News) Bosnian company Timemedia and Italy's Goldwater SRL have shown interest towards construction of a biorefinery for cellulosic ethanol in Bosnia's Serb Republic entity, the entity government said. The government of the Serb Republic said on Thursday it will soon sign
December 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Bioproducts, USDA and You: The Digest 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Agricutural Research Service Partnership
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. ARS conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority and provide information access and dissemination
December 11, 2017 Read Full Article
AgTech Startups Offer Hope in Brutal Citrus Greening Fight
by Emma Cosgrove (AgFunder News) ... Tom Schenck of TerViva, an agtech startup working with citrus growers in Florida, says the disease has changed the face of the sunshine state. ... Startups are also looking to provide Florida citrus growers with alternative crops to
December 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Connecting to Value: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to below50 and the Global New Fuels Push
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Below50 is an initiative that brings businesses together with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) to promote the best-of-breed of sustainable fuels has
December 08, 2017 Read Full Article
This Is an Algorithm, That Is Alive: The Rise of Arzeda and Digital Biology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The question is being raised all over Silicon Valley — and increasingly around the world — if biotechnology is essentially a branch of information technology. ... Investors, theorists, entrepreneurs are forming a thesis that profound improvements in the physical world
December 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Trash to Treasure: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Sekisui Chemical, LanzaTech’s MSW-to-Ethanol Tech
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Japan, Sekisui Chemical and LanzaTech, have successfully demonstrated the production of ethanol from unsorted municipal solid waste — which can be used directly as a fuel or as a precursor to butadiene (a key raw material in the
December 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Shazzan!: Turning Urban Trash into Treasure Island, the LanzaTech, Sekisui Chemicals Story
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sekisui Chemicals, LanzaTech break-through in MSW-to-ethanol demonstration -- ... Were trash to acquire a substantial uplift in value, that’s the end to the landfill crisis. In Japan, Sekisui Chemical and LanzaTech have successfully demonstrated the production of ethanol from unsorted municipal solid
December 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Big Australia Is Back: Oz’s ARENA, China’s JTL Go Big with a Cellulosic Biofuels Bet
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (T)he Australian Renewable Energy Agency has made its single largest direct investment in second-generation biofuels via $11.9M in funding support for Ethtec to complete the development and demonstration of its advanced biofuel production technology. ... But times are changing in
December 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Government of Alberta Establishes New Advanced Biofuel Leadership
(Advanced Biofuels Canada/EIN Presswire) Advanced Biofuels Canada applauds government for new funding to support biofuels in Alberta and expand the province’s lower carbon economy. -- The government of Alberta announced today new initiatives to strengthen the biofuels sector in Alberta. The province has
December 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Vivergo Fuels Shutdown in Response to Legislative Uncertainty
(Virvergo) “We reluctantly welcomed the Government’s Renewable Transport Fuel obligation proposals in September, but have remained extremely concerned that there is no roll-out framework for E10 in the UK, the absence of which could have serious consequences for the long-term future of
December 06, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Needs Advanced Biofuels Boost to Reach Climate Goals, Transport Decarbonisation
by Marko Janhunen (EurActiv/Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels) The International Energy Agency confirms that sustainable biofuels are needed to secure transport decarbonisation. The European Parliament’s Industry Committee, for its part, confirms the need to set a specific mandate for advanced biofuels, writes
December 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuel Policy Bid
(Fiji Times) National Biofuel Policy will be a roadmap to expand biofuel production in Fiji, says David Kolitagane, Ministry of Public Enterprise permanent secretary. "It must also provide an enabling environment for biofuel investment and program implementation in the country," he said. Mr
December 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Welcome to the Protein Revolution: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Codexis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Codexis is a leading protein engineering company that applies its technology to the development of biocatalysts for the commercial manufacture of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Codexis’ proven technology enables implementation of biocatalytic solutions to meet customer
December 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Toyota to Produce Its Own Hydrogen to Supply 1,500 Vehicles per Day
(NGV Journal) Toyota Motor North America, Inc. will build the world’s first megawatt-scale carbonate fuel cell power generation plant with a hydrogen fueling station to support its operations at the Port of Long Beach. The Tri-Gen facility will use bio-waste sourced
December 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Hunter Valley Biofuel Facility to Advance Ethanol Production
(Australian Renewable Energy Agency/Ethanol Produce Magazine) The Australian Renewable Energy Agency recently announced $11.9 million in funding for Australian biofuel company Ethanol Technologies Ltd. to complete the development and demonstration of its groundbreaking advanced biofuel technology. As part of a $48 million project, Ethtec aims
December 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Should Vancouver Be Betting on Biodiesel? Peter Brown Believes the City Is primed to Produce Biofuel
by Dameon Pesanti (Columbian) With the earnestness of a missionary, Peter Brown will proselytize about the eco-friendliness of biodiesel and methane digesters — or extol their virtues with the already converted. In his mind, Vancouver could be to the green-energy movement
November 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Now Deploying at Commercial Scale: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Clariant’s Sunliquid Cellulosic Ethanol Technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Clariant’s sunliquid technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sugars, followed by fermentation to cellulosic ethanol, is flexible to be used to convert different feedstocks on a regional basis, for example corn stover in North
November 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Copersucar Partners with BP on Ethanol Complex in Brazil
(Reuters) Brazil’s Copersucar, one of the world’s largest ethanol merchants, and BP’s Brazil unit said on Thursday they will form a 50-50 logistics joint venture in the country. The venture will operate Copersucar’s recently built ethanol storage complex in the Brazilian city
November 30, 2017 Read Full Article
2018 RVOs Keep Conventional Biofuels on Track
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor today released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of the final renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2018. The total renewable fuel volume is 19.29 billion gallons, which includes 15 billion
November 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Brazil Lower House Passes Bill Aimed at Boosting Biofuels Use
(Reuters) Brazil’s lower house of Congress approved on Tuesday a bill to set up a program to boost the use of biofuels, a move that could sharply change the way fuel distributors operate in the country. ... The program, called RenovaBio, will give
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
The Cost of Ethanol: Bad Faith, Broken Promises and a Plan up in Smoke
by Joel Wittnebel (The Oshawa Express) The shroud of secrecy at Oshawa’s waterfront is starting to lift, and it tells a troubling tale of mismanagement, failed investments and poor decisions that not only led to the end of the proposed ethanol plant,
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Neste Singapore Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary
(Neste Corporation) Neste, along with Mr. S. Iswaran, Singapore's Minister of Trade and Industry (Industry), Mrs Jayalekshmi Mohideen, Singapore's Ambassador to Finland, and Ms. Paula Parviainen, Finnish ambassador to Singapore, and many distinguished guests celebrated the tenth anniversary of Neste Singapore
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
European Parliament Sets Stage for a Battle over Biofuels
(ePURE) Industry Committee vote falls short of what is needed to fix the Commission’s RED II proposal -- The report adopted today by the European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy Committee sets the stage for a real clash with EU Member States
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Government Initiates Rejuvenation Program for North Sumatra`s Palm Oil Plantations
(AntaraNews.com) The government has initiated a program to rejuvenate palm oil plantations in North Sumatra spread across 9,109.29 hectares in 12 districts. Serdang Bedagai, Langkat, South Labuhan Batu, Labuhan Batu, Asahan, Batubara, Simalungun, North Labuhan Batu, North Padan Lawas, Padang Lawas, Deli
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
From Conventional to Advantaged: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Aemetis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aemetis owns and operates 110 million gallons per year of ethanol and biodiesel facilities in the US and India, and is upgrading the plants using patented technology to produce lower carbon, higher value advanced biofuels and
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Provivi and the Insect Love Story that Never Happens
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Could a biotechnology succeed in reducing pests and the resultant damage to crops they bring — by making it nearly impossible for them to find mates and produce future pest generations? Provivi’s Big Series B raise What you
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Safran Pursues Its Commitment on the Biofuel Trail
(Safran Group) Safran, which is already involved in the development of biofuels for aeronautics, is supporting an initiative led by the Masdar Institute’s Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC) in the Abu Dhabi desert to produce a salicornia-based biofuel. This sector is
November 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Commission’s Biofuels Proposal May Kill Future Investment, Industry Warns
by Samuel White (EurActiv) The biofuels industry has hit out at the European Commission’s proposal to reduce the cap on crop-based biofuels in the EU’s transport fuel mix, saying it would undermine the EU executive’s renewable energy policy and slash investment in
November 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Lead, Squabble or Waffle Away: Shuffling the Deck on Global Bioenergy
by Gerard Ostheimer and Douglas L. Faulkner (Biofuels Digest) ... In the U.S., fighting between Big Ag and Big Oil over first-generation biofuels is slowing the deployment of advanced biofuels projects. This further undercuts the industry in a depressing frittering away of
November 28, 2017 Read Full Article
From Algae Blooms to Algae Oil: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Manta Biofuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The promise is this: Manta could one day skim algae right off of the Chesapeake Bay and convert it into oil, simultaneously cleaning up deadly algae blooms and providing the precursor for clean, renewable fuels. Manta licensed
November 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Industrial Biotech Sector Calls for an Ambitious Revision of EU Bioeconomy Strategy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brussels, on the EU Bioeconomy Policy Day, EuropaBio called for an ambitious revision of the European Bioeconomy Strategy. Such a revision would help tackle climate change and meet the needs of a growing population whilst boosting
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to Sofinnova and Renewable Chemicals Venture Investment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sofinnova. If you’ve been raising capital in the renewable chemical space you’ve probably knocked on their door. And, like a box of British candy, found a bunch of Smarties within. How do they look at the chemical space, and
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
10 Bioeconomy Bellwethers: Earnings Season Reveals Choppy Waters in Q3 2017, Bullish Outlook for 2018
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The holiday season has arrived and earnings season too — and here are the highlights for 10 bellwether bioeconomy publicly-traded stocks. Aemetis – ethanol prices dive, but cellulosic on the way Avantium – IPO completed, Synvia next, then
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Extract or Enrich
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) With corn distillers oil (CDO) selling for around 25 cents per pound and DDGS for a nickel per pound, extracting as much CDO as possible is the goal for many plants. CDO sales account for
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Quebec Biofuel Company Partners with Qantas in First Long-Term Airline Deal
by Ross Marowits (National Observer) A Quebec biofuels company has signed its first deal to power an airline's jets with energy grown from Canadian oilseeds. Agrisoma Biosciences Inc. of Gatineau will supply biofuel to Australia's Qantas Airways made from Carinata seed, a
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Speed, Baby, Speed: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to DMC
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) DMC’s technology enables reproducibility and robustness to scale; Production of a diversity of targets using a single bioprocess; HTS approaches that translate to full scale performance — and the company says, “50X improvement in speed and cost of product
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Rockin’ the Cassava: The Shareef Don’t Like It but Nigeria Does
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kebbi State Government to build an 84 million litres per annum capacity fuel-ethanol project. The Sugarcane and Cassava-Fuel Ethanol Project in Kebbi State
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
OPEC Will Extend The Cut
by Zainab Calcuttawala (OilPrice.com) There will be an OPEC deal extension—no matter the public tussling between opposing forces in the industry cartel—if the world's largest oil producers are really determined to end the supply glut. A failure to agree on the market
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2017 Guide to the 20 Top European Biorefinery Projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You won’t hear it from the NGOs orbiting Brussels who have long figured out that bashing biotechnology is good for the fund-raising cash register, but Europe has become the hottest geography on the planet for
November 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Charting a Cellulosic Path -- Enzyme Advances Hold Promise in Corn Ethanol
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Cellulosic technology companies have invested time and millions of dollars to explore ways to convert biomass into cellulosic ethanol for the better part of 20 years. Most technologies have fallen victim to high capital and
November 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Investments in Alberta's Clean Technology Sector Strengthens Innovative Energy Generation
(CISION/Western Economic Diversification Canada) Enerkem Alberta Biofuels, a subsidiary of Montreal-based Enerkem Inc., is receiving $3.5 million from the Government of Canada through the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative to build the final phase of a facility that converts non-recyclable, non-compostable municipal solid waste into liquid biofuels and chemicals. The
November 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Scale-Up: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Building Industrial Fermentation for World Scale
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Next, we invited Genomatica’s Jeff Lievense as part of a special session focused on the scaling-up of fermentation technologies — from the pitfalls to the pratfalls. Genomatica is a widely-recognized technology leader for the chemical industry,
November 22, 2017 Read Full Article
.jpg)
Our Sponsors
FREE Subscription! Advanced Biofuels USA events calendar; policy and actions; education newsletters
