by Jeff Nalley (Agri-Pulse) This week’s Open Mic guest is Michael McAdams, President of the Advanced Biofuels Association. After an extensive career serving on Capitol Hill, McAdams founded the ABFA in 2006. The group represents all aspects of the advanced biofuels
modeling
Back TO HOMECalifornia Dreamin’: The Decades Long Hate-Love-Hate Relationship between California and Ethanol Is Trending the Wrong Way.
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) With 29 million cars on the road and a nearly 14 billion gallon gasoline market, the state of California is a market unto itself. With 1.4 billion gallons of ethanol in the
November 12, 2024 Read Full Article
Connecting the Dots: CO2 Capture and Storage
by Marcos Miranda (Carbon Capture Magazine) ... Other industries, like the ethanol industry, have lower capture costs and relatively pure streams of CO2 that could encourage them to join CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS) projects early on. Carbon Solutions explored how
November 01, 2024 Read Full Article
RFA: Latest Proposal for California LCFS Updates Fundamentally Flawed
(Renewable Fuels Association) Proposed regulations updating California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard are fundamentally flawed and could significantly restrict the future use of low-carbon ethanol in the state, the Renewable Fuels Association noted in comments submitted late Wednesday to the state’s Air Resources Board
October 17, 2024 Read Full Article
Biofuel Groups Urge Flexibility in 45Z CSA Requirements
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA on Oct. 15 held a third virtual listening session as part of its public consultation on climate-smart agriculture for biofuel feedstocks. During the event, representatives of the U.S. biofuel sector advocated for flexibility in
October 16, 2024 Read Full Article
Biofuels and Batteries Gain From the System Dynamics Behind the Research
by Tim Meehan (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) How Modeling Feedback Loops Informs Analysis and Decisions Across Decarbonization Technologies -- "When you look at renewable energy, not everything is linear," said Swaroop Atnoorkar, an analyst at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National
October 16, 2024 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog: Reforming Climate Models: Leveling the Playing Field for American Agriculture
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Seth Meyer, USDA's chief economist, explained Monday at an agricultural outlook conference in Kansas City, Missouri, that he didn't want to get too deep into the weeds, but he told the audience of agribusiness leaders
September 23, 2024 Read Full Article
Knowledge-Guided Machine Learning Can Improve Carbon Cycle Quantification in Agroecosystems
by Licheng Liu, Wang Zhou, Kaiyu Guan, et al. (Nature Communications) Accurate and cost-effective quantification of the carbon cycle for agroecosystems at decision-relevant scales is critical to mitigating climate change and ensuring sustainable food production. However, conventional process-based or data-driven modeling
September 13, 2024 Read Full Article
Procedures for Quantification, Reporting, and Verification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated with the Production of Domestic Agricultural Commodities Used as Biofuel Feedstocks DEADLINE July 25, 2024
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public input on procedures for the quantification, reporting, and verification of the effect of climate-smart farming practices on the greenhouse gas (GHG) net emissions estimates associated with the production of
July 09, 2024 Read Full Article
Models on the Runway: Is SAF Ready for Take-off?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... So, at EUBCE, you ask, what is the buzz on the floor? To paraphrase Monty Python:, it is SAF, SAF, SAF, SAF, carbon price on chemicals, eSAF, SAF, SAF and eSAF. So many people had so many
July 01, 2024 Read Full Article
Unlocking New Zealand's Green Energy Future: Short Rotation Forestry Holds Key to Lowering Fossil Fuel Dependency
(Scion) A two-year research project has shed light on the promising opportunities for regional New Zealand to adopt short rotation forestry (SRF) for bioenergy production. The findings show that leveraging short rotation forestry will not only diversify regional economies, but also contribute to
June 07, 2024 Read Full Article
For Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Researchers Engineer a Promising Microorganism for Precursor Production
(U.S. Department of Energy) Pseudomonas putida is a useful microorganism for producing the sustainable aviation fuel precursor isoprenol due to its ability to use renewable sources of carbon. -- Sustainable aviation fuels made from renewable sources of carbon could reduce carbon dioxide
May 10, 2024 Read Full Article
Modeling GHG Emissions from Source Separated Organics
by Romy Carpenter and Andrew Carpenter (BioCycle Magazine) New study assesses greenhouse gas emissions from five management options for SSO collected from residential, commercial, and institutional sources in New York City. -- The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) worked
May 08, 2024 Read Full Article
RFA Welcomes 40B Sustainable Aviation Fuel Guidance, But Says Additional Work Needed
(Renewable Fuels Association) The 40B tax credit guidance and modified GREET model released today by U.S. Treasury begin to unlock the door for U.S. ethanol producers and farmers to participate in the emerging market for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). However, more work
April 30, 2024 Read Full Article
Argonne’s Decarbonization Scenario Model Analyzes Ambitious Pathways to Net-Zero Carbon Emissions
(Argonne National Laboratory/Business Wire) -While the world would love to have a quick fix, there is no one specific pathway to stop or slow the rate of climate change. “The approach must take into account the transitioning energy demands across the economy,
April 19, 2024 Read Full Article
2023 Billion-Ton Report: An Assessment of U.S. Renewable Carbon Resources
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technology Office's (BETO) 2023 Billion-Ton Report (BT23) is the 4th in a series of assessments of potential biomass resources available in the United States. BT23 explores these resources in
March 19, 2024 Read Full Article
BV Research Confirms Central Role of Operationa and Energy Efficiency in Meeting Shipping's 2050 Carbon Budget
(Bureau Veritas) Decarbonization simulations reveal the cumulative impact of operational and technical efficiency measures and showcase the importance of energy insetting in bridging the price gap between conventional and new fuels. -- Bureau Veritas (BV), a world leader in testing, inspection and
March 13, 2024 Read Full Article
Computational Models Can Accelerate and Scale Up Biomass Conversion
(U.S. Department of Energy) Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Computational Science Center are hard at work enabling the conversion of biomass to fuels and products at industrial scale. Computational tools can model biomass conversion at scales ranging from small lab beakers to
March 07, 2024 Read Full Article
BV Research Confirms Central Role of Operational and Energy Efficiency in Meeting Shipping's 2050 Carbon Budget
(Bureau Veritas) Decarbonization simulations reveal the cumulative impact of operational and technical efficiency measures and showcase the importance of energy insetting in bridging the price gap between conventional and new fuels. Bureau Veritas (BV), a world leader in testing, inspection and certification,
February 29, 2024 Read Full Article
On the Ground in Colorado, NREL Is Simulating Sustainable Aviation Fuel Combustion during Flight
by Erik F. Ringle (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Laboratory Supports Industry in Fine-Tuning Sustainable Aviation Fuel Chemistry Ahead of Seeking Approval for Widespread Airplane Use -- ... But changes are coming for jet fuel, and the aviation industry is actively inviting
February 01, 2024 Read Full Article
UK MPs Welcome Government’s Jet Zero Ambitions but Have Concerns over Deliverability
by Christopher Surgenor (GreenAir Online) Cross-party MPs on the UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee have welcomed government policy steps to scale up and support new technologies, zero carbon aircraft and domestic sustainable aviation fuel production in efforts to reach a sectoral
January 31, 2024 Read Full Article
RFA Welcomes Recognition of GREET Model in SAF Tax Credit Guidance
(Renewable Fuels Association) The U.S. Treasury Department today released guidance regarding the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit. The guidance clarifies that a soon-to-be-updated version of the Department of Energy’s GREET model will be among the methodologies used
December 15, 2023 Read Full Article
EIA's Next-Generation Modeling Webinar --- November 15, 2023 --- ONLINE
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) invites you to join us as we share EIA’s plans to develop a next-generation energy model, which will eventually be used to produce EIA’s long-term projections. During this webinar, we will lay
November 02, 2023 Read Full Article
House Biofuels Caucus Introduces GREET Act
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) House Biofuels Caucus Co-chairs Dusty Johnson (R-SD) Adrian Smith (R-NE), Angie Craig (D-MN), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) this week introduced the Adopt Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency
November 02, 2023 Read Full Article
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry Leaders Call on Biden Administration to Immediately Recognize Argonne GREET Model
(Renewable Fuels Association) As President Biden kicks off a series of events focused on rural investment, 70 industry leaders covering nearly the entire supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – including major airlines – called on the Biden Administration to unleash progress in
November 01, 2023 Read Full Article
New Study Questions Accuracy of EU’s Biofuel Impact Assessments
by Sean Goulding Carroll (EURACTIV.com) Skewed data was used to determine the impact of the EU’s renewable energy directive, a scientific paper has claimed, raising questions about the model and process employed by the European Commission to assess policy options for
October 06, 2023 Read Full Article
Ethanol Still Makes Sense for Climate, Rural Communities
(Solutions from the Land) ... Renewable corn energy seems a no-brainer compared to nonrenewable petroleum-based gasoline. Oil does not—and cannot—foster life like agriculture. And once oil is gone, it’s gone. But a working group of the EPA’s Science Advisory Board (SAB) is
September 26, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Systems Development and Integration – Scale-Up Portfolio
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) SDI directly supports BETO’s strategic goal to decarbonize the transportation sector through R,D, &D to produce cost-effective, sustainable aviation and other strategic fuels – By 2030, SDI aims to support scale-up of multiple biofuel production pathways
September 20, 2023 Read Full Article
A Model System for Microalgae Production Forecasting
by Karthikeyan K. Ramasamy (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) In the world of biofuels over the past decade, the eyes of industry have increasingly focused on the potential for domestic microalgae to provide alternative energy with reduced carbon emissions. However, to use these
August 31, 2023 Read Full Article
Overhauling Carbon Accounting
by Brad Pleima (EcoEngineers/Biomass Magazine) Improved carbon accounting methodology for biogas projects will be a game-changer for the industry. -- Currently, the biogas industry lacks a comprehensive accounting methodology that enables a standardized, stable market environment for carbon reduction and removal resulting
August 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Protecting the Future of Low-Carbon Aviation
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Launched in 2021, the Biden administration’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge aims to produce enough low-carbon jet fuel to slash aviation emissions in half by 2050. Thanks to new incentives created by the Inflation Reduction Act,
August 08, 2023 Read Full Article
Representatives to Treasury: Adopt GREET Model for SAF Tax Credit
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A bipartisan group of 21 federal lawmakers on July 28 sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging the Treasury Department to adopt the U.S. Department of Energy’s GREET model as the secondary
August 01, 2023 Read Full Article
Advocates Blast EPA Modeling of ICE Vehicle GHG ‘Backsliding’
(Inside EPA) Environmentalists are strongly criticizing EPA modeling suggesting that combustion vehicles’ efficiency will erode under the agency’s light-duty vehicle emissions proposal, findings that are bolstering their calls to strengthen the plan, though the dynamic could also enable less ambitious electric
July 18, 2023 Read Full Article
FEW General Session Panelists Discuss the Future of Ethanol; Awards Presented
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Representatives of the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy and the American Coalition for Ethanol on June 13 discussed the future of the U.S. ethanol industry during a general session panel at the 39th annual International Fuel
June 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Duckworth, Fischer, Ernst, Klobuchar, Grassley Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Solidify Future of American-Grown Sustainable Aviation Fuels
(Office of Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)) U.S. Senator and pilot Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation—and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) along
June 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels from Green Refineries
(Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) Consortium of Science and Industry Develops Processes and Demand Scenarios for the Mass Production of Synthetic Fuels – Federal Funding of around EUR 7 Million Synthetic fuels from renewable energy sources are needed to reach the climate
June 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Is Corn Ethanol Really Sustainable? Researchers Analyze the True Cost of Biofuel Production
by Anne Manning (Colorado State University/TechXplore) ... "I think my subjective takeaway is that the biofuels industry is good from an emissions point of view, but it could be much better," (the paper's first author, Jack) Smith said. "The emissions reductions we're
May 25, 2023 Read Full Article
Brooge Energy Announces Completion of Technical Study by thyssenkrupp Uhde for Green Ammonia Plant
(Brooge Energy/Globe Newswire) Brooge Energy Ltd, (“Brooge Energy” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BROG), a Cayman Islands-based infrastructure provider, which is currently engaged in clean petroleum products and biofuels and crude oil storage and related services, announced today that the technical study
April 06, 2023 Read Full Article
RFA Provides Input on IRA’s Clean Fuel Production and CCUS Credits, Biofuels Infrastructure Grants
(Renewable Fuels Association) As federal agencies continue to work on implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Renewable Fuels Association on Saturday filed two sets of comments to the Internal Revenue Service, related to credits for carbon sequestration and clean fuel
December 06, 2022 Read Full Article
NASEM Finds More Research Necessary to Improve Methods for Estimating Life Cycle of GHG Emissions of Low-Carbon Transportation Fuels
by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (Bergeson & Campbell) The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) announced on October 19, 2022, the release of a report finding that life cycle assessments (LCA) of transportation fuels are valuable tools for
November 28, 2022 Read Full Article
2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality
(California Air Resources Board) This Scoping Plan lays out the sector-by-sector roadmap for California, the world’s fifth1 largest economy, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 or earlier, outlining a technologically feasible, cost-effective, and equity-focused path to achieve the state’s climate
November 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Sends Letter to Treasury on Action to Slash Aviation Emissions
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury on implementation of Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In her letter, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor calls on regulators to
November 04, 2022 Read Full Article
The Limits to Technology-Neutrality or How to Exclude Biofuels from Future Mobility Renewable Solutions
by Philippe Marchand (Bioenergy Steering Committee Member, European Technology and Innovation Platform (ETIP)/Transport Energy Strategies) One of the basic advocacy lines for the promotion of bioenergy in transport, biofuels or biogas, is calling for technology neutrality when comparing solutions to reduce the carbon
October 21, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol: A Pathway to Reward Climate Smart Agriculture
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A few years ago, ACE began alerting our industry that it would be a matter of if, not when, Congress would enact legislation designed to address climate change and reduce greenhouse
October 21, 2022 Read Full Article
DOE Announces $178 Million to Advance Bioenergy Technology
(U.S. Department of Energy) 37 Projects Will Develop New Technologies That Engineer Plants and Microbes into Bioenergy and Improve Carbon Storage -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $178 million for bioenergy research to advance sustainable technology breakthroughs that
September 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Brown Announces $2.5 Million for Biofuel Research at The Ohio State University
(Office of Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)) Today (September 13, 2022), U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the Department of Energy has awarded a $2.5 million grant to The Ohio State University (OSU) for research on the creation of new biofuel
September 15, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA, Growth Energy Slam Inaccurate Reuters Report on Ethanol GHGs
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy are slamming a Reuters article published on Sept. 8 that recycles highly misleading claims about the greenhouse gas (GHG) impact of U.S. ethanol plants. The Reuters article, in part, cites the
September 12, 2022 Read Full Article
New Algorithm Uncovers Secrets of Cell Factories
by Karin Wik and Susanne Nilsson Lindh (Chalmers University of Technology/Phys.Org) Drug molecules and biofuels can be made to order by living cell factories, where biological enzymes do the job. Now, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a
September 01, 2022 Read Full Article
2021 Project Peer Review Report
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted its virtual 2021 Project Peer Review on March 8‒12, 15‒16, and 22‒26, 2021. During the event, 271 projects in BETO’s research portfolio were presented, representing a total
August 29, 2022 Read Full Article
Make Greenhouse-Gas Accounting Reliable — Build Interoperable Systems -- Global Integrated Reporting Is Essential if the Planet Is to Achieve Net-Aero Emissions.
by Amy Luers , Leehi Yona , Christopher B. Field , Robert B. Jackson , Katharine J. Mach , Benjamin W. Cashore , Cynthia Elliott , Lauren Gifford , Colleen Honigsberg , Lena Klaassen , H. Damon Matthews , Andi
August 10, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Sets Expectations for Landmark EPA Proposal
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy celebrated the 17th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard, signed into law on Aug. 8, 2005, by outlining the biofuel sector’s top priorities for the U.S. EPA’s fast-approaching update to the program. Under a consent decree agreement reached with
August 09, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA Provides Input on Future of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard
(Renewable Fuels Association) In comments filed with the California Air Resources Board today, the Renewable Fuels Association stressed that the next iteration of the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard must be technology-neutral and allow low-carbon renewable fuels to compete fairly as
August 09, 2022 Read Full Article
ANL: Can Farms Produce to the Max and Still Reduce GHG Emissions?
by Kristen Mally Dean (Argonne National Laboratory/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... With new practices, farmers can make farms a net sink of CO2, helping the U.S. reach its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Sustainable intensification is a two-prong approach many think
July 08, 2022 Read Full Article
Biofuel, Ag Groups Comment on SEC Climate Disclosures Rulemaking
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) ... Growth Energy’s comments focused on the calculation of biofuel GHG emissions. “The proposed rule would require many public companies to calculate and disclose GHG emissions from throughout their entire supply chain and production cycle,” Growth Energy
June 26, 2022 Read Full Article
The Biofuel Folks Might Like a Word about Your Corn Stover
by Brian O'Connor (No-Till Farmer) ... A study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production found that harvesting up to 30% of corn stover on a field for use in fuel products could increase revenues for growers and decrease the negative impact on the environment,
June 20, 2022 Read Full Article
WWF-SA Launches Report on Potential of SAF Production in South Africa
(RSB) RSB member and long-term partner WWF South Africa has published an excellent report on the potential for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in South Africa, across 7 feedstock/technology combinations. The report, entitled ‘Fuel for the future: A blueprint for the production of sustainable
June 01, 2022 Read Full Article
Thune, Klobuchar Urge EPA to Update Biofuel Emissions Modeling
(KLGR) Two Senate Ag Committee members recently urged the Environmental Protection Agency to update its greenhouse gas modeling for biofuels. Senators John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, and Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, asked the EPA to adopt the Argonne National Lab’s
April 07, 2022 Read Full Article
ACE to EPA: Adopt GREET Model and Recognize Ethanol’s Low Carbon Value
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In South Dakota, The American Coalition for Ethanol submitted feedback to the Environmental Protection Agency’s request for comment on the current scientific understanding of greenhouse gas modeling of land-based crop biofuels. ACE CEO Brian Jennings and ACE Board
April 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Two Studies Show Lower Carbon Intensity from Replacement of Aromatics in Gasoline with Ethanol
(Transport Energy Strategies) Two studies conducted by Transport Energy Strategies (TES) and THiggins Energy Consulting show that gasoline blended with ethanol lowers carbon intensity (CI) even more than what is modeled today and what is shown in recent studies. The first
March 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Under Pressure to Revise Estimates, EPA Mulls Lifecycle Biofuel GHGs
(Inside EPA) As EPA comes under growing pressure to increase its estimates of how much greenhouse gas emissions biofuels save over their lifetime, the agency is holding consultations that could result in changes that may boost programs encouraging biofuels use
March 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Dev Shrestha: Real-World Data Shows No Food Insecurity or ILUC from Biofuels
by Tammy Klein (Transport Energy Strategies) On this episode of the Fueling the Future podcast, I spoke with Dr. Dev Shrestha of the University of Idaho about the recent paper he co-authored, “Biofuel Impact on Food Prices Index and Land Use Change.” The
March 04, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA Supports EPA’s Proposed 2022 RFS Volumes, Urges Agency to Abandon Retroactive Cut to 2020 Volume
(Renewable Fuels Association) In comments submitted today (February 4, 2022) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Renewable Fuels Association expressed strong support for the agency’s proposed 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVO) while opposing the proposed retroactive reduction of the previously finalized
February 07, 2022 Read Full Article
ACE, Industry Groups Encourge CARB to Recognize Climate-Smart Farming Practices in Low Carbon Fuel Standard
(American Coalition for Ethanol) In a cosigned letter, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), along with the Great Plains Institute, Low Carbon Fuels Coalition, the National Biodiesel Board, and Canadian Oilseed Processors Association, recommended the California Air Resources Board (CARB) recognize the
January 16, 2022 Read Full Article
Workshop on Biofuel Greenhouse Gas Modeling --- February 28-March 1, 2022 --- ONLINE Public Comments DEADLINE: April 1, 2022
EPA is hosting a virtual public workshop on biofuel greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling February 28 - March 1, 2022. This is a virtual meeting and open to the public. The purpose of this workshop is to solicit information on the current
December 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Argonne National Laboratory Releases 2021 GREET Update
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Argonne National Laboratory’s Systems Assessment Center on Oct. 11 announced the 2021 release of the suite of GREET models, an analytical tool that stimulates the energy use and emissions output of vehicle and fuel combinations. Major
October 13, 2021 Read Full Article
In the Race to Reduce Car Emissions, Don't Forget Longevity
(Kyushu University) Extending car lifetime and first-owner possession length can reduce overall emissions more than accelerating replacement according to new study -- As countries race to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change, the debate on green vehicles often focuses on
September 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Matching For More: The Defour Group's Dean Drake's Plan Involves Match Blending Mid-Level Blends
by Melissa Anderson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Defour Group's Dean Drake, a former GM public policy analyst, says liquid fuels have a shared future with electric vehicles if ethanol blending methods, engine technology and policy can align. His plan involves
September 25, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. Farm & Biofuel Leaders Seek Immediate Aviation Fuel Fix to Budget Bill
(Renewable Fuels Association) America’s top biofuel and farm advocates called on Democratic leaders to fix a major flaw in the House Ways & Means Committee text released Friday night for tax provisions of the budget reconciliation, which is set for consideration Tuesday. As
September 14, 2021 Read Full Article
Not so Fast: But Biofuel and Agriculture Advocates Are Sounding the Alarm
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Not so fast: But biofuel and agriculture advocates are sounding the alarm over the language of a proposed $1.25-$1.75 sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, which they argue would make the administration's new SAF targets extremely difficult to achieve.
September 13, 2021 Read Full Article
Fact Sheet: Biden Administration Advances the Future of Sustainable Fuels in American Aviation
(White House) New Actions Aim to Produce Three Billion Gallons of Sustainable Fuel, Reduce Aviation Emissions by 20% by 2030, and Grow Good-Paying, Union Jobs -- Today (September 9, 2021), President Biden is taking steps to coordinate leadership and innovation across
September 10, 2021 Read Full Article
To Limit Warming, Most Fossil Fuel Must Remain Untapped: Study
by Rachel Frazin (The Hill) The majority of the planet’s oil, gas and coal must remain in the ground to provide just a 50 percent chance of limiting the amount the Earth has warmed to 1.5 degrees Celsius, according to a
September 09, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuels Offer a Cost-Effective Way to Lower Shipping Emissions
(Argonne National Laboratory/Tech Xplore) Marine shipping traffic has grown steadily over the past decade—and so have the associated greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon emissions from ships grew almost 10% between 2012 and 2018, and the industry is a large consumer of
September 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Canada Launches Interactive Map of Member’s Canadian and Global Operations
(Advanced Biofuels Canada/EIN Newswire) Advanced Biofuels Canada’s (ABFC) website now includes an interactive Sector Map that showcases its members’ North American and global facilities with a focus on locations, services provided, feedstock and technology used, as well as the different
September 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Air Board Should Expand Use of Biofuels
by Mike Gatto (CalMatters) ... If we know a solution exists to begin cleaning our air while we work toward a zero-tailpipe-emissions future, then there is no reason to wait. The California Air Resources Board should work quickly to expand
August 18, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Founder Calls for Correction of EPA Transportation Office’s “Shocking Miscarriage of Environmental Justice”
(Dakota Ag Energy) Speaking to the 14th Annual Bioenergy Conference hosted by Brazilian government and industry stakeholders, the founder of the U.S. Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) charged U.S. EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) bureaucrats with a “shocking
August 10, 2021 Read Full Article
Unlock the Power to Predict: NREL Model Benefits Biomass-to-Fuel Reactor Design
by Zia Abdullah (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers can accurately predict reaction rates and optimal conditions for making biofuels. Their secret? Complex math to sketch the intricate chemistry and physics that drive catalytic fast pyrolysis. Catalytic
August 09, 2021 Read Full Article
Thune, Farm-State Colleagues to Biden: Biofuels Noticeably Absent From Your Agenda
(Office of Senator John Thune R-SD) U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today led several of his colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden requesting a meeting with him and representatives of his cabinet to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard and promote biofuels
July 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Meeting Paris Goals Will Create Green Jobs
(Our Daily Planet) Researchers recently conducted an analysis of how trying to meet the Paris Agreement targets would affect energy jobs in 50 countries. They found that action to reach the targets would increase net jobs by about 8 million
July 27, 2021 Read Full Article
Modeling for Biorefineries: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to Red Rock Biofuels De-Risking Feedstock
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)Optimizing and de-risking the deployment of biomass gasification processes by implementing physics-based simulations of feed handling and transportation unit operations was NREL’s goal as they did modeling and simulations to support Red Rock Biofuels during design
July 07, 2021 Read Full Article
Iowa Lawmakers Urge Biden to Prioritize Biofuels
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Reps. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa; Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa; and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, sent a letter to President Biden on May 25 urging him to uphold his promise to
May 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industry Wary of Tech-Neutral Tax Credit Absent CI Model Changes
by Patrick Newkumet (OPIS) Alternative low-carbon fuel producers would receive tax credits for reaching net-zero emissions under a U.S. Senate bill introduced last month, but biofuel industry stakeholders are concerned they will find it difficult to reach that target by 2030
May 21, 2021 Read Full Article
Enhancing Land Surface Models to Grow Perennial Bioenergy Crops
(U.S. Department of Energy/EurekAlert!) High-yield miscanthus and switchgrass are promising alternatives to traditional annual crops for biofuels. -- ... To understand the effects of this trend, scientists must accurately represent biofuel crops in land surface models. Using observations from biofuel
May 20, 2021 Read Full Article
2021 Project Peer Review—Presentation Database
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted its 2021 Project Peer Review virtually on March 8‒12, 2021; March 15‒16, 2021; and March 22‒26, 2021. Presentations for all sessions can be found in the searchable database below. For more information,
May 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Getting the Most from Sustainable Aviation Fuel
by Lloyd Ritter (Green Capitol LLC/Biofuels Digest) The aviation industry is currently responsible for less than 3% of total global carbon emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). But with air travel expected to increase by more than 60 percent
May 19, 2021 Read Full Article
American Coalition for Ethanol Commends Scientists For Evidence Ethanol Must Be Part Of The Climate Solution
(American Coalition for Ethanol/GrainNet) American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) welcomed more scientifically credible evidence provided by Department of Energy Argonne National Lab scientists that explicitly states, “Corn ethanol plays an important role in enhancing energy security and the rural economy while contributing to
May 10, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA to USDA: Ethanol Fuels Climate-Smart Agriculture, Energizes Rural Communities
(Renewable Fuels Association) In separate comment letters submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Renewable Fuels Association explained how expanded ethanol production and use can support the administration’s “climate-smart” agriculture goals and encouraged USDA to use the Rural Energy Pilot
April 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Green Hydrogen (Simple Electrolysis Financial Model)
(eFinancial Models Templates) The Model Incorporates data provided by different available sources to Model an Electrolysis financial model. It includes Electrolyzer cost, Dispenser, Storage Compression & Transport Cost. The Model has a ticker to include the cost of the transport
April 28, 2021 Read Full Article
Senators Ask USDA to Update Biodiesel Emissions Study
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) A group of 10 senators led by Sens. John Thune, R-S.D., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., on March 18 sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the USDA to complete a full lifecycle assessment of
April 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Feedstock Development, Production, Management: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA’s Feedstock Innovations
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From switchgrass, sorghum or sugarcane, feedstock development, genomics, and crops improvement abound with USDA’s help at the Biomass Research Center. Rob Mitchell, Research Leader and Research Agronomist at USDA ARS, shares all about the latest
March 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Aviation Leaders Launch First in-Flight 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel Emissions Study on Commercial Passenger Jet
(Neste) A team of aerospace specialists has launched the world’s first in-flight emissions study using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on a wide-body commercial passenger aircraft. Airbus, German research centre DLR, Rolls-Royce and SAF producer Neste have teamed up to start the
March 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuel Supported Bills Introduced on Capitol Hill
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) House climate proposal includes RFS integrity provisions and Adopt GREET Act recognizes ethanol’s improved environmental benefits. -- Legislators are looking to expand access and acceptance of biofuels with the introduction of several bills this week on
March 04, 2021 Read Full Article
POET Urges Biden Climate Team to Grasp E15 Philosophy
(Biofuels International) POET has urged the new Biden administration to embrace E15. The world’s largest biofuels producer, based in Sioux Falls in South Dakota, has also welcomed the new President’s leadership in making climate a top priority. ... Rob Walther, vice president of
February 19, 2021 Read Full Article
EH&E Study Shows Corn Ethanol Emits 46% Less Greenhouse Gases Than Gasoline – Finding Differs from Conventional Wisdom Suggesting Only 20%
(Environmental Health & Engineering Inc.) Research from EH&E shows that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for ethanol, a biofuel made from corn, are 46% lower than gasoline. Conventional wisdom based on a prior analysis done by EPA had pegged the difference to
February 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Thune, Klobuchar Reintroduce Bill to Recognize Environmental Benefit of Biofuels, Efficient Farming
(Office of Senator John Thune (R-S.D.)) U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) today reintroduced the Adopt GREET Act, legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel. Specifically, the bill would require
February 04, 2021 Read Full Article
Clean Fuel Standard Model Demonstrates Biofuel Demand, Signals Need to Expand Production Capacity in Canada
(Advanced Biofuels Canada/EIN Presswire) WAEES incorporates Canada’s CFS into their global model to profile impacts on supply chains, biofuels, and compliance credit markets -- Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC) announced the release of detailed expert modelling of Canada’s Clean Fuel Standard (CFS). The
November 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Outlines 2021 Biofuel Policy Priorities
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor today outlined the biofuels industry’s top federal priorities for 2021, highlighting key measures that elected leaders must take to protect the climate, revitalize rural communities, and offer more consumers clean, affordable options
November 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Study Confirms Contribution of Bioenergy to Climate Change Mitigation
by Elton Alisson (Agência FAPESP) ... Some argue, for example, that biofuels are not sustainable because the conversion of non-agricultural land to grow energy crops could lead to a significant initial decrease in carbon storage, creating what is known as a
November 19, 2020 Read Full Article
ANL Releases 2020 Updates to GREET Models
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Argonne National Laboratory’s Systems Assessment Center on Oct. 9 announced the 2020 release of the suite of Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies (GREET) models. GREET is a life-cycle analysis tool that can
October 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Study Predicts Climate Benefits Stemming from the Use of Advanced Biofuels
(AZO CleanTech/Colorado State University) Biofuel and bioenergy systems are integral to scenarios for displacing fossil fuel use and producing negative emissions through carbon capture and storage. But the net greenhouse gas mitigation benefit of these systems has been controversial, due to
August 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Phenotyping and Trait Predictions: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Sorghum as Energy Crop
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Take genotype + environment + management practices and you’ve got phenotyping, a measurable characteristic or trait of a plant. In this case, we look at sorghum from Purdue University’s Dr. Melba Crawford and how they are
August 31, 2020 Read Full Article
New Soil Models May Ease Atmospheric CO2, Climate Change
(North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance) ... In an article published in Nature Geoscience, Cornell University's Johannes Lehmann and others wrote that scientists should develop new models that more accurately reflect the carbon-storage processes beneath our feet in order to effectively
August 21, 2020 Read Full Article
ACE: Legislation Would Require EPA to Update GREET
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Today (August 6, 2020), Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., introduced the Adopt GREET Act, which would require U.S. EPA to update its decade-old greenhouse gas lifecycle modeling for ethanol and biodiesel. American Coalition for Ethanol
August 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Encourages California to Embrace More Biofuels
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) This week, Growth Energy submitted comments to the California Air Resources Board following a July 15th workshop on Fuels and Infrastructure for a Carbon Neutral Economy. In his written submission, Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley
August 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Bustos Secures Agriculture Wins for Rural America in $152 Billion Appropriations Bill
(Office of Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL)) Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) helped pass a comprehensive Agriculture and Rural Development funding bill out of the powerful House Appropriations Committee that would deliver more than $152 billion in agriculture and rural support. “Democrats are building up
July 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter on Behalf of the Urban Air Initiative (UAI)
(Urban Air Initiative) On behalf of the Urban Air Initiative (UAI), we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the above Proposed Rulemaking (Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0072). UAI is a not for profit technical organization with a particular focus on automotive emissions
July 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Can Techno-Economic Models and Environmental Impact Analysis Help You?: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Techno-Economic Modeling for Bioprocess Tech
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) During last week’s DigestConnect discussion, Chris Burk from Burk Engineering and Lee Enterprises shared this slide guide on what exactly is techno-economic modeling, why it’s important, how techno-economic models work, how it’s used in real life
May 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Transparency At EPA Still Missing
(Urban Air Initiative) The EPA is working on another emission testing program, one that will cost $25 million and last five years. This comes on the heels of a previous emissions study funded by the EPA. When the Urban Air Initiative
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Loses Case Seeking Modeling behind Obama Mileage Rollback
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was wrong to withhold information about how it devised its new fuel efficiency standards, a panel of judges ruled just a day after the Trump administration rolled back Obama-era mileage standards. The
April 02, 2020 Read Full Article
All the Wrong MOVES: EPA's MOVES Model Contains Serious Flaws
by Dave VanderGriend (Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) EPA's MOVES model contains serious flaws and could heavily impact the industry as EPA conducts anti-backsliding study. -- What is playing out in front of the ethanol industry is the reality of
January 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Regional Cap-and-Invest Modeling Lacks Consideration of Renewable Fuel Adoption and Infrastructure
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Modeling by Georgetown Climate Center's Transportation and Climate Initiative of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States released Tuesday showed potential for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, pollution reduction, job creation and public health benefits. The anticipated
December 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Green Dreams: Agilyx and GE Enter Agreement to Advance the Circular Economy for Plastics
(Agilyx/PR Newswire) Bringing artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive modeling to chemical recycling; Aiming to improve recycling of post-use plastics to >95% -- Imagine a world where plastic materials would never go to waste. Agilyx Corporation ("Agilyx"), the leader in chemical recycling of
December 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Argonne Collaboration Shows Benefits of Better Corn Residue Management Strategies
(U.S. Department of Energy) As the global population swells, boosting the demand for both food and energy, land management has never been more important. Now, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory are conducting pivotal research that
December 04, 2019 Read Full Article
The New Science Fossil Fuel Companies Fear
by Zack Coleman (Politico) Researchers can now link weather events to emissions – and to the companies responsible. A string of lawsuits is about to give “attribution science” a real-life test. -- Richard Heede spent a decade digging through “disheveled, dusty”
November 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Want More Miles per Gallon? Start Planting Some Trees
by Beth A. Russell (Idaho National Laboratory) It turns out that trees (or as researchers refer to them, woody biomass) can be refined to produce a carbon-rich wood alcohol that is excellent for use in high-octane fuel blends. Lest one imagine a
September 19, 2019 Read Full Article
American Coalition for Ethanol : ACE Calls on EPA to Rely on the GREET Model as It Considers Future RFS Volumes
(American Coalitin for Ethanol/Market Screener) American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings highlighted the important role corn ethanol could have in further reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions if properly valued under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in a letter to Environmental Protection
July 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Alternative Oxygenate Effects on Emissions
(Urban Air Institute) The Urban Air Initiative (UAI) would like to thank the Coordinated Research Council (CRC) for its recent study that shows simply adding an oxygenate lowers tailpipe emissions. This recent CRC study, Report No. E-129, titled ALTERNATIVE OXYGENATE EFFECTS ON EMISSIONS,
July 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Senators Urge EPA to Update Science on Ethanol
(Feedstuffs) EPA has rejected calls to update GHG calculations based on technological advancements in ethanol production. -- A bipartisan group of senators led by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D., Ill.), both members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition &
June 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Argonne Releases Updated Computer Model to Help Bioenergy Developers Conserve Water
(Argonne National Laboratory) Critical updates to WATER tool help the bioenergy industry manage resources. -- The U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory recently released an updated version of an online computer model meant to help bioenergy developers preserve critical resources. The model, called
June 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Pathways to 2050: Scenarios for Decarbonizing the U.S. Economy
(Center for Climate and Clean Energy Solutions) Climate change is among the most profound challenges of all time, confronting individuals, businesses, and governments across the globe. Meeting this challenge requires a sweeping, sustained effort over the coming decades. To successfully orient
May 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Presentation Slides Now Available for Transportation and Climate Initiative Webinar, May 23
(Transportation and Climate Initiative of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States) This interactive presentation will discuss modeling methods that TCI states are considering to inform the design of a regional low-carbon transportation policy. Presenters reviewed data inputs and assumptions that may be
May 28, 2019 Read Full Article
GREET Advances Understanding of the Sustainability of Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biopower
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model is a tool that examines the life-cycle impacts of vehicle technologies, fuels, products, and energy systems. It provides a transparent platform through which energy and vehicle producers,
May 16, 2019 Read Full Article
New Study: Renewable Fuel Standard Saves Consumers 22 Cents on Every Gallon of Gas
by Kelsey Quargnenti (Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has lowered gas prices by an average of 22 cents per gallon in recent years and saved the typical American household $250 annually, according to a study published today by economist
May 15, 2019 Read Full Article
The Case for a Credit
by Steffen Mueller and Sam Rushing (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The role of ethanol-based carbon dioxide is often underappreciated, both as an important source for the nation’s carbon dioxide market and for its carbon-reduction impact. Fermentation CO2 is captured, cleaned and condensed
May 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Comparison of Biofuel Life-Cycle GHG Emissions Assessment Tools: The Case Studies of Ethanol Produced from Sugarcane, Corn, and Wheat
by L.G.Pereira, O.Cavalett, A.Bonomi, Y.Zhang, E.Warner, H.L.Chum (Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews) Highlights: Emissions ranged from 16 to 45 for sugarcane and 43–62 g CO2eq MJ−1 for corn ethanol. LCA tools produce similar results when harmonized to the maximum possible extent. Models are sensitive to methodology,
May 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Helps Develop a Novel Extraction Process that May Provide a More Economical Way to Make a Promising Biofuel
(Worcester Polytechnic Institute/PR Web) Isobutanol has been hailed as a possible green replacement for fossil fuels like gasoline, but producing it has proven difficult and costly. In a paper in Nature Communications, a research team that includes a WPI chemical engineer
April 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Technical Report Comparison of Biofuel Life Cycle Analysis Tools
(Task 39 – Commercializing Liquid Biofuels/International Energy Agency (IEA Bioenergy)) ... Bioenergy plays an important role in the decarbonization of the transportation sector. Its medium and long-term benefits depend on the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions brought forth by the conversion
April 02, 2019 Read Full Article
One Fish Model Study Leads to Three Wins for the Environment
by Tim Theiss (Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Department of Energy) Over the past two years, researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have been modeling to understand the costs and benefits of
February 07, 2019 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"The GHG emissions of petroleum are higher than the baseline estimates originally projected by EPA" That's one finding in a new study by Life Cycle Associates. It's also one reason biofuels entering the marketplace thanks to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) exceed
February 06, 2019 Read Full Article
New Study: RFS2 Has Reduced GHG Emissions by 600 Million Metric Tons, Beating EPA Expectations
(Renewable Fuels Association) A new study released today finds that the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) has been a tremendous success in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with nearly 600 million metric tons of GHG reduction since 2007. Actual GHG reductions under the
February 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Brazil May Boost Ethanol Production without Deforestation
by Rodrigo de Oliveira Andrade (SciDev.net) Ethanol sugarcane by-products serve to feed cattle with highly nourishing forage; Requires adapting US system; Recovery strategies for deforested areas also required -- By integrating the cultivation of sugarcane for ethanol with beef cattle breeding on the same
February 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Potential Trade‐Offs of Employing Perennial Biomass Crops for the Bioeconomy in the EU by 2050: Impacts on Agricultural Markets in the EU and the World
(ResearchGate) Perennial biomass crops (PBC) are considered a crucial feedstock for sustainable biomass supply to the bioeconomy that compete less with food production compared to traditional crops. However, large‐scale development of PBC as a means to reach greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation
February 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Empirical Evidence Suggests Negligible Indirect Land Use Effect of Corn Ethanol in the U.S.
(Agriculture & Applied Ecoomics Association/CISION/PR Web) AAEA Members release research that finds corn ethanol production and crop price changes had negligible impact on cropland -- Since 2007 corn ethanol production has doubled and there was also a sharp upturn in corn prices
January 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Review Finds No Consensus Among Fuel Studies – Major Implications for Health, Air Quality
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) A recent review of nearly 100 different peer-reviewed vehicle emission studies, by the independent consulting group Future Fuel Strategies, found that there is no consensus in the literature regarding the health effects of
January 27, 2019 Read Full Article
UAI: Test Fuels Are Not Representative of Real-World Fuels
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) An analysis commissioned by the Urban Air Initiative raises questions about studies used by U.S. EPA to model ethanol’s emissions. The independent analysis, completed by Future Fuel Strategies, looked at nearly 100 vehicle emissions studies, and
January 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Independent Study Finds Vehicle Emission Testing Is Not Reliable
(Urban Air Initiative) A new study finds that many of the test fuels used in emissions research studies do not reflect the makeup of consumer fuels, limiting the ability of ethanol to be used to reduce emissions and improve vehicle
January 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Immediate Fossil Fuel Phaseout Could Arrest Climate Change – Study
by Damian Carrington (The Guardian) ... Climate change could be kept in check if a phaseout of all fossil fuel infrastructure were to begin immediately, according to research. ... The study found that if all fossil fuel infrastructure – power plants, factories, vehicles, ships and
January 18, 2019 Read Full Article
More Designer Peptides, More Possibilities
(U.S. Department of Energy) With their tiny scaffolds of atoms, peptides hold the promise of creating catalysts for biofuels, capturing hazardous waste, and delivering new therapies to improve health. While nature offers a few peptides with the perfect characteristics for such
January 07, 2019 Read Full Article
Assessing Bioenergy Sustainability: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to IEA Bioenergy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy conducted work on sustainability assessments of bioenergy systems and the carbon balance of forest-based bioenergy. Annette Cowie and Göran Berndes from Chalmers University of Technology and IEA Bioenergy gave this illuminating overview of the methods
December 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Commercializing Conventional and Advanced Liquid Biofuels from Biomass: Task 39 Update
(IEA Bioenergy Task 39) ... Task work that has recently been completed and will soon be posted on the “publically available” sections of the Task 39 website (http://task39.ieabioenergy.com/) includes the final report entitled, “Survey of Advanced Fuels for Advanced Engines” which Task 39 carried
December 19, 2018 Read Full Article
More Bioplastics Do Not Necessarily Contribute to Climate Change Mitigation
(University of Bonn) Study from the University of Bonn assesses potential implications of transitioning to plant-based plastics -- Bioplastics are often promoted as an environmentally and climate-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. However, a recent study from the University of Bonn suggests
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to ARPA-E’s Agro-Energy Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) advances high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too early for private-sector investment. ARPA-E awardees are unique because they are developing entirely new ways to generate, store, and use energy. ARPA-E
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: Biomass Production and Water Quality in the Mississippi River Basin --- December 6, 2018
Join the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office on Dec. 6, 2018, at 1 p.m. CST for a webinar on “Biomass Production and Water Quality in the Mississippi River Basin.” In this webinar, Argonne National Laboratory and Oak Ridge
December 05, 2018 Read Full Article
The Case for Properly Valuing the Low Carbon Benefits of Corn Ethanol
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The Renewable Fuel Standard has successfully driven the production and use of low carbon fuels in the U.S. transportation fleet. Corn ethanol has replaced 10 percent of climate change causing petroleum. The RFS was enacted, in
November 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Perfectly Planned
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) With proper planning, expansions can go relatively smoothly. Without it, large, unforeseen obstacles can increase costs, delay startups and derail projects. Ryan Brock, technical services manager for Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits, has horror stories about
October 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Understanding the Emissions Benefits of Higher Ethanol Blends: EPA Modeling Fails to Tell the Whole Story.
by Steve Vander Griend (Clean Fuels Development Coalition) Adding ethanol to gasoline improves it in every way. It lowers carbon, reduces common air pollutants for smog formation, lessens CO2 emissions, reduces sulfur content, and provides clean octane as a replacement
September 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Complex Networks Identify Genes for Biofuel Crops
(U.S. Department of Energy Newswise) Systems biology leads the way to exascale computing on Summit supercomputer. -- ... To improve biofuel production, scientists must understand the fundamental interactions that lead to the expression of key traits in plants and microbes. To understand
August 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Catalysts for Better Biofuel Production
(CORDIS/Phys.Org) ... The EU-funded FASTCARD project used two different routes to meet European commitments to the production of advanced biofuels. The first involved the 'liquefaction' of biomass and is the closest to competing economically with fossil fuels, while the second employed gasification of
August 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Deeper into the Biomass: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the DOE’s Billion Ton Report, Vol. 2
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy’s Billion-Ton Report: Advancing Domestic Resources for a Thriving Bioeconomy says that 1.2 billion tons of biomass would be available at $40 or less per ton by 2040, and 1 billion tons would be available
August 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Six Transformations Needed to Achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Major Report Launched
(International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis) The World in 2050 (TWI2050) initiative has launched a new report, setting out six key transformations that will enable the world to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The transformations presented in the report, Transformations to
July 23, 2018 Read Full Article
One Day at the World’s Leading Biomass Technology Conference, EUBCE 2018
by Steve Bi* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Renaissance-era facades capped with green copper patina and orange clay shingles harmonize seamlessly with imaginative, hallmark-of-Scandinavia, hyper-modern structures in downtown Copenhagen. [caption id="attachment_99349" align="alignleft" width="212"] Setting of the EUBCE 2018 Copenhagen[/caption] The city provided the perfect backdrop
July 17, 2018 Read Full Article
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