by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, a recent, highly publicized report led by Tyler Lark of the University of Wisconsin attacking the Renewable Fuel Standard is “more problematic than what we initially evaluated to be the case,” according to a new review
Wisconsin
Back TO HOMEA Fuel Switch for Future Farms
by John Blum (Marquette University) A new combustion system for engines allows heavy-duty farm equipment normally powered by diesel fuel to run on gasoline and ethanol, without sacrificing performance. -- Having grown up working on his uncle’s farm and in
May 16, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. Governors Seek to Expand Sales of Higher-Ethanol Gasoline Blend
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. governors from eight Midwest states, many of which are major corn producers, asked the Biden administration on Thursday to apply rules that would allow gasoline blended with a higher level of ethanol to be sold year-round
April 29, 2022 Read Full Article
US: Dane County Marks Earth Week with 100th Vehicle Running on BioCNG
(Dane County/NGV Journal) Dane County has acquired its 100th vehicle that runs on renewable natural gas. The announcement comes as the county celebrates Earth Week and recognizes the investments it has made over the last decade to transition to alternative fuels. By
April 25, 2022 Read Full Article
EnTech Solutions, Northern Biogas, Dane County Support Sustainable Communities with Agricultural Biodigester
(EnTech Solutions) Organizations Unveil Completed Facility Powered by Clean Energy as Part of Earth Day Commemoration -- With the support of leadership from Dane County, Wisconsin, EnTech Solutions, a full-service clean energy solutions provider, has partnered with Northern Biogas, a fully-funded renewable natural
April 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol under Attack and Creating Strange Bedfellows
by Damian Mason (The Business of Agriculture) In February of 2022 a “study” caught wide media attention (as it was designed by its sponsors to specifically do). The study, commissioned by National Wildlife Fund, found that corn ethanol is worse
April 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Corn Leader Says Ethanol Can Easily Displace Russian Imports
(Brownfield Ag News) A Wisconsin corn grower who also works to promote more ethanol use says the return of the summertime E15 waiver is good news for everyone. Tom Gillis is on the Wisconsin Corn Board and the NCGA Ethanol Action
April 14, 2022 Read Full Article
STUDY–a 5-letter word for EARTH MONTH.
Advanced Biofuels USA, a nonprofit educational organization HELPS students STUDY how to defossilize transportation and OTHER energy use. Here’s an example from students in Wisconsin: https://advancedbiofuelsusa.info/seventh-grade-environmental-issues-project-students-use-advanced-biofuels-usa-resources/ Each day throughout EARTH MONTH in 2022, Advanced Biofuels USA will highlight one or more
April 07, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA's Snyder: E15 Work Underway EPA Ag Adviser Tells Ethanol Producers Agency Working with States to Restore E15
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) With the start of the summer driving season fast approaching and year-round E15 sales no longer an option, EPA's Rod Snyder said on Thursday the agency continues to work to restore those sales. Snyder, who is
March 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Kohler Engines Approves Use of HVO for All Its Diesel Engines in Europe
(Kohler) It’s full speed ahead for Kohler Engines and its commitment to lessen the environmental impact of its engines. The company recently approved use of EN15940- compliant Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils, or HVOs, for all its diesel engines – either pure
March 22, 2022 Read Full Article
ETHANOL Outlook Sunny; Try Again
by Geogg Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Minneapolis Star Tribune) Contrary to the assertions of the March 13 article "Ethanol's emissions clouding its benefits," ethanol's environmental benefits are as clear as the blue sky on a cloudless, sunny day. While the article correctly mentions that
March 21, 2022 Read Full Article
50 Hottest Projects in the Advanced Bioeconomy 2022
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On Day 2 of ABLC in Washington, DC, The Digest announced the 50 Hottest Projects in the Advanced Bioeconomy 2022. This year, the focus was on advanced bioeconomy manufacturing sites, completed or in development, at pilot,
March 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Calls on DOE to Set the Record Straight on Anti-Ethanol Study
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor sent a letter to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm calling on the department to address the most recent inaccurate and misleading study by Tyler Lark and others that claims to have been partially
March 16, 2022 Read Full Article
Grassley and Ernst Call on Biden to Unleash Iowa Biofuel Immediately as Gas Prices Hit Record High, U.S. Bans Russian Oil
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) Iowa senators introduce bipartisan legislation to open up the use of clean, American-made renewable fuels that are available right now to replace banned Russian oil -- As gas prices hit all-time record highs, Sens. Chuck Grassley
March 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Optimus Technologies and Renewable Energy Group Implement B100 Technology to Help City of Madison Reach Sustainability Goals
(Optimus Technologies) Use of 100% Biodiesel Will Help Fleet Reach Net Zero Target -- The City of Madison, Wisconsin will soon be seeing emissions reductions after converting 17 of their fleet vehicles to operate on 100% biodiesel, thanks to their partnership
March 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Submits RVO Comments to Debunk Anti-ethanol Study
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Yesterday, Growth Energy submitted supplemental comments to the U.S. EPA responding to erroneous comments from others on the environmental, economic, and compliance impacts of EPA’s proposed 2020, 2021, and 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard
March 08, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Producer Not Optimistic about E15 "Policy Failure" Getting Fixed before Summer
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) ... Erik Huschitt with Badger State Ethanol in Monroe, Wisconsin tells Brownfield America had the one-pound waiver approved by the prior administration, “And then, we have a change in the Supreme Court level that doesn’t
March 01, 2022 Read Full Article
Optimizing for Carbon Storage: A New Model for Biorefineries
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Biorefinery profitability scale with a carbon credit in cases of (A) no capture, (B) capture from fermentation, (C) capture from fermentation and biogas, and (E) full capture from fermentation and biogas, with exactly enough capture from
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Postdoctoral Researcher Spotlight: Balendra Sah
by Mary Riker (Great Lakes Bioenery Research Center) ... After I completed my Ph.D., I was looking for a lab where I could do further research in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, and I found the Landick lab as a suitable
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
ACE Corrects Misrepresentations of RFS Environmental Outcomes
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In South Dakota, the American Coalition of Ethanol said a report released recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences by Tyler Lark and others brought to life several misrepresentations of the environmental outcomes
February 21, 2022 Read Full Article
Setting the Record Straight on the Environmental Outcomes of the Renewable Fuel Standard
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) A new report published today (February 14, 2022) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences, funded in part by the National Wildlife Federation, purports to examine the “environmental outcomes” of the Renewable
February 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Air Liquide to Build US Biomethane Production Unit
(Air Liquide/Biomass Magazine) Air Liquide continues its development of biomethane activities with the construction in the U.S. of its largest biomethane production unit in the world. This will bring the worldwide biomethane production capacity of the group to 1.8 TWh. The
February 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Equipment Manufacturers, Fleets Highlight Importance of Biodiesel in Future Program Plans
(National Biodiesel Board/Clean Fuels Alliance Americ) Clean Fuels Recognized as Essential Part of a Low-Carbon Transportation Future -- The National Biodiesel Board this week announced its transition to a new name, Clean Fuels Alliance America, reflecting the organization’s progressive vision and
January 30, 2022 Read Full Article
Year-Round E15: There’s More than One Way to Peel a Banana
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Recognizing this, the governors of seven Midwest states sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan in early November seeking guidance from the agency on how best to pursue a specific—and
January 27, 2022 Read Full Article
Macquarie Capital Launches Renewable Fuels Platform Aerogy; Completes Financing of First US Project
(Macquarie Capital/Business Newswire) Macquarie Capital Launches Renewable Fuels Platform Aerogy; Completes Financing of First US Project; Aerogy will focus on developing and investing in renewable fuels, supporting energy transition; Announces financial close of Zahn Farm Project anaerobic digestion facility in
January 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Nationally Recognized Fleet Leaders Named ‘Biodiesel Ambassadors’
(National Biodiesel Board/Biobased Diesel Daily) ... Six decades later, a lot has changed for John Benish Jr., the second-generation executive of the family-owned and operated school bus company based in Oak Brook, Illinois. For one thing, today’s kids have clean-emission
January 17, 2022 Read Full Article
White House Will Recruit Rural Land for New Clean Energy Projects, Could It Create Too Much Competition for Land?
by Tyne Morgan (Farm Journal AgWeb) The Biden Administration is ramping up its efforts to deploy clean energy infrastructure across the country. The White House announced this week plans to utilize public lands and rural America for wind, solar and other clean energy
January 14, 2022 Read Full Article
Diamonds from Human Feces, Animal Bones for Light Switches, Mercedes Car with Biobased Materials, and More: The Digest’s Top 8 Innovations for the Week of January 12th
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Last week it was elephant dung and now this week it’s human feces being turned into diamonds. Yes, you read that correctly…provocative installation artist Christoph Büchel will convert his unsold work and DNA extracted from
January 13, 2022 Read Full Article
An Energy Transition Needs Lots of Power Lines.
by Dan Gearino (Inside Climate News) This 1970s Minnesota Farmers’ Uprising Tried to Block One. What Can it Teach Us? As the country moves toward a massive build-out of transmission lines, a decades-old rebellion offers a way through potential opposition. -- If
January 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Kind Says Momentum Is Building for Defend the Blend Act
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) A Wisconsin Congressman remains optimistic about legislation that would require the EPA to stay on track with setting biofuel blending requirements. Representative Ron Kind tells Brownfield the Defend the Blend Act simply requires the EPA administrator
December 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Microgrid-Powered Facility in Wisconsin Produces Renewable Natural Gas for California
by David Appleyard (Microgrid Knowledge) Powering an anaerobic digester project with a renewable microgrid has transformed the economics of biogas at a newly commissioned plant in Wisconsin. The facility is turning organic waste from more than 4,000 dairy cows into renewable
December 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Waste Not, Want Not: New Process Turns Manure into Fatty Acids
by Mark E. Griffin (University of Wisconsin--Madison) University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers have demonstrated a new process for transforming a plentiful Wisconsin waste into fatty acids, energy-rich molecules that can be used to make fuels and a wide range of important
December 28, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. Department of Energy Continues to Fund Dimethyl Ether (DME) Projects to Decarbonize Transportation
(Oberon Fuels) Awards recognize DME as a viable, low-carbon solution for use in a variety of vehicles and as a variety of fuel types -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) has awarded more than $4 million
November 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Bill Targets Retroactive Changes to RVOs
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) A bipartisan group of Midwestern lawmakers is taking aim at the potential for EPA to retroactively lower biofuel blending mandates under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and Ron Kind (D-Wis.) introduced the Defend
November 24, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. DOE Funds Dimethyl Ether Projects to Decarbonize Transportation
by Michael Bates (NGT News) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) has awarded more than $4 million in funding to test novel applications of dimethyl ether (DME) as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. Oberon Fuels, a company
November 09, 2021 Read Full Article
RFA Applauds Midwest Governors for Proactively Pursuing Year-Round E15 Fix
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked a bipartisan group of seven Midwestern governors for their efforts to explore what actions can be taken to allow the year-round sale of E15 in their states. In a letter sent to EPA Administrator
November 04, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. DOE Announces $199 Million to Reduce Emissions from Cars & Trucks
(U.S. Department of Energy/Clean Technica) 25 Research, Development, and Demonstration Projects Will Advance Electrification of Freight Trucks, Reduce Vehicle Emissions and Improve Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure -- Vice President Kamala Harris joined U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm in New
November 04, 2021 Read Full Article
A Single, Oxygen-Driven Step to Separate Plants into the Ingredients for Biofuels and Chemicals
Jill Sakai (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Breaking down plant material for biofuels processing has always required multiple steps, especially when it comes to dealing with the tough, complex polymer lignin. Current methods use a multi-step pretreatment process that focuses
October 30, 2021 Read Full Article
New Reports Take Deep Dive Into State Food Waste Policies
by Nora Goldstein and Kat McCarthy (BioCycle Magazine) NRDC commissioned a survey of food waste hierarchy-related policies in 12 states across 3 regions. The publicly available reports are an invaluable resource. -- The NRDC’s (Natural Resources Defense Council) Food Matters initiative
October 13, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Announces More Than $146M Investment in Sustainable Agricultural Research
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an investment of more than $146 million in sustainable agricultural research projects aimed at improving a robust, resilient, climate-smart food and agricultural system. This investment is made under
October 07, 2021 Read Full Article
United States: Dane County Invests $10M in Clean Fuel Infrastructure
(Dane County/NGV Journal) ... The renewable fuel injected into the pipeline at the Dane County Landfill comes from rotting trash and renewable natural gas brought in from manure digesters. It powers trucks and vehicles across the region, reducing diesel and
October 04, 2021 Read Full Article
Dartmouth Next-Generation Biofuels Research Wins Federal Grant
(NH Business Review) Department of Energy awards $1.2 million to study cellulosic biofuel production -- A newly awarded $1.2 million, three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Energy will help fund the research of Dartmouth engineering professor Daniel Olson, who is
September 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Chicken and Cow Champions – Chevron, bp Dive into Poultry Poop and Dairy Doodoo for RNG
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) A double doozy came in the news with Chevron expanding their JV partnership with Brightmark on their dairy biomethane renewable natural gas work together, and then bp and Clean Bay Renewables’ new 15-year agreement where
August 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Life Cycle Assessment of Forest-Based Products: A Review
by Kamalakanta Sahoo, Richard Bergman, Sevda Alanya-Rosenbaum, Hongmei Gu and Shaobo Liang (Sustainability) Climate change, environmental degradation, and limited resources are motivations for sustainable forest management. Forests, the most abundant renewable resource on earth, used to make a wide variety
August 26, 2021 Read Full Article
The Biofuels Story - PREZI
(Wisconsin Energy Institute) What is the difference between biofuels and fossil fuels? Why are researchers at GLBRC (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) investigating making biofuels from corn stalks, grasses and other inedible plant material? This short interactive presentation introduces why
August 25, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Invests $26 Million in Biofuel Infrastructure to Expand Availability of Higher-Blend Renewable Fuels in 23 States
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Will Increase Availability of Biofuels by 822 Million Gallons Annually -- Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $26 million to build infrastructure to expand
August 20, 2021 Read Full Article
National Biodiesel Board Launches RFS Ad Campaign
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) The National Biodiesel Board launched an ad campaign calling on President Biden to maintain his commitment to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The ads will air on more than 200 radio stations in Iowa, Illinois, Michigan,
August 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Recycling Plastic Has Been an Uphill Challenge. Could Chemical Recycling Change That?
(PBS NewsHour) Plastic pollution is a global threat on our lands and seas. Since World War II, we have created over 9 billion cubic tons of it, yet its recycling remains extremely limited. As part of our "Breakthroughs" series, Miles
July 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Commentary: Demonstrate Patriotism with Support for Alternative Fuels and Technologies
by Lorrie Lisek (Wisconsin Clean Cities/Kenosha News) ... Today, Americans can and should band together with the same sense of patriotic pride of the World War II scrap drives in supporting the use and adoption of sustainable, domestic transportation fuels
July 14, 2021 Read Full Article
Wisconsin Logistics Operator Invests in Its Own Bio-CNG Refueling Facility
(OPAL Fuels) OPAL Fuels LLC, a vertically integrated producer and distributor of renewable natural gas for heavy-duty truck fleets, announced a contract with Contract Transport Services (CTS) to sell 15 million gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) of biomethane and build the station
July 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Joe Biden Shifts His Focus from Agriculture to Infrastructure in His Visit to Wisconsin
by Molly Beck and Rick Barrett (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) President Joe Biden moved his Wisconsin visit from a family farm in the rolling bluffs of Iowa County to the concrete floor of a city bus garage in La Crosse to promote
June 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuels Supporters Concerned about Biden's RFS Support
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) Biofuels supporters remain opposed to President Biden considering relief for oil refiners from biofuel blending requirements. Jonathan Gibbs with the Wisconsin Soybean Board tells Brownfield Biden’s planned Tuesday visit in Wisconsin would be a good
June 29, 2021 Read Full Article
A Presidential Spotlight on Wisconsin Biofuels
by Neal Kemmet (Wisconsin State Farmer) President Biden is expected to discuss the farm economy during a trip to Wisconsin this week. It’s an exciting visit that will showcase the state’s leadership in the field and across the broader agricultural supply
June 28, 2021 Read Full Article
Seventh Grade Environmental Issues Project Students Use Advanced Biofuels USA Resources
by Easton Kitowski and Tyler Falkavage (P.J. Jacobs Junior High School/Advanced Biofuels USA) Our final project for seventh grade science this year was an environmental issues project. Each group got to choose an environmental issue that was important, research the
June 01, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. Department of Energy Invests $35 Million to Dramatically Reduce Carbon Footprint of Biofuel Production
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (May 14, 2021) announced $35 million in funding that will help slash carbon emissions and scale up the volume and efficiency of renewable biofuel. The 15 awarded research projects are
May 17, 2021 Read Full Article
ORIX Corporation USA Makes Equity Investment in Wisconsin Renewable Natural Gas Project
ORIX Corporation USA (ORIX USA) announced today (May 11, 2021) the completion of an equity investment in BC Organics Anaerobic Digestion Facility (BCO), a commercial biorefinery that processes dairy manure into renewable natural gas (RNG), a concentrated nutrient stream, dried
May 12, 2021 Read Full Article
“Dominating” Fungus Could Provide Solution to Producing More Biofuels and Valuable Chemicals
(University of York) he discovery of a novel enzyme that releases a valuable chemical from agricultural waste could provide an important breakthrough in the upscaling of renewable fuels and chemicals, a new study shows. ... Researchers – led by the University of York
May 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Cenex to Offer E15 through Rock Rapids Terminal, Making It More Accessible to Cenex Retail Locations
by Scott Van Aartsen (KIWA Radio) An area pipeline terminal will be helping to get more E15 fuel into our part of northwest Iowa. CHS, formerly known as Cenex-Harvest States is expanding access to higher ethanol blend fuels by offering E15 through
April 28, 2021 Read Full Article
City of Madison to Run More Vehicles on Biodiesel Fuel
by Abriela Thiel (The Badger Herald) 'This has the short and long-term advantage of making Wisconsin a producer of materials it would otherwise import,' UW expert says. -- The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board and the National Biodiesel Board announced they will be
April 21, 2021 Read Full Article
Data Collection Project to Help Farmers Address Greenhouse Gas Emissions
by Leslie Reed (University of Nebraska–Lincoln/Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute/Nebraska Today) University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers affiliated with the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute have received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to better quantify
April 08, 2021 Read Full Article
OPINION: Infrastructure that Makes a Difference
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association) ... At the same time—flying under the radar—has been the latest round of grants approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under its Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, also known as HBIIP. This is an
April 02, 2021 Read Full Article
CHS Grows Access to High Ethanol Blend Fuels
(CHS) High ethanol blend E15 gasoline is available at about 50 Cenex locations and that number is expected to grow. -- In early 2021, CHS announced it had taken steps to make E15 fuels more accessible to the company’s Cenex® branded
March 30, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. Postal Service Awards Contract to Launch Multi-Billion-Dollar Modernization of Postal Delivery Vehicle Fleet
(U.S. Postal Service) ... Under the contract’s initial $482 million investment, Oshkosh Defense will finalize the production design of the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) — a purpose-built, right-hand-drive vehicle for mail and package delivery — and will assemble 50,000 to
February 24, 2021 Read Full Article
Growing Interest in Carbon Markets Coming from All Sides
by Rhiannon Branch (Brownfield Ag News) Interest and growth in carbon market programs is booming. A recent ecosystem markets webinar hosted by the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership had more than 1600 participants registered with more than 600 questions submitted ahead of time. Speaker Kari Hernandez,
February 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Groups Fight Wisconsin Transmission Line
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy)Conservation groups on Wednesday sued over the federal government’s approval of the 102-mile, $500 million Cardinal-Hickory Creek high-voltage transmission line that would carry electricity from renewables from Iowa to Wisconsin. The suit argues that the
February 12, 2021 Read Full Article
IBA Announces First Dairy Biogas Project in North America
(Bioenergy Insight) The Integrated Biogas Alliance (IBA) is in final stage development of a seven dairy, 16,500-head biogas project in Idaho. Working with EIP Ventures, the project represents the IBA’s first dairy biogas project in North America and is expected
February 05, 2021 Read Full Article
Biogas Survey In Wisconsin
(BioCycle agazine) The Wisconsin Biogas Council reports the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin-Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) and University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point (UWSP) have initiated a statewide Biogas Feedstock and Industry Survey. “The survey aims to explore and assess
February 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Wisconsin Farmers Union Delegates Discuss the Future of Ethanol
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) Wisconsin Farmers Union has proposed ethanol policy that would seek 20% cost sharing from state and federal governments for blender pump installation. That same proposal would also drop policy language supporting federal subsidies for ethanol
February 02, 2021 Read Full Article
Senators Ask Biden to Restore the Integrity of the RFS
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of six democratic senators sent a letter President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 11 urging his administration to support U.S. farmers and the biofuels industry by restoring the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The
January 13, 2021 Read Full Article
DigestData DeepDive into Renewable Energy Group
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable Energy Group is the largest operator of renewable diesel and biodiesel plants in the US, with 12 refineries and a fast-growing capacity, especially in red-hot renewable diesel. In today’s Digest, we take a DigestData DeepDive™ with
January 08, 2021 Read Full Article
'Fiber Is the New Starch'
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Novozymes has released a platform to convert more fiber to ethanol, giving producers an attractive 'D3 lift.' The company is also helping its customers navigate the low-carbon fuels marketplace, streamlining certification and assisting where
December 30, 2020 Read Full Article
UWM Scientist Receives Grant to Study Giant Kelp as a Biofuel
by Tom Luljak (WUWM) Giant kelp is usually found thousands of miles from Milwaukee. It’s known for being an incredibly fast-growing seaweed in the Pacific Ocean. But recently, scientists have learned that the kelp could be a huge source for
December 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Trade Leaders Advocate for Reviving the Trans-Pacific Partnership
by Stephanie Hoff (WisBusiness News) U.S. Rep. Ron Kind said he thinks a new Biden administration should look at reviving the Trans-Pacific Partnership. “I think our withdrawal from TPP is one of the greatest strategic mistakes we’re making in the 21st
December 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Wisconsin Governor's Task Force on Climate Change Report
(State of Wisconsin) ... Our charge is to combat the crisis at hand, to do so in a way that weds science and data with the experiences of citizens in the state, to learn how different communities and industries have
December 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Gov. Evers Announces Additional Support for Wisconsin Ethanol Producers
(Office of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers) Gov. Tony Evers today announced that Wisconsin will be making up to $3.25 million of federal Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding available to Wisconsin’s nine ethanol producers. The support aims
December 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Iowa, Wisconsin Ethanol Plants Sue ADM Six Ethanol Companies File New Anti-Trust Lawsuit Against Archer Daniels Midland
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Add six more ethanol companies to the list of plaintiffs suing Archer Daniels Midland, alleging one of the nation's largest ethanol producers manipulated the market. Wisconsin producers United Wisconsin Grain Producers, Didion Ethanol, Ace Ethanol, Fox
November 16, 2020 Read Full Article
LETTER: Biofuel Targets Should Be Set Now
by Marc Berger (Daily Citizen) ... The EPA announced that E15 -- a gasoline blend made with 15% ethanol -- can be pumped through existing E10 infrastructure, helping expand the market for ethanol at a critical time. Despite this, we’re
October 30, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable --- November 12, 2020
Join Wisconsin Clean Cities for the 2020 Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable! Join us and other industry leaders as we examine the multiple benefits of using compressed, liquefied and renewable natural gas as a viable alternative transportation fuel. Scheduled speakers include: David
October 29, 2020 Read Full Article
UW Oshkosh, Agra Energy Bring Biofuel Technology to Dairy Farms
(University of Wisconsin Oshkosh/Biomass Magazine) The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has partnered with Agra Energy Corp. to promote a new technology that converts biogas to fuel. The renewable solution makes use of Agra Energy’s Micro-GTL (gas-to-liquids) technology that converts methane-rich biogas
October 21, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Gain Completes Deer Run Dairy’s Anaerobic Digester
by Michael Bates (NGT News) ... The Deer Run Dairy anaerobic digester transforms animal waste to clean, low-carbon fuel for the transportation market. RNG production offers Deer Run Dairy the opportunity to improve manure management practices from its herd of 1,700
October 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Your Views: EPA Needs to Support Farmers, Homegrown Fuels
by Doug Rebout (GazetteXtra) ... The EPA has consistently undercut the Renewable Fuel Standard by granting Small Refinery Exemptions—or waivers—to big oil, essentially cutting billions of gallons of biofuel demand and cutting off this vital market to corn farmers. The president
October 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable --- November 12, 2020 --- ONLINE
Join Wisconsin Clean Cities for the 2020 Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable! Join us and other industry leaders as we examine the multiple benefits of using compressed, liquefied and renewable natural gas as a viable alternative transportation fuel. READ MORE
October 16, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Department of Energy Announces $27 Million in Plastics Recycling Research and Development
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced over $27 million in funding for 12 projects that will support the development of advanced plastics recycling technologies and new plastics that are recyclable-by-design. As part of DOE’s Plastics
October 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Administration Invests Up to $100 Million to Increase American Biofuel Sales
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. These funds
October 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Nacelle Solutions, U.S. Gain Complete Two Wisconsin RNG Facilities
by Michael Bates (NGT News) Nacelle Solutions says two renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities in Wisconsin – S&S Jerseyland Dairy in Sturgeon Bay and Dallmann East River Dairy in Brillion – have been completed and recently begun operations. Nacelle will own, operate
October 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Fermentation Tech: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From fermentation ingredients to fermentation technology for fuel alcohol and distilled beverage production, Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits has an interesting story and even more interesting path ahead. Check out this slide guide from a recent DigestConnect
September 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Wisconsin Energy Bingo for Clean Energy Week --- September 21-25, 2020
(Wisconsin Energy Institute) Celebrate Clean Energy Week from Sept 21-25 (or any time of the year) by completing energy bingo challenges from the bingo card here! You can also find a printable version here. Get an Energy Bingo by completing five challenges, during Clean Energy Week,
September 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Integrating D3MAX Distillers Tech with Ethanol Facility: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to ACE Ethanol with D3MAX
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ACE Ethanol’s facility in Stanley, Wisconsin has a D3MAX corn fiber to ethanol plant. Mark Yancey, Chief Technology Officer at D3MAX takes us on a tour of the plant, shares their startup issues and successes to
September 10, 2020 Read Full Article
WIU School of Agriculture Part of Second Pennycress Research Grant
(Western Illinois University) Just 12 months after Western Illinois University Agriculture Professor Win Phippen announced the award of a $10 million federal grant to investigate the use of Pennycress as a commercial cash crop, a second grant has been awarded
September 01, 2020 Read Full Article
NBB Launches Ad Campaign Urging President to Reject “Gap” SRE Petitions
(National Biodiesel Board) NBB encourages farmers, biodiesel producers to ask President Trump to keep his promise -- The National Biodiesel Board today launched a radio advertising campaign in six Midwestern states, urging President Donald Trump to keep his promise on the
August 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Administration Still Missing Mark on Biofuels
by Jacqui Fatka (Feedstuffs) ... It was nearly a year ago when farmers' cries started getting louder demanding that President Donald Trump and his Administration stand up for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and defend the interests of biofuels over
August 21, 2020 Read Full Article
DFL Leader Responds to President Trump’s Mankato Visit
by CJ Baumgartner (FOX 21 Local News) ... One DFL senator has criticism on the president’s policies toward farmers. Assistant Minnesota Senate Minority Leader and District 19 Senator Nick Frentz says he’s glad to have any president come to the area
August 18, 2020 Read Full Article
DEALing in: The NewDEAL, a National Network of Progressive State and Local Elected Officials, Unveiled Its Own Climate Policy Agenda
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) DEALing in: The NewDEAL, a national network of progressive state and local elected officials, unveiled its own climate policy agenda this morning. The report focuses on how state and local officials can reduce emissions and
August 17, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA’s Wheeler Says He Has Questions about SRE Gap Waiver Applications
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the gap SRE applications have been sent over from the Department of Energy. “They just started sending them to us the week before last, so our guys are just now
August 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Ingredient Provider Hosts Competitive Grant Program for Future Ethanol Advocates
by Jackie Pohlman (Renewable Fuels Association) When a group of dynamic individuals come together to make a difference, there’s no limit on the impact that they can make. This was the case when CTE Global’s employees came together with a single
August 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Announces $97 Million for Bioenergy Research and Development
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced more than $97 million in funding for 33 projects that will support high-impact technology research and development to accelerate the bioeconomy. These projects will improve the performance and lower
July 31, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Gain Develops Dairy RNG Project in Just 8 Months
(U.S. Gain) U.S. Gain, a leader in development, procurement and distribution of renewable natural gas (RNG), proudly announces that after only eight months their digester at S&S Jerseyland Dairy in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is now transforming animal waste to clean, low
July 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Department of Energy to Provide $68 Million for Bioenergy Crop Research
(Department of Energy) Studies Will Focus on Improving Crop Productivity and Resiliencen -- Today (July 28, 2020) the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $68 million in funding over five years for basic research aimed at making bioenergy feedstock crops
July 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Leaders See Happy Days in the Future
by Nat Williams (Illinois Farmer Today) The ethanol industry has a long, complicated history. But supporters believe the best days are ahead. “Fuel ethanol was a thing as early as early as automobiles. Henry Ford made his automobiles to run on ethanol
July 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Pivotal Research Discovers Practices, Technologies Key to Sustainable Farming
by Anna Marie Tomczyk (Argonne National Laboratory/Phys.Org) ... The practices that grain farmers use to produce their crops—managing fertility, tillage practice and crop rotations—influence the overall carbon footprint of U.S. agriculture. By using sustainable practices, farmers could substantially reduce their
July 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Discovery Yields Road Map to Oxygenated Hydrocarbon Production
by Mark E. Griffin (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) ... Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center scientists are enamored with one particular kind of long chain fatty acid, called furan fatty acid, because it could substitute for petroleum-based products including fuel,
July 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Evolving in COVID-19 World – from Biofuel to Hand Sanitizer, Adapting Is Necessary
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Just this week, Green Plains shifted one of their Nebraska facilities to make FCC grade alcohol to be used for producing hand sanitizer. Lactips developed a solution to produce water-soluble strips for sealing
July 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Taking Corn Fiber to the Max -- Ethanol Producer Awards: Project of the Year to ACE Ethanol
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) When the U.S. EPA approved Ace Ethanol’s Part 80 registration for corn-fiber-to-ethanol production this spring—qualifying the facility to generate D3 RINs—it was not just another project milestone, but a critical validation and definitive green
July 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Selects Three Projects to Increase Industry Access to High-Performance Computing Capabilities
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected three projects to receive approximately $1 million in funding to leverage the unique computational capabilities at DOE’s National Laboratories. The projects will address technical challenges in bioenergy feedstock
July 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Selects Seven Projects to Accelerate Adoption of Performance-Advantaged Biofuels
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today (July 2, 2020), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of seven projects totaling $1.94 million to conduct research and development to accelerate the adoption of performance-advantaged biofuel blendstocks. These fuels are derived from
July 02, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: Wisconsin RNG Success Stories --- July 28, 2020
Join Wisconsin Clean Cities for the Wisconsin Renewable Natural Gas Success Stories Webinar! Hear how industry experts – including U.S. GAIN, CMD CNG Energy Solutions and Nacelle Solutions — are implementing successful RNG projects at dairy farms across Wisconsin, including at Clover Hill Dairy in Campbellsport. Hear
June 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Weed Wizard: Professor Alters Plant Genes to Create Wonder Crop
by Rachel Hatch (Illinois State University News) ... An ISU professor of genetics, (John) Sedbrook is devoted to integrated plant biology and bioenergy, meaning his research focuses on bringing out positive genetic traits in plants. “We’re making mutations that are
June 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Adkins Energy Announces Scholarship Recipients
(Journal Standard) Adkins Energy LLC recently announced Aaron Folk, Kayla Runkle and Hannah Pickard as the recipients of this year’s scholarship awards. The scholarship provides each student with $500 scholarships to help them further their higher education. Entries for this year were
May 19, 2020 Read Full Article
AFBF Reports Bankruptcies Are Highest In 20 Years
(Farm Journal/AgWeb) Bankruptcies are rising and are expecting to increase due to problems associated with COVID-19. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, Chapter 12 family farm bankruptcies for the 12 month period ending in March totaled 627 filings. That’s a 23%
May 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Researchers Create Hybrids of Six Yeast Species to Combine Useful Traits
by Jill Sakai (University of Wisconsin-Madison News) Researchers at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a method to combine traits from up to six different yeast species in a single hybrid strain — a
May 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Wisconsin Biogas Gas Producer Sees Potential in Thermal Renewable Credits
by Frank Jossi (Energy News Network) Verified thermal energy credits could do for methane capture what renewable energy credits did for wind and solar power. -- A Wisconsin company is the first to sign up for a new renewable natural gas
April 21, 2020 Read Full Article
New Gas Processing Facility in Wisconsin Will Produce RNG
by Michael Bates (NGT News) U.S. Gain has completed a gas processing facility at Clover Hill Dairy in Campbellsport, Wis., that will enable the production of renewable natural gas (RNG) for transportation fuel and other uses. “Many of the large farms already have
April 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Great Plains Institute’s Latest Report: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to A Clean Fuels Policy for the Midwest
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The Midwestern Clean Fuels Initiative, facilitated by the Great Plains Institute, is a broad coalition of fuels producers and marketers, nonprofit and research organizations, scientists and engineers, and agriculture and industry stakeholders. The coalition
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
EcoEngineers Profile: Regulatory Engagement Work with Dane County
(EcoEngineers) EcoEngineers’ Regulatory Engagement services and Dane County due diligence resulted in a large win for the renewable natural gas (RNG) industry. We are happy to announce USEPA’s green light to allow the Dane County offloading station to accept biogas from multiple
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Ace Approved to Generate D3 RINs from Corn Kernel Fiber Ethanol
(BBI International/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In late March, U.S. EPA approved Ace Ethanol’s Part 80 registration for the new D3MAX facility at Ace Ethanol LLC, in Stanley, Wisconsin. To participate in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program and generate renewable identification numbers
April 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Bits of the Batch: Researchers Use New Molecular Biology Tools to Identify Inhabitants of Ethanol Plant Bacterial Communities.
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Lactic acid bacteria cells grow and reproduce much more quickly than yeast cells do, consuming the nutrients meant for the yeast in fermentation and producing organic acids instead of ethanol at a molecule ratio of
March 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Wisconsin Clean Cities Accepting Applications for Paid Summer Internship DEADLINE May 4, 2020
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) Wisconsin Clean Cities is accepting applications for a paid summer 2020 internship. The Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program (CCUWDP) is an initiative of Clean Cities, a government-industry partnership sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's Vehicle
March 25, 2020 Read Full Article
Path Finder: Pfleger Lab Uses Bacteria to Convert Biomass into Sustainable Chemicals
by Jason Daley (University of Wisconsin - Madison) ... In addition to transportation fuels, petroleum is refined into hundreds of petrochemicals used in everything from plastics and pharmaceuticals to carpets and fertilizers, and currently there are no easy ways to produce
March 25, 2020 Read Full Article
Biomass Fuels Can Significantly Mitigate Global Warming
(American Associates/Ben-Gurion University of the Negev/EurekAlert!) Biomass fuels derived from various grasses could significantly mitigate global warming by reducing carbon, according to a long-term field study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and Michigan State University (MSU). In a
March 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Decarbonizing Your Ride for a More Stable Climate: Scientists Measure the Climate Benefits of Alternatives to Petroleum Fuels
(National Science Foundation) Transportation produces a sizable amount of greenhouse gas emissions, largely by using petroleum to power internal combustion engines. Alternatives –- for example, organic materials such as grasses to produce fuels or electricity –- could avoid petroleum use altogether. Now,
February 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Now Accepting Applications for 2020 Agricultural Relations Council Scholarship and Internship hosted by Charleston|Orwig DEADLINE: March 15, 2020 and February 21, 2020
(Agricultural Relations Council) The annual Agricultural Relations Council (ARC) Charleston|Orwig Scholarship is open and accepting applications until March 15. Each year, one college student studying agricultural communications and public relations, is awarded a $1,500 scholarship. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is March
February 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Panel Discusses Benefits of Biofuels over Petroleum
by Rachel Clark (Badger Herald) Biofuels used in industry have shown promising signs of advancement in bioproducts --The Wisconsin Energy Institute held a panel to discuss the viability of biofuels and bioproducts as replacements to other, more harmful types of
January 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Interfacing with R&D and Industry: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to BETO’s Advanced Development & Optimization
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We are always trying to optimize – optimize processes, efficiencies, cost, value, and more, but did you know that the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office has a program just for this sort of thing?
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Brightmark Energy Partners with Larson Family Farms on Florida Biogas Project
(Brightmark Energy) Project will convert 230,000 tons of manure per year into renewable natural gas, reduce methane emissions from Central Florida dairy farms -- Brightmark Energy, a San Francisco-based waste and energy development company, announced today that it has partnered
January 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Crave Brothers: Dairy Farming Done Different
by Caroline Hedgcock (University of Wisconsin-Madison/Planet Forward StoryFest) Sustainable Dairy Farming in Wisconsin -- The Crave Brothers Farmstead is an alternative to traditional dairy farming. This family owned and operated farm uses an anaerobic digester to turn manure into energy,
January 17, 2020 Read Full Article
A Clean Fuels Policy for the Midwest
(Great Plains Institute) This Initiative is exploring a clean fuels policy, at the state or regional level, as a marketdriven approach to achieving our economic, energy security, climate, environmental, and public health goals. This white paper presents policy design considerations that
January 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Producer Says Middle East Tension Shows Why U.S. Should Focus on Ethanol
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) An ethanol producer says events in the Middle East are again showing why home-grown renewable fuel is good for America. Erik Huschitt with Badger State Ethanol of Monroe, Wisconsin tells Brownfield the sudden rise in
January 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Wisconsin Clean Cities, Milwaukee, WI Seeking Internship Candidates DEADLINE: December 31, 2019
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) WCC is seeking paid internship candidates for the spring semester through the U.S. DOE's Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program. The intern will work 15-20 hours per week in our Milwaukee office. Interested candidates may contact WCC Executive Director
December 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Kwik Trip Receives Qward for Sustainable Transportation Efforts.
by Molly Ringberg (News8000) Top sustainable transportation leaders around Wisconsin were honored for their commitment to the environment at the Wisconsin Clean Cities 25th Annual Stakeholder Meeting and Awards. First place for the Forward Fleet Award went to Kwik Trip for the amount
December 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Construction of First D3MAX Plant Nears Completion
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) Construction of the first commercial-scale D3MAX plant at Ace Ethanol in Stanley, Wisconsin, is nearly complete. “It has been a long haul since July of 2015 when we created D3MAX to commercialize the corn fiber-to-ethanol technology developed
December 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Wisconsin Clean Cities Is Seeking Internship Candidates
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) Wisconsin Clean Cities is seeking internship candidates for the spring semester through the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program. The paid intern will work 15-20 hours per week in our Milwaukee office. We
December 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Leader Praises Law Ending Wisconsin's “One Hose" Rule
by Larry Lee (Browfield Ag News) A Wisconsin ethanol producer says the new state law eliminating the need for separate hoses to dispense E15 was overdue. Erik Huschitt is the CEO and General Manager for Badger State Ethanol, and he is
December 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Winners of the 2019 American Biogas Council Industry Awards Revealed
(Bioenergy Insight) Eight biogas projects received awards from the American Biogas Council (ABC) for their ‘outstanding performance and contribution’ to the industry. The winners were announced at the Biogas Industry Awards and Dinner during the BioCycle REFOR19 event in Wisconsin,
November 05, 2019 Read Full Article
City of Madison Leads the State with First Public Fleet to Use 20 Percent Biodiesel
(City of Madison, Wisconsin) From ambulances and fire trucks to garbage/recycling and plow trucks, the City is making a significant, positive impact on the environment by the fuel its using. For the first time in state history for a public entity,
October 22, 2019 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Breakthroughs at the Bioenergy Research Centers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Over 10 years (2007–2017), three Bioenergy Research Centers produced multiple breakthroughs in the form of deepened understanding of sustainable biomass production practices, targeted re-engineering of biomass feedstocks, development of new methods for deconstructing feedstocks, and
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Iowa Farm Leaders Warn Trump Could Lose Rural Voters unless He Makes Good on Ethanol Deal
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Angry over proposed ethanol changes, Iowa agriculture leaders warned Wednesday that President Donald Trump will lose rural voters next year unless he makes good on a deal to restore millions of gallons of lost renewable fuel demand. "No more
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Renewable Natural Gas Has a Way to Go, but Interest Is There
by Shayne Willette (Navigant) ... Even fewer know the benefits of renewable natural gas (RNG)—closely related to biogas—or what it is. Absent a complete shift to electrification, biogas has significant potential to be a core piece of the climate change puzzle.
October 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Chemical Catalysis Pioneer James Dumesic Wins International Energy Prize
(University of Wisconsin-Madison) Prolific biofuels researcher James Dumesic has been named the winner of the 2019 Eni Energy Transition Award. The internationally renowned Eni Awards were established in 2007 to recognize excellence in energy and environmental research. The Energy Transition Award honors
October 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Undergraduates Participate in Bioenergy Research at GLBRC
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Each year, the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) hosts a group of undergraduate students to participate in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, designed to immerse students in research. This summer, 11 undergraduate
October 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Scientists Mimic Natural Decay to Break Down Plant Material for Biofuel Production
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Inspired by bacteria’s role in natural plant decay, researchers at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center and Michigan State University have mimicked a bacterial pathway to break down the toughest parts of a plant in preparation
October 11, 2019 Read Full Article
$73 Million, 35 Projects, Who Won, for What and Why: The DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office 2019 Project Selections
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy has selected 35 projects totaling $73 million for bioenergy research and development support. Funded through the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, these projects will help reduce
October 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Brightmark Energy Invests in New York Dairy Biogas Project
(Brightmark Energy/Biomass Magazine) Brightmark Energy, a San Francisco-based waste to energy development company, announced Sept. 24 that it has partnered with four dairy farms in upstate New York to utilize anaerobic digesters that will convert a total of 225,000 gallons of
September 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Alcohol School: Yancey Delivers D3Max Project Update
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Minimizing feedstock cost is one rule for a successful cellulosic ethanol project, according to Mark Yancey, chief technology officer for D3Max. “That can be a very large component of your project costs.” Yancey spoke Sept. 13
September 19, 2019 Read Full Article
DTE Opens RNG Processing and Interstate Injection Site in Wisconsin
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) DTE Biomass Energy, a non-regulated subsidiary of DTE Energy, has opened a combined dairy renewable natural gas (RNG) processing and interstate injection facility in Wisconsin. The facility represents the first of its kind for not only DTE
September 17, 2019 Read Full Article
USDA Numbers Confirm Declining Demand For Ethanol
by Amy Mayer (Iowa Public Radio) The national average price for corn this season is back to $3.60 a bushel, about where it’s been most of this year except for an early-season spike ($4.16 in July) before the size and quality of the
September 16, 2019 Read Full Article
White House Presses Biofuel, Oil Executives for Compromise
by Mario Parker and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg/Investors Business Daily) Discussions aimed at breaking logjam over biofuel plan; Friday deadline issued for ideas on potential compromise -- Trump administration officials are squeezing biofuel and oil refining executives to agree to
September 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Wisconsin Clean Cities Honored for E85 Work
(Wisconsin Clean Cities News and Events) WCC was honored last week at the National Clean Cities Coordinator Training Workshop at the University of Utah for its role in expanding the adoption of E85 across Wisconsin. WCC received the Greatest Energy
September 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Iowa Corn Farmers to Trump: The Government Put Us in 'One Hell of a Bad Situation'
by Tal Axelrod (The Hill) The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) blasted the Trump administration on Tuesday, saying the government has put it in “one hell of a bad situation.” The trade association hammered President Trump for approving what it called 31 “unjustified” refinery waivers
August 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Insane in the Membrane: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Whitefox’s Membranes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Whitefox uses membranes to carry out industrial water separation steps, including membranes for biofuels. Their first industrial installation was in Europe in 2002 for pharmaceutical grade ethanol, but installations now have expanded to industrial and
August 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Benson Hill Biosystems, Brownseed Genetics Offer New Corn Hybrids
(Benson Hill Biosystems/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Benson Hill Biosystems, a crop improvement company unlocking the natural diversity of plants, has entered into a partnership with Brownseed Genetics, a Wisconsin-based seed breeder of new corn hybrids that are higher in both oil content and essential amino