by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Feedstock costs and challenges come under the microscope as the DOE reports new data on algae-based feedstocks and terrestrial crops too. Can algae-based biofuels reach full commercial scale by 2030? The Digest investigates. Twice this year, the
woody biomass
Back TO HOME$3M Grant Supports Bioenergy Development
(State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry) Work focuses on making renewable feedstocks more affordable The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded up to $3 million to the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) to
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
New Conversion Process Turns Biomass 'Waste' into Lucrative Chemical Products
by Elizabeth K. Gardner (Purdue University) A new catalytic process is able to convert what was once considered biomass waste into lucrative chemical products that can be used in fragrances, flavorings or to create high-octane fuel for racecars and jets. A team
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Second Generation Biofuels Market is Expected to Reach $23.9 Billion, Global, by 2020 - Allied Market Research
(Allied Market Research/PR Web) According to a new report by Allied Market Research titled, "Global Second Generation Biofuels - Size, Industry Analysis, Trends, Opportunities, Growth and Forecast, 2013 - 2020", the global second generation biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) market would reach
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Finnish Study Identifies Locally Sourced Green Diesel as a Route to Aviation Biofuel Use if Price Can Be Met
(GreenAir Online) A study commissioned by the Finnish Ministry of Transport and national aviation and biofuel companies has indicated the country is well positioned to start production of aviation biofuels but there are challenges over the higher costs of the
December 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuel Facts for the Road: The Energy Department and Your Gasoline Pump
by Alicia Moulton (US Department of Energy) Going “over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house” this holiday season could require a significant amount of gasoline if you’re traveling by car. Before you hit the road to visit relatives
December 18, 2014 Read Full Article
In Denmark We Continue Sustainable Biomass
(Denmark Climate, Energy and Building Ministry / google translation) The Danish energy industry today launches a new voluntary industry agreement on sustainable biomass. The agreement must ensure that we are now applying sustainable biomass in our energy system. This is
December 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Falling Oil Prices Will Push Many Cellulosic Fuel Makers into the Red
(Lux Research, Inc.) Cellulosic feedstocks can keep bio-based fuels and materials from competing with food, but despite 2.4 billion tons of feedstock available, costs may be too high, says Lux Research Most bio-based fuels and chemicals are made from food crops
December 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Genera Receives Growth Investment from WindSail Capital Group
(Genera Energy) Biomass supply company, Genera Energy, receives strategic financing to support business growth Leading biomass supply company, Genera Energy Inc., has received a strategic financing commitment from WindSail Capital Group, a Boston-based investment firm that provides growth financing to companies
December 12, 2014 Read Full Article
BP Said Planning to Close US Cellulosic Operation by End-1Q 2015
by Sheela Tobben (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) BP Plc (BP/) plans to close down its U.S. cellulosic operation by the end of next year’s first quarter, according to a person familiar with the development. The business was part of an effort to find ways
December 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Canadian Government Funds Enzyme Research
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Canadian officials have announced that the University of Toronto has been selected to receive $5 million to launch its Industrial Biocatalysis Network, which will explore new ways to use enzymes to produce environmentally friendly
December 08, 2014 Read Full Article
UPM and WWF Finland Co-operate to Promote the Sustainability of Wood-Based Liquid Biofuels
(WPM) UPM and WWF Finland have engaged in a dialogue on the status of wood-based liquid biofuels in Finland and present a list of joint measures to be carried out to promote sustainability. Renewable sources of energy and sustainable production methods
December 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Researchers Find Way to Turn Sawdust into Gasoline
(KU Leuven/Biomass Magazine) Researchers at KU Leuven’s Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis have successfully converted sawdust into building blocks for gasoline. Using a new chemical process, they were able to convert the cellulose in sawdust into hydrocarbon chains. These
December 05, 2014 Read Full Article
Entrepreneur Makes Fertilisers, Extracts Biofuel with Locally Made Oil Palm Trunk Pulveriser
by Joy Lee (The Star) Malaysia is home to a thriving palm oil industry and we are the second largest palm oil producer in the world. And with some 5.1mil ha of oil palm plantation land in Malaysia, Trunk Busters Sdn
December 05, 2014 Read Full Article
Troll the Ancient Waste-Oil Carol : FFA la la la la la la la la la
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “On the way” forever, talked up by all, deployed by some – technologies that handle high free fatty acid feedstocks like used cooking oil are coming into their hey-day, via players like REG, Novozymes, Pacific
December 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Energy Department Announces $7 Million to Develop Advanced Logistics for Bioenergy Feedstocks
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department announced today up to $7 million for two projects aimed at developing and demonstrating ways to reduce the cost of delivering bioenergy feedstocks to biorefineries. Examples of bioenergy feedstocks include corn stover, switchgrass,
December 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Elsevier Science Publishes "Bioenergy: Biomass to Biofuels" by Anju Dahiya (Editor)
(Elsevier) Bioenergy: Biomass to Biofuels examines all current and emerging feedstocks and the advanced processes and technologies enabling the development of their end products, ranging from solid (wood energy, grass energy, and other biomass) to liquid (biodiesel from oil seed
December 04, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Support for Producers of Advanced Biofuel
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is making $5.6 million in grants to 220 producers across the nation to support the production of advanced biofuels, and is awarding more than $4 million in additional
December 03, 2014 Read Full Article
Billionaire Vinod Khosla’s Big Dreams for Biofuels Fail to Catch Fire
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) Just over a year ago, billionaire venture capitalist Vinod Khosla was bubbling with optimism about one of his latest investments: KiOR, a biofuel outfit he said would turn wood chips into hydrocarbons that could
November 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Biomass Industry Triumphs in EPA's Biogenic Emissions Framework
by Anne Simet (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has never before made such a clear and emphatic endorsement of biomass, commented Biomass Power Association President Bob Cleaves on release of the agency’s updated biogenic emissions framework. At least not for the 15
November 21, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuels Initiative Shifts Gears
by Don Jenkins (Capital Press) Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest is three years into a five-year, $40 million project to produce a green alternative to petroleum fuel. ... Three years into a five-year, $40 million program, a University of Washington-led project to
November 21, 2014 Read Full Article
Shell: Expects to Be Producing Advanced Biofuels at Scale, in US, by End of Decade
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Shell VP Matthew Tipper, at ABLCNext: “We will likely begin manufacture in the southeast United States. We plan to be operational by late this decade. “We believe our best bet is woody biomass and energy
November 21, 2014 Read Full Article
Oslo to Become 5% Biohub for Lufthansa, SAS & KLM – Powered by SkyNRG Nordic and Avinor
(SkyNRG Nordic/Statoil) SkyNRG Nordic, the partnership between SkyNRG and Statoil Fuel & Retail Aviation, announced the supply of the first commercial quantities of sustainable bio jet fuel to Avinor’s airport Gardermoen in 2015. Lufthansa has signed up for 5% sustainable bio
November 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Harvesting Poplar to Fuel Green Energy
by Patricia Townsend (Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest) Fall is harvest season and kicks off AHB’s first harvest of hybrid poplar for bioenergy. The Jefferson, Oregon and Hayden, Idaho demonstration sites were both harvested at the end of September and early October
November 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Animal Fat in Airplanes: Could Biofuels Help Airlines’ Bottom Lines?
by Benét J. Wilson (BusinessJournalism.org) Right now, oil prices are down, but nobody expects them to stay there. That is why Airlines for America, the trade organization for the largest U.S. carriers, says its members are working to develop environmentally
November 14, 2014 Read Full Article
Villanova Center for the Advancedment of Sustainability in Engineering Invites Advanced Biofuels USA
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) What a wonderful day, talking from dawn ‘til dusk about the past, present and future of biofuels with faculty and students excited about their work in this area. [caption id="attachment_57305" align="alignleft" width="300"] Joanne Ivancic speaks
November 13, 2014 Read Full Article
New Versatile Process Efficiently Converts Biomass to Liquid Fuel
by Emil Venere (Purdue News) Researchers have demonstrated a new process to convert all biomass into liquid fuel, and the method could make possible mobile processing plants. The researchers at Purdue University filed a patent application on the concept in 2008
November 13, 2014 Read Full Article
SkyNRG Nordic Supplies Biofuel to SAS and Norwegian
(SkyNRG Nordic) SAS and Norwegian operate their first commercial flights on SkyNRG Nordic’s bio jet fuel. Today, SAS flies on bio jet fuel from Trondheim to Oslo and Norwegian from Bergen to Oslo. The bio-flights in Norway are done in close cooperation
November 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Khosla-Backed Biofuel Firm Kior Files Bankruptcy, Plans Sale
by Dawn McCarty and Justin Doom (Bloomberg/Renewable Energy World) Kior Inc., a maker of biofuels from crops such as switchgrass, wood chips and corn husks, filed for bankruptcy protection with a plan to sell its assets to affiliates of backer
November 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Louisiana Biofuels Projects Help Spur Nationwide Green Jobs Growth
by Jennifer Larino (NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune) Louisiana added 225 jobs in the biofuels industry during the third quarter, ranking alongside states such as Texas and Connecticut for clean energy job growth, according to the latest Environmental Entrepreneurs report. The report, which
November 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Ensyn Initiates Generation & Sale of Cellulosic RINs Under the RFS2 Program; Ensyn RINs Are Awarded QAP Status
(MarketWired/Ensyn) Ensyn is pleased to announce that it has initiated the generation and sale of its first RINs (Renewable Identification Numbers) under the US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) and that Ensyn's D7 cellulosic RINs have received QAP certification. Ensyn is the
November 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuels Remain an Important and Growing Sector for Developing Countries, New UNCTAD Report Says
(United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) The report entitled: "The State of the Biofuels Market: Regulatory, Trade and Development Perspectives" offers a comprehensive snapshot of today's biofuels market and how it contributes to enhancing access to renewable energy sources
November 05, 2014 Read Full Article
Economic Analysis of Shrub Willow Biomass Crops
(State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry) EcoWillow 2.0 is the most comprehensive and up-to-date financial analysis tool for shrub willow biomass crops. Originally released in 2008 after over 20 years of research on shrub willow
November 03, 2014 Read Full Article
2 SC Firms to Celebrate Nat'l Bioenergy Day via New Collaboration
(Midlands Biofuels/Biodiesel Magazine) ATP-SC LLC and Midlands Biofuels jointly announced an innovative collaboration to grow biocrops, produce, sell and utilize solid and liquid biofuels, and to expand the state’s bioeconomy, starting in Allendale, S.C., and expanding across the state. ... ATP-SC LLC,
October 31, 2014 Read Full Article
North Carolina State University Announces Biofuel Breakthroughs
(North Carolina State University/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Scientists are using biotechnology to chip away at barriers to producing biofuels from woody plants and grasses instead of the corn and sugarcane used to make ethanol. NC State’s Forest Biotechnology Group, which has been
October 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Five Things to Know about Biorefinery Investments
by Alicia Moulton (U.S. Department of Energy) ... These cellulosic ethanol plants managed by Abengoa, POET-DSM, and INEOS are three of the fifteen active integrated biorefinery projects under the Energy Department’s Bioenergy Technologies Office. Also, three new companies were awarded contracts
October 30, 2014 Read Full Article
The Strange World of Super-Strong, Super-Light Nanocellulose
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Flexible electric circuits and solar panels? Advanced biofuels? New concretes and steel-like materials? New medical implants and sutures? Drug delivery vehicles? Cosmetics? Lightweight armor? That’s just a sample of the potential apps for nanocellulose and
October 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Creative Discovery Museum Launches New Biofuels Website
(Creative Discovery Museum) Did you know that fuel can be made from things like switchgrass, algae and trees? They’re called biofuels and they are all around us. Creative Discovery Museum has created a new educational website, LearnBiofuels.org that will help you
October 29, 2014 Read Full Article
California Energy Commission to Award up to $3M for Advanced Biofuel Projects
(Green Car Congress) The California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP) announced (PON-14-602) the availability of up to $3 million in grant funds for biofuels projects that are in the early/pre-commercial technology development stage. This
October 29, 2014 Read Full Article
BlueFire Plays the China Card? Ex-Im Bank of China Issues $270M LOI for Mississippi Biofuels Project
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, BlueFire Renewables has received a Letter of Intent from The Export Import Bank of China (China EXIM) to provide up to $270 million in debt financing for its 19 million gallon bioenergy project
October 27, 2014 Read Full Article
BlueFire Renewables Receives Unprecedented Export-Import Bank of China Letter of Intent to Provide Debt Financing for a U.S. Bio-Energy Project
(Globe Newswire/BlueFire Renewables) BlueFire's Mississippi Fulton Project Paves the Way for Other U.S./China Renewable Energy Projects BlueFire Renewables, Inc. (OTC:BFRE), a company focused on changing the world's transportation fuel paradigm through the production of renewable fuels, announced that it has received
October 24, 2014 Read Full Article
Cool Planet Takes Big Steps toward Scale for Waste-to-Gasoline, Soil Amendment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA issues $91M loan guarantee conditional commit to Cool Planet. Obama Administration back building of the company’s first commercial plant in Louisiana, as it opens its first commercial-scale Cool Terra operation in California. In California, Cool
October 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Neste Oil to Refocus Its R&D Aimed at Increasing Its Use of Renewable Inputs
(Neste Oil) Neste Oil is to realign its long-term R&D and switch its emphasis from microbial oil research to other areas of technology for using forestry and agricultural waste. This type of waste will continue to play an important role
October 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Earth to Cellulosic Ethanol: Glad You’re Here, Buddy, What Took so Long? Parts 1 and 2
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic ethanol arrives at scale — “The five years away forever” put to rest — but are there troubling waters still ahead? For whom, and why? Part I of II There’s a gigantic disconnect between two sections
October 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Boosting Biomass for Bioenergy
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Many dedicated energy crops hold promise as feedstocks for next-generation ethanol. Extensive R&D is still needed, however, to overcome the challenges in making these plants viable for commercial applications. ... This year, $12.6 million was awarded to
October 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Beginning in 2016, Southwest Airlines Will Use Biofuels
(Dallas Morning News) Southwest Airlines announced Wednesday that it plans to buy some biofuels made from waste wood for use in its San Francisco Bay airports beginning in two years. To use Southwest’s phrasing, it is purchasing “low-carbon renewable jet fuel,
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
US Navy, DOE, USDA Award $210M for 3 Biorefineries and Mil-Spec Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Washington, the Department of Defense has awarded $210 million under the Defense Production Act to Emerald Biofuels, Fulcrum BioEnergy and Red Rock Bio towards the construction of biorefineries that produce cost-competitive, drop-in military biofuels. Under the grants, the
September 19, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Loan Guarantee to Help Innovative Company Turn Waste Into Renewable Jet Fuel
(US Department of Agriculture) $105 Million loan guarantee provided through the Biorefinery Assistance Program Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has closed on a loan guarantee to Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels, LLC to build a biorefinery to produce jet fuel from municipal
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
$15 Million Available for Advanced Biofuels Payment Program
by Anna Austin (Biomass Magazine) The USDA recently issued a notice of contract proposals for its Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, which provides payments to producers to support and expand production of advanced biofuels. According to the NOCP, $15 million is available for
August 28, 2014 Read Full Article
State Scrambles to Save Old Town Pulp Mill, 200 Jobs
by Susan Sharon (MPBN News) "Effective immediately all Old Town mill operations will be indefinitely suspended." That was the message employees at the Old Town Fuel and Fiber Co. received Wednesday evening. The written statement went on to say that
August 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Cool Planet to Award Contract for $56 Million Biofuels Plant in Alexandria
by Jennifer Larino (NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune ) Cool Planet Energy Systems, a Colorado energy startup that aims to turn woodchips and other organic waste into gasoline as well as a crop-boosting soil enhancer, says it has started clearing land to build
August 15, 2014 Read Full Article
St1 Biofuels: From Sawdust to Transport Fuel - Cellunolix® Ethanol Plant to Be Built in Finland
(North European Oil Trade Oy/St1 Biofuels/BusinessWire) North European Bio Tech Oy (NEB) has made an investment decision concerning the construction of a bioethanol plant on the Renforsin Ranta industrial estate in Kajaani. The raw material for the plant will be
August 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Answers for Your Questions about the Bioeconomy, Biofuels, Renewable Chemicals and Bioproducts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... With great sessions at conferences, delegates are usually keen to get a hold of the powerpoint decks. But how do you get a hold of the great Q&A that follows the presentations — or the
August 14, 2014 Read Full Article
Ripe for Ethanol Innovations: Midlands Research Is Boosting Value of Corn Distillation Process
by Russell Hubbard (Omaha World-Herald) It starts out as freeze-dried fungus or bacteria from Denmark and ends up being one of the key ingredients in what some are calling Nebraska’s and Iowa’s shot at the big time when it comes
August 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Students Present Research at Ethanol Conference
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Several University of Minnesota students are giving the ethanol industry a preview of their cutting-edge research in biofuels, biochemicals and bioproducts during the 27th Annual Ethanol Conference in Minneapolis. One such student is Sahana Ramanna who is a
August 07, 2014 Read Full Article
Enhancing Biofuel Yields from Biomass with Novel New Method
by Sean Nealon (UCR Today) A team of researchers, led by Professor Charles E. Wyman, at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering have developed a versatile, relatively non-toxic, and efficient way to convert raw agricultural and forestry
August 05, 2014 Read Full Article
AgriLife Research Study: Mesquite a Complementary Biofuel Feedstock
by Kay Ledbetter (AgriLife Today) As requirements grow for use of cellulosic biofuels to meet the energy needs of the nation, researchers look at potential feedstocks and any effects these alternative sources may have on greenhouse gas emissions. A recent Texas A&M
August 04, 2014 Read Full Article
More Energy from a Litre of Biofuel
(University of Twente) Catalyst developed at University of Twente helps achieve European 2020 objective Oil produced from biomass - such as wood chips or plant residues - seldom has the same quality and energy content as ‘classical’ crude oil. A new,
July 22, 2014 Read Full Article
New Analysis Finds that 10 States Could Provide Abundant Agricultural Byproducts for Low-Carbon Fuel and Electricity
(Union of Concerned Scientists) Sustainable practices can turn crop residues and manure into bioenergy without competing with food supplies U.S. agriculture could provide up to 155 million tons of crop residues and 60 million tons of manure to produce clean fuels
July 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Mascoma Confirms Strategy Shift, Outlines Plans for Technology
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Larry Klein and the Sierra Club sued Frontier and the DOE after the DOE issued a finding of “no significant impact” and granted a Frontier funding application which pledged about $100 million, or about
July 22, 2014 Read Full Article
UPM to Become Exclusive Distributor of Domtar's BioChoice(TM) Lignin in Europe
(Domtar) Domtar Corporation (NYSE: UFS) (TSX: UFS) and UPM (NASDAQ OMX Helsinki: UPM1V) today announced that the companies have entered into an agreement for UPM to become the exclusive distributor of Domtar's BioChoiceTM lignin in Europe. The agreement takes effect
July 21, 2014 Read Full Article
Reassessment of Inter-related Biofuel, GHG and FFV Policies Needed
(25 x '25) Reports out of Washington this week that the Obama administration’s lengthy delay in releasing a final 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuel blending rule due to a White House desire to re-evaluate the blending requirements in context
July 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Research Projects to Improve Plant Feedstocks for Bioenergy Production: Departments of Agriculture and Energy Announce Projects in 10 States
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (July 17, 2014) announced the selection of 10 projects that are being awarded funding aimed at accelerating genetic breeding programs to improve
July 18, 2014 Read Full Article
N.C. Funds 6 Cellulosic Biofuel, Bioenergy Research Projects
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) North Carolina recently awarded six projects a total of $500,000 through the state’s Bioenergy Research Initiative, which is a program of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Special consideration is given to projects
July 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Questions and Answers on the Outcome of the Second Call for Proposals under the NER 300 Programme
(Europa.EU) ... NER 300 is one of the world's largest funding programmes for innovative low-carbon energy demonstration projects. The programme aims to successfully demonstrate environmentally safe carbon capture and storage (CCS) and innovative renewable energy (RES) technologies on a commercial scale
July 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Washington State the Center of Climate Change Solutions
by Gleen Farley (KING 5 News) In 2011, Alaska Airlines was the first carrier in the country to fly regular passenger carrying flights using bio-fuel. It replaced 20 percent of the jet fuel with a crystal clear liquid - refined industrial
July 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Aviation Biofuel Takes Flight
By Zoe Martin (Iowa Farmer Today) After years of research, biofuels in the aviation industry are almost ready for take off. The requirements to replace jet fuel at 40,000 feet present a challenge, but airplane manufacturers such as Boeing have set goals
July 09, 2014 Read Full Article
UPM and WWF Finland Enter Versatile Cooperation
(UPM) The Biofore Company UPM and the conservation organisation WWF Finland have agreed on versatile cooperation covering promotion of sustainable wood-based biofuels as well as sustainable forest management and sourcing of raw materials in Finland. "Promoting sustainable forest management and ensuring the sustainability of biofuels
July 07, 2014 Read Full Article
Roadmap Shows How to Improve Lignocellulosic Biofuel Production
(Georgia Tech/Biomass Magazine) When making cellulosic ethanol from plants, one problem is what to do with a woody agricultural waste product called lignin. The old adage in the pulp industry has been that one can make anything from lignin except
July 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Energy Path 2014 – Path towards Sustainability
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) The 2014 edition of the Energy Path convergence which took place at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania, delineates the path that we should take for the betterment of the populace and posterity – the
June 30, 2014 Read Full Article
SkyNRG Nordic, Powered by Statoil Aviation, Announces Bioport Karlstad
(SkyNRG) SkyNRG Nordic, the recently established cooperation between SkyNRG and Statoil Aviation, announces Karlstad as its first BioPort in Sweden. Starting today (June 26, 2014), with the launch of BioPort Karlstad, SkyNRG Nordic will make the first volumes of sustainable jet
June 27, 2014 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Best for Emissions Targets, Say the Finns
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Finland, VTT and the Government Institute for Economic Research advise The Digest that have completed a study commissioned by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy and the Ministry of the Environment, assessing the
June 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Biomass Resources, Uses, and Opportunities in West Virginia 2013 A Report by West Virginia University's Appalachian Hardwood Center and Biomaterials and Wood Utilization Research Center
by Shawn Grushecky, Jingxin Wang, Sarah Cross Owen, and Lawrence E. Osborn (Appalachian Hardwood Center) West Virginia is the third most heavily forested state in the U.S., with a total biomass production potential of 4.67 million dry tons which could produce
June 14, 2014 Read Full Article
Accounting for Bioenergy Emissions, Benefits Must be Done Right
(25 x '25) With the White House shining a very bright spotlight on its plans for addressing climate change – in particular, the long-awaited proposal to regulate carbon emissions from existing power plants under Clean Air Act ‑ it is important that
June 13, 2014 Read Full Article
Pyrolysis of Biomass for Fuels and Chemicals: NEWBio Webinar Report
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The June edition of the Northeast bioenergy webinar series by Northeast Woody/Warm-season Biomass Consortium (NEWBio) featured Kwesi Boateng - Lead Scientist at the United States Department of Energy, Agricultural Research Service, (USDA-ARS) Eastern Regional
June 13, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Funding Availability for Turning Biomass Material into Energy
(US Department of Agriculture) Now Apply for Renewed Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today (June 9, 2014) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications June 16 from energy facilities interested in receiving
June 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Japanese Cars Soda Drinks Show Future for Abengoa Biofuel
by Rodrigo Orihuela (Bloomberg) Abengoa SA (ABG/P), the Spanish renewable energy company investing in biofuels, is in talks with Japanese car manufacturers and soft-drink makers to help them develop products ranging from bottles to chemicals. “All types of companies -- automotive,
June 12, 2014 Read Full Article
18 Free Studies on 21 Next-Wave Biofuels Feedstocks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Thought you knew everything there was to know about some of biofuels’ favorite feedstocks? Here are 18 free reports that may dampen or re-ignite your enthusiasm. ...To bring you up to speed on the latest about
June 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Court Upholds Upper Peninsula Ethanol Plant Review but Project Likely Dropped
by Eric Freedman (Great Lakes Echo) A federal appeals court has rejected a challenge to an environmental assessment of a $100 million construction subsidy for an ethanol plant in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) had assessed the project’s
June 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Successful Production of High-Octane Renewable Gasoline from Woody Biomass
(Gas Technology Institute) In a recently completed project, Gas Technology Institute (GTI) worked with Haldor Topsoe, Inc. on an integrated biorefinery to make renewable “drop-in” gasoline, successfully producing a high-octane transportation fuel. The use of renewable gasoline could reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by approximately
June 03, 2014 Read Full Article
Poplars Designed for Deconstruction: A Major Boon to Biofuels
(University of Wisconsin-Madison/Biomass Magazine) What began 20 years ago as an innovation to improve paper industry processes and dairy forage digestibility may now open the door to a much more energy- and cost-efficient way to convert biomass into fuel. ... Poplar trees,
June 02, 2014 Read Full Article
European Scientists Stabilize Bio-Oil for Use as Marine Biofuel
(Aston University/Biomass Magazine) A sustainable biofuel made from Norwegian forest wood waste could help transform the shipping industry and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Alternative sustainable fuels are urgently needed in the marine transport sector due to stringent upcoming regulations demanding
May 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Biomass Supplies Applies for RSB Sustainability Certification: Biomass Supplies Would Be First RSB-Certified Company in Sri Lanka
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) is pleased to announce that Biomass Supplies has applied for RSB certification. Biomass Supplies is pioneering innovative and progressive partnerships with small farmers and land owners to access biomass supply that
May 29, 2014 Read Full Article
Making Money from Lignin: Roadmap Shows How to Improve Lignocellulosic Biofuel Biorefining
by Brett Israel (Georgia Institute of Technology) When making cellulosic ethanol from plants, one problem is what to do with a woody agricultural waste product called lignin. The old adage in the pulp industry has been that one can make
May 27, 2014 Read Full Article
Södra and Statkraft to Form New Biofuel Company
(Biofuels International) Södra and Statkraft have signed a letter of intent to create a company that will produce biofuels using forest raw material. The agreement means that Statkraft, a renewable energy producer, will acquire Södra Cell Tofte, which owns the industrial site of
May 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Fermentable Cellulosic Sugars for Capex of 6.5 Cents per Gallon? Freakishly Low-Cost Venture Still at Early-Stage.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s a capex figure so low that it sounds like a decimal point is missing. Though early-stage and just developing data out of its pilot — it’s well worth seeing what Sustainable Ethanol Technologies is
May 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Media Advisory: Waterloo and Bordeaux to Launch Canada’s First Bachelor of Bio-based Chemistry Program at Conference
by (University of Waterloo) Media are invited to attend as researchers from Waterloo and Bordeaux gather to create a bio-chemistry program that will support research into sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. The University of Waterloo and Université de Bordeaux also begin a longer
May 16, 2014 Read Full Article
California Council on Science and Technology Releases Report on Expanding Biofuels in California
(California Council on Science and Technology) Advanced biofuels have the potential to provide California with economic opportunities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the state's climate and clean air policies. However, the state may not have sufficient incentives in
May 14, 2014 Read Full Article
The Pyromaniax: Anellotech Starts up Pearl River BTX Pilot Plant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Meets December 2013 commitment to be able to provide BTX developmental quantities to strategic partners. Plant begins production of 1 kg quantities of BTX, now available to support Anellotech’s ongoing business development activities and strategic
May 13, 2014 Read Full Article
Unzipping Poplars' Biofuel Potential
by Layne Cameron, Curtis Wilkerson, Krista Eastman and John Ralph (Michigan State University/Renewable Energy World) What began 20 years ago as an innovation to improve paper industry processes and dairy forage digestibility may now open the door to a much
May 13, 2014 Read Full Article
Better Yield Thanks to a Coal Waste Product
by Peter Rüegg (ETH Zurich) Biofuel can be produced from wood, too. The key to this is the suitable pretreatment of the plant parts in order to break up the wood structure. Researchers at the Transport Processes and Reactions Laboratory, ETH
May 08, 2014 Read Full Article
American Process Sells the First Woody Biomass Cellulosic Ethanol RINS
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On Friday April 18, 2014, American Process shipped its second commercial ethanol cargo and sold the first cellulosic ethanol RINs from its Alpena Biorefinery. These are the first cellulosic ethanol RINs generated since the beginning of
April 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Navy Plans Action This Year on Two Large Pathways to Alternative Fuel
by Jared Serbu (Federal News Radio) The Navy says it will create two new acquisition vehicles this year to ensure it has a stable supply of advanced biofuels. The service says the high-tech liquid fuels won't cost it any more than the
April 24, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Researchers Simplify Pyrolysis Processes for Bio-Oil Production
by Ann Perry (US Department of Agriculture) Innovations at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are bringing researchers one step closer to developing "green" biofuel production systems farmers can use to meet on-farm energy needs, or to produce renewable fuels for commercial
April 18, 2014 Read Full Article
GeoSynFuels Purchases, Retrofits Idle Demonstration Plant
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Golden, Colo.-based GeoSynFuels LLC has acquired the cellulosic demonstration facility formerly owned and operated by Blue Sugars Corp., the parent company of Western Biomass Energy LLC. GSF plans to retrofit the plant to use its
April 16, 2014 Read Full Article
10 Bellwether Biofuels & Biobased Projects for 2014
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Advanced biofuels – are plans turning into reality? Are development plans realistic? When these 10 projects open for business (or not) in 2014, you’ll know for sure. ...Well, the picture is incomplete. Plants like the Valero Darling renewable
April 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Transgenic Trees Make Easy-Chew Wood for Biofuels
by Richard Van Noorden (Science Magazine) The poplars in the greenhouse near John Ralph’s laboratory show no outward signs of weakness, but they have a secret soft spot. Thanks to genetic engineering, their wood contains an artificial molecule that makes it
April 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Biobased Investment Triples, to $391M for Q1; Biofuels Digest’s 5-Minute Guide to the Investment Landscape
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, Biofuels Digest reports that 9 biobased ventures raised $391 million in new capital in Q1 2014, while 8 biobased ventures raised $128.6 million in Q4 2013. This compares to $363.8M million in Q2,
April 03, 2014 Read Full Article
Highly Powerful New Biofuel Could Change Rocket Engines Forever
(RT.com) Scientists have scored a breakthrough in high-energy biofuels by producing a bacterium that synthesizes highly-efficient pinene, a hydrocarbon made by trees. It could soon replace existing alternatives and usher in a new era of rocket engines. Researchers have struggled for
April 02, 2014 Read Full Article
Biomass Association Leaders Discuss Triumphs, Troubles
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) ... Examples of said policy certainty include renewal of the United Kingdom’s Renewables Obligation, a clearer picture of what meeting sustainability criteria entails, and movement outside of the U.K., in markets including the Netherlands and Asia. ... Unlike
April 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Research Summary: Sequestration of Carbon by Shrub Willow Offsets Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(Extension.org) Grown for biofuel, energy-efficient shrub willow sequesters carbon below-ground, life-cycle assessment shows. Shrub willow is a short-rotation woody biomass crop that could be an important part of our renewable energy future. By sequestering carbon in below-ground biomass, it can
April 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Purdue Researchers Launch Innovative Biomass Renewable Energy Company
by Phillip Fiorini and Cynthia Sequin (Purdue University) Purdue University researchers are launching a company focusing on an innovative process that could revolutionize how lignocellulosic biomass is used to make biofuels and other bio-based products and chemicals. Spero Energy Inc., which is based
March 28, 2014 Read Full Article
Ottawa Lends Biofuel Firm $500,000
by Bill Power (Chronicle Herald Business) Queens County’s CelluFuel already has Nova Scotia aid for $4m project using wood fibre The CelluFuel Inc. demonstration biofuel project in Brooklyn, Queens County, received a $500,000 loan from the federal government Wednesday. “The plant is designed, the
March 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Lignin’s Big Leap
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Still seeking commercial-scale opportunities, Lignol continues to collaborate with companies that are eager to buy high-purity lignin in bulk. Is this abundant byproduct of pulp and paper milling and biorefining poised for new and
March 18, 2014 Read Full Article
KiOR Announces $347M Loss for 2013: “We Have Substantial Doubts about Our Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.”
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Delayed 2013 results includes going concern statement. Future Khosla financing contingent on milestones. Default looms as soon as April. Financing after August unclear. In Texas, KiOR announced a $347.5M net loss for 2013, and issued a
March 18, 2014 Read Full Article
CRIBE, GreenField Partner to Test Demonstration Technology
(Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy is partnering with GreenField Specialty Alcohols to test and develop a technology that, if successful, will lead to significant economic and
March 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Minnesota Bills to Incentivize Biofuel, Biochemicals, Biomass Thermal
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Legislation pending in the Minnesota Legislature aims to create incentives for renewable chemicals, advanced biofuels, and biomass thermal energy. In the Minnesota House of Representatives, H.F. 2456 aims to create a capital equipment loan program
March 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Neste Oil and DONG Energy to Begin Cooperation on Technology Development for Renewable Fuels
(Neste Oil Corporation) Neste Oil, the world's largest producer of premium-quality renewable fuels, has joined forces with DONG Energy, one of the leading energy groups in Northern Europe, to develop an integrated process to produce renewable diesel and aviation fuel
March 07, 2014 Read Full Article
Ensyn and Memorial Hospital Sign RFO™ Biofuel Supply Agreement
(Ensyn Fuels/MarketWired) Ensyn Fuels, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ensyn Corporation ("Ensyn"), has signed a contract with Memorial Hospital of North Conway, New Hampshire ("Memorial") for the supply of RFO™, Ensyn's advanced cellulosic biofuel. Ensyn's RFO, produced from forest residues, will
March 07, 2014 Read Full Article
UPM BioVerno Diesel Works Exactly Like Any Regular Diesel
(AZOCleanTech.com/UPM) The first fleet tests of UPM’s renewable diesel proved that UPM BioVerno works in cars just as well as any regular diesel. The fleet tests were conducted by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. They were started in
March 03, 2014 Read Full Article
Cool Planet Breaks Ground on Commercial Facility
(Cool Planet/Biomass Magazine) Cool Planet Energy Systems, a technology company producing green fuels and biochar products, has broken ground on the company’s first commercial facility in Alexandria, La., dubbed Project Genesis. Permits have been received to begin earthwork and grading,
February 28, 2014 Read Full Article
Waste-Based Biofuels Sector Needs Smarter EU 2030 Package to Realize Its High Potential
(UPM/GlobeNewsWire) UPM participated together with a coalition of technology innovators and green NGOs to a project which results were published today. Europe has a significant untapped potential for converting wastes from farming, forestry, industry and households to advanced low-carbon biofuels,
February 28, 2014 Read Full Article
RPT-EU Policy Gap Choking off Next Generation Green Fuel-Industry
by Barbara Lewis (Reuters) * New research underlines benefits of new generation biofuel * Commission 2030 policy outline omits transport goals * Research has questioned credentials of first-generation fuels Projects to deliver a next generation of green transport fuel, which
February 28, 2014 Read Full Article
Solar-Induced Hybrid Fuel Cell Produces Electricity Directly from Biomass
(Georgia Institute of Technology) Although low temperature fuel cells powered by methanol or hydrogen have been well studied, existing low temperature fuel cell technologies cannot directly use biomass as a fuel because of the lack of an effective catalyst system
February 24, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuels, and the Crossing of the Rind
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) New separation technologies offer a route to massive cuts in the cost of biofuel production, by changing the way we extract useful sugars. ... Which brings us to the separation of lignin from hemicellulose and cellulose —
February 18, 2014 Read Full Article
New Study Says Diverting Pine Chemistry Co-Products to Biofuel Does Not Further Reduce Greenhouse Gases
(American Chemistry Council/Pine Chemicals Association) Results of a third-party peer-reviewed life cycle assessment (LCA), published today -- "Greenhouse Gas and Energy Life Cycle Assessment of Pine Chemicals Derived from Crude Tall Oil and Their Substitutes" -- found that diverting Crude Tall Oil
February 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Oklahoma State University Receives Grant to Investigate Redcedar, Biofuels and Water
(Oklahoma State University) Oklahoma landowners have been hearing for years that removing the eastern redcedar trees from their property is essential for proper land management. Aside from being an eyesore, the trees are extremely invasive, are an incredible fire danger, and large,
February 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Greenwood Resources Earns RSB, FSC Certifications
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials is pleased to announce that GreenWood Tree Farm Fund, LP (GTFF) has become the first short rotation forest plantation worldwide to earn certification under the RSB. The RSB certification
February 10, 2014 Read Full Article
The Economics of Willow in Poland: Lessons Learned from an Entrepreneur
by Michael Jacobson (NEWBio) Michael Jacobson, Professor of Forest Resources at Penn State, recounts his October 2013 visit and conversation with bioenergy entrepreneur and willow grower Stanislaw Dolata, whose willow business is located in northwestern Poland. Jacobson toured Eastern Europe
February 05, 2014 Read Full Article
Introducing the Local Impact of Woody Biomass Energy Projects: Quick Assessment Tool for Planners and Community Leaders
(Wood Education and Resource Center) The Local Impact of Woody Biomass Energy Projects: Quick Assessment Tool for Planners and Community Leaders (the Quick Assessment Tool), developed by the New York Biomass Energy Alliance, and the New York Farm Viability Institute, with funding from the U.S. Forest
February 05, 2014 Read Full Article
Sustainable Poplar Plantation Provides Biomass Feedstock for the Emerging Cellulosic Ethanol Industry
(Greenwood/PR Newswire) GreenWood Resources Earns both Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials and Forest Stewardship Council Certifications The GreenWood Tree Farm Fund, LP (GTFF) has become the first short rotation forest plantation worldwide to earn certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB).
February 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Nonenzymatic Sugar Production from Biomass Using Biomass-Derived γ-Valerolactone
by Jeremy S. Luterbacher, Jacqueline M. Rand, David Martin Alonso, Jeehoon Han, J. Tyler Youngquist, Christos T. Maravelias, Brian F. Pfleger, James A. Dumesic (Science Magazine) Widespread production of biomass-derived fuels and chemicals will require cost-effective processes for breaking down
January 17, 2014 Read Full Article
BP Sees Renewables Outpacing Fossil Fuels, Eclipsing Nuclear
by Sally Bakewell (Bloomberg) Renewables will continue to be the fastest-growing energy source, supplying a bigger share of the world’s needs than nuclear by 2025, according to BP Plc. ... “While the OECD economies have led in renewables growth, renewables in the
January 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Aphios Granted Patent for Cellulosic Biomass Pretreatment
(Aphios/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Aphios Corp. has announced that it was granted U.S. Patent No. 8,540,847 entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Processing Cellulosic Biomass,” for its Aosic enabling technology platform. ... Trevor P. Castor, inventor of the Aosic platform, states that, “Cellulosic biomass
January 14, 2014 Read Full Article
Field Trial with Lignin Modified Poplars Shows Potential for Bio-Based Economy, but Also that Work Still Needs to Be Done
(VIB) The results of a field trial with genetically modified poplar trees in Zwijnaarde, Belgium, shows that the wood of lignin modified poplar trees can be converted into sugars in a more efficient way. These sugars can serve as the
January 02, 2014 Read Full Article
Bio-Energy Forest Plantations for the Southeastern United States
by Dr. Jeff Wright (ArborGen Inc./Renewable Energy World) Bio-energy forest plantations will supplement woody biomass from other sources such as logging residues. In the southern U.S., projections are for an increase of up to 25 million “new” tons of woody biomass
January 02, 2014 Read Full Article
Cellulose Fibre Chain Initiative Creating a Long-Term Future for SA’s Forestry Industry
(South Australia Department of Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy) Developing higher-value forestry products is the key to creating a sustainable future for the forestry industry. A new study into developing more sustainable and higher-value products from the Limestone Coast’s forestry
December 30, 2013 Read Full Article
DOE Pulls Funding for Bluefire Mississippi Project over Financing Woes; BFRE to Appeal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The following notice was filed Friday with the SEC by Bluefire Renewables: On December 23, 2013, Bluefire Renewables received notice from the Department of Energy indicating that the DOE would no longer provide funding under
December 30, 2013 Read Full Article
Grass as the New Biofuel
by Lisa Deeney (Agriland) A new European research project seeks grass crops that could be grown and harvested on marginal lands, away from areas suitable for food crops. According to the researchers, grass could be used to produce biofuels. The advantage of
December 27, 2013 Read Full Article
Study Provides Comparison of Biomass Crop Growth in the Midwest
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Researchers at the Energy Biosciences Institute at the University of Illinois evaluated woody and grassy biomass feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production at Illinois. Twenty-one species of short-rotation woody biomass were included in the study.
December 27, 2013 Read Full Article
Special EU Biofuels Report: The Top 10 Stories of the Year, and More
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The technology is there. Demand for alternative fuels, chemicals and materials is there. Feedstock is expensive. In so many of the signature developments announced around the world this year, there’s been an EU technology in
December 27, 2013 Read Full Article
Universities Receive $10M to Study Biofuels
by Martiin Kidston (Missoulian) If 1 ton of woody debris can produce 50 gallons of fuel, how many gallons of fuel could 42 million acres of dead and dying forests produce? Funded by a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department
December 26, 2013 Read Full Article
Sweetwater Energy Gets $2.5M Award from NY State
(Democrat & Chronicle) Sweetwater Energy Inc. has won a $2.5 million award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to pay for five facilities in New York state to produce sugar from various types of waste plant material, including agricultural
December 23, 2013 Read Full Article
Hot Sugar! Sweetwater Energy to Supply Pacific Ethanol with Industrial Sugars for Cellulosic Ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, Sweetwater Energy and Pacific Ethanol announced a project to supply customized industrial sugars for the production of cellulosic ethanol. The agreement supports the construction of a cellulosic biorefinery, contingent upon Sweetwater Energy
December 20, 2013 Read Full Article
Evonik and LanzaTech Working on Bio-Processed Precursors for Specialty Plastics
(Lanza Tech) Evonik Industries and LanzaTech have signed a three year research cooperation agreement which will see Evonik combining its existing biotechnology platforms with LanzaTech’s synthetic biology and gas fermentation expertise for the development of a route to bioprocessedn precursors
December 09, 2013 Read Full Article
Grants Available for Biomass Energy on W.V. Surfaced-Mined Land
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center at Marshall University has expanded its partnership with the West Virginia Division of Energy’s Office of Coalfield Community Development to explore the reuse and redevelopment potential of land that
December 06, 2013 Read Full Article
LanzaTech, Earth Energy, PGF Biofuels, Elevance Make Bioeconomy Waves with Announces
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (I)t has been an incredibly strong week for innovation, with key announcements that advance the narrative at LanzaTech, Elevance, Earth Energy renewables (e.g. “the technology that once pwoered Terrabon, and PGF Biofuels (the first
December 06, 2013 Read Full Article
Whatever Happened to Aviation Biofuels? New Report from Australia Rates the Prospects.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Qantas, Shell, AISAF, SkyNRG, Solena and others collaborate on on an illuminating supply chain analysis of sustainable aviation fuels. Which one is technically ready, but feedstock-starved? Which one has affordable feedstock but the technology
December 04, 2013 Read Full Article
Chinese Scientists Reveal the Genomic Enigma of Desert Poplar
(EurekAlert/BGI) In a collaborative study, researchers from Lanzhou University, BGI and other institutes have succeeded in unraveling the whole genome sequence of desert poplar, Populus euphratica, and the genetic bases underlying poplar to against salt stress. This work provides new insights for
December 04, 2013 Read Full Article
Biofuels Manufacturer to Create 65 Jobs in Sampson County, N.C.
(Thrive in North Carolina/North Carolina Governor's Office) Biochemtex will be locating its new cellulosic biofuels production operations in North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that Biochemtex will be locating its new cellulosic biofuels
December 04, 2013 Read Full Article
Perennial Feedstock Focus: Shrub Willow
by Rachel Passmore (NewBIO) ... The shrub willow lifecycle begins with a place to plant the seeds. Part of NEWBio's research focuses on the use of land that is undesirable for food production, land that contains "marginal soils". According to Dr.
December 02, 2013 Read Full Article
Biofore Concept Car to Premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show Next Spring
(UPM) The Biofore concept car, a joint production by UPM and Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, is to premiere at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show, 6-16 March, 2014. The unique concept car is designed to be a futuristic,
November 27, 2013 Read Full Article
Paper Mill in Maine, US Making Sugars for Biofuel from Wood Waste
(Biofuels International) The paper industry in Old Town, Maine, US has been stuck in gradual decline for some years now. However, one company - Old Town Fuel and Fiber (OTFF) - is said to be 'on the cusp' of a
November 26, 2013 Read Full Article
CALL FOR PAPERS: Bioenergy from Forest Conference September 15-18, 2014 Helsinki, Finland DEADLINE March 3, 2014
The Conference will focus on the factors affecting the future of the bioenergy. An important role is to create forest energy markets and mobilization. One focus is examples how to create markets and to overcome barriers on national and international
November 22, 2013 Read Full Article
Wood Bioenergy and Land Use: A Challenge to the Searchinger Hypothesis
by Roger A. Sedjo, Brent L. Sohngen, Anne Riddle (Resources for the Future) A concern of many environmentalists is that the use of biomass energy will decimate the forests. Searchinger et al. (2008, 2009) examined this issue related to corn ethanol
November 18, 2013 Read Full Article
Next Generation of Biofuels Is Still Years Away
by Jonathan Fahey (Associated Press) The first trickle of fuels made from agricultural waste is finally winding its way into the nation's energy supply, after years of broken promises and hype promoting a next-generation fuel source cleaner than oil. ... Cellulosic makers
November 14, 2013 Read Full Article
Peyton Pace: As a Soap Opera Bubbles over KiOR’s Speed-to-Profits, Revenues and Production Triple
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Slow pace, low yields have depressed KiOR’s share prices, but tripled production and revenue has recently delighted the markets. What’s up with the cellulosic biofuels leader? Good news, bad news? ... You have one of the first
November 13, 2013 Read Full Article
Battelle Develops Mobile Technology to Produce Bio-Oil
(Battelle/Biomass Magazine) Battelle engineers and scientists have developed a mobile device that transforms unwanted biomass materials such as wood chips or agricultural waste into valuable bio-oil using catalytic pyrolysis. As currently configured, the Battelle-funded unit converts 1 ton of pine
November 08, 2013 Read Full Article
Effects of Genetic Modification on Non-Target Traits that Confer Defense in Hybrid Poplar (Populus tremula x Populus alba)
by Buhl, Christine, Ph.D., (University fo Wisconsin-Madison) Genetic modification may be utilized to enhance various traits in trees for forestry and biofuel applications. Among these modification targets are gibberellic acid and lignin. Gibberellic acid (GA) is a plant hormone that promotes
November 08, 2013 Read Full Article
Feds Launch CSU-Run Research into Tapping Forests for Liquid Fuel
by Bruce Finley (Denver Post) The federal government is launching a $10 million, five-year project to tap overgrown and beetle-ravaged Western U.S. forests as a new source of non-oil liquid fuel that could power cars, warships and airliners. The Colorado State