Syngas 101

By Jessica Ebert

Interest in the thermochemical conversion of biomass into a synthesis gas that can be run through a turbine for the production of electricity, used to replace natural gas or converted into biofuel, is gaining ground. Biomass Magazine probes several experts for explanations to demystify the processes used to make syngas.

Niagra Falls For Wood Power

By Ron Kotrba

Move over Niagara hydropower-there's a new generation of power in town.

Cow Pies to Clean Power

By Susanne Retka Schill

Texas Panhandle feedlot operators clean out mountains of manure each time they ship a pen of beef cattle to market. Where some see a looming environmental problem, others envision a potential renewable energy source.

Opportunities, Challenges Abound in 2008

By Jerry W. Kram

Gazing deeply into a crystal ball or dealing out tarot cards are ways to predict what will happen tomorrow. While it can be amusing, the results are generally less than satisfying. So instead of phoning the Psychic Friends Network, Biomass Magazine talked with people who know the industry to find out what the hot topics will be this year.

Biodiesel's True Calling

By Ron Kotrba

As biodiesel struggles for widespread acceptance as a transportation fuel, it has found a warm, cozy home in the residential heating oil market.

Canola Waits in the Wings

By Susanne Retka Schill

Canola is being touted around the United States as an oilseed crop with great potential. Not long ago, biodiesel was the big driver behind that interest, but for now, economics have redirected that focus to the food market.

A New Generation

By Anduin Kirkbride McElroy

Under the right circumstances, biodiesel can be a clean, local, economically viable source of electricity. Biodiesel Magazine highlights some of the projects being developed across the United States.

Breeding Better Beans

By Jessica Ebert

Biodiesel producers agree that scientific and technological breakthroughs are needed to keep the industry growing. While some of these advancements occur in the areas of engineering and process design, others originate in the test fields of private, academic and government soybean-breeding laboratories.

Emerging Opportunities on Uncharted Grounds

By Bryan Sims

Some Central American countries seem to have the political will and the resources to develop a biodiesel industry. Biodiesel Magazine takes a closer look at one of the more promising countries, Costa Rica, and a couple of business developments that are poised to capitalize on the country's resources.

Cleaner and Clearer

By Jerry W. Kram

In a challenging economic environment, producing a top quality product is one way to maintain a competitive edge. For biodiesel producers, that means finding the most economical way to wash and polish their crude biodiesel to the highest possible standard. Schroeder Industries says its system can produce clean biodiesel quickly and inexpensively.

Densified Biomass for Cofired Energy Generation

By Jim McMahon

The U.K.'s leading "green" power utility, Slough Heat & Power Ltd., features state-of-the-art densification equipment for cubing nonrecyclable commercial and industrial waste for use in its cofired energy plant.