Biomass Week - September 14, 2012

Nexterra, UBC and GE celebrate opening of biomass CHP system Nexterra Systems Corp., the University of British Columbia and GE recently celebrated the successful completion of an energy-from-renewable-waste combined-heat-and-power system located at UBC's Vancouver campus. READ MORE SHARE
Research aims to introduce drought tolerance into woody biomass Putting the water-use-efficient and turbo-charged photosynthesis from plants such as agave into woody biomass plants such as poplar can hedge against predicted long-term increases in temperatures and reduced precipitation. READ MORE SHARE
	N.M. town approves memorandum of understanding for biomass plant Clovis, N.M could soon be home to a new biomass power plant. The Clovis City Commission recently approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the City of Clovis and Vancouver, British Columbia-based Small Scale Power LLC. READ MORE SHARE
Colo. governor to deliver keynote address at Algae Biomass Summit The Algae Biomass Organization announced that Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper will deliver the keynote address at the 6th Annual Algae Biomass Summit, when the event convenes in Denver on Sept. 24. A panel discussion by industry leaders will follow. READ MORE SHARE
Northern Ireland opens funding program for biomass heat, power Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is reopening the EU co-financed Biomass Processing Challenge Fund, which can contribute up to 40 percent of the cost of an eligible project, up to a $515,000 per project. READ MORE SHARE
Northern Ireland-based biomass power plant now operational Kedco plc announced that its plant in Newry, Northern Ireland, which will produce a total of 4 MW, has commenced the exportation of power to the grid from its biomass plant. Electricity produced by the facility is being sold to Bord Gais Eireann. READ MORE SHARE
Agrisoma Biosciences, U.S. military contribute to biojet project Applied Research Associates and Chevron Lummus Global are partnering with the National Research Council of Canada, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and Agrisoma Biosciences Inc. to evaluate CLG and ARA's 100 percent drop-in ReadiJet fuel. READ MORE SHARE
European Bioplastics publishes communications guide European Bioplastics, the association serving the European bioplastics industry, recently published a 32-page communication guide, titled "Accountability Is Key: Environmental Communications Guide for Bioplastics." READ MORE SHARE
Patented process could improve biofuel production Biofuel production can be an expensive process that requires considerable use of fossil fuels, but a Missouri University of Science and Technology microbiologist's process could reduce costs, reliance on fossil fuels, and streamline production. READ MORE SHARE
U.K. opens consultation on Renewable Obligation proposal The U.K. Department of Energy and Climate Change recently opened a consultation on its proposed changes to the biomass sustainability criteria set under the Renewables Obligation and proposed measures to ensure affordability and value. READ MORE SHARE
Envirotherm, ZeroPoint partner to build biomass power plants Envirotherm GmbH, an Allied Technologies company, and ZeroPoint Clean Tech Inc., the world's leading biomass gasification technology company, have announced they will join forces to build turn-key, biomass power plants. READ MORE SHARE
Arizona State University wins DOE award for algae project The U.S. DOE has selected the Arizona State University-led Algae Testbed Public-Private Partnership (ATP3) for a $15 million award for its Advancements in Sustainable Algal Production opportunity to support an an algae national testbed. READ MORE SHARE
Study evaluates potential algae production sites in Australia Researchers at two Australia universities have identified a number of sites in Western Australia that are suitable for producing algae on a commercial scale for conversion into biofuels using geographical information systems technology. READ MORE SHARE
E2 report estimates advanced biofuel production through 2015 A report recently published by Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) shows that the advanced and cellulosic biofuel industries are well-positioned to meet demand under California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard and federal renewable fuel standard (RFS). READ MORE SHARE
Maryland launches wood, pellet stove rebate program The Maryland Energy Administration has launched a pilot rebate program for new wood and pellet stoves, which offers a $400 rebate for wood stoves and a $600 rebate for pellet stoves. Only U.S. EPA certified stoves that meet emissions levels qualify. READ MORE SHARE
Biobased plastic developer going global A U.S.-based bioplastics developer is heading overseas. Cereplast Inc. has opened a corporate office in India to better serve current and future clients in the Southeast Asia markets. The company recently held a press conference to announce the move. READ MORE SHARE
MGP to launch new line of biobased biodegradable resins MGP Ingredients Inc. has announced the development of Terratek BD, a new line of biodegradable composite resins. Terratek BD is produced from a proprietary blend of wheat- and corn-based products, as well as other compostable materials. READ MORE SHARE
LS9 announces startup of Fla. plant LS9 Inc. recently announced the successful start-up of its Florida operations with an initial production run of fatty alcohols. The company completed the retrofit of the demonstration facility in Okeechobee, Fla. in May of this year. READ MORE SHARE
GCube secures more biomass construction underwriting capacity GCube Insurance Services Inc., a renewable energy insurance provider, has secured $175 million in additional construction underwriting capacity to assist the development and evolution of the international biomass and geothermal energy markets. READ MORE SHARE
Terrabon files for bankruptcy Houston-based Terrabon Inc. has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Under Chapter 7 proceedings, the company's operations will cease and a trustee will be tasked with liquidating the company's assets for the benefit of creditors. READ MORE SHARE