An enzyme discovered at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory proves adept at breaking down cellulose fibers regardless of whether their crystalline structure is simple or highly complex.
The “Cool” Fuel
September 21, 2017
FROM THE OCTOBER ISSUE: Multiple trade groups and ethanol companies offer internships, contests and events to get young people interested in biofuels. The next generation is drawn to ethanol's environmental and economic benefits.
The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association and KS95 FM teamed up on Sept. 20 to reward drivers who fueled up with E15 (Unleaded Plus) at Bona Bros Minnoco in Fridley. Twelve drivers who switched to E15 were rewarded during the event.
Measured Change
September 21, 2017
FROM THE OCTOBER ISSUE: Editor in Chief Tom Bryan previews the magazine, including feature articles about healthy investment risk, funding options, lab innovations, biotechnology advancements, the next generation of ethanol enthusiasts and more.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry held a hearing on the nomination of Stephen Censky at deputy secretary of agriculture and Ted McKinney as under secretary of agriculture for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.
Engineering and Evolution in Biotechnology
September 20, 2017
FROM THE OCTOBER ISSUE: Advancements in yeast optimization are gaining momentum. New companies are entering the space and veterans are improving their processes.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry recently announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has selected eight projects to negotiate for up to $15 million in total DOE funding to optimize integrated biorefineries.
Ethanol: Gasoline on Steroids for Motorcycles
By Bob Dinneen
September 20, 2017
FROM THE OCTOBER ISSUE: The RFA supports the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally every year. This was the first year motorists had access to a permanent E10 fueling station at the event.
Eleven students from Red Rock Central High School traveled across town on Sept. 15 to visit Highwater Ethanol to learn about renewable energy production. The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry recently announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has selected eight projects to negotiate for up to $15 million in total DOE funding to optimize integrated biorefineries.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry held a hearing on the nomination of Stephen Censky at deputy secretary of agriculture and Ted McKinney as under secretary of agriculture for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.
Velocys plc recently announced it has entered into a partnership with British Airways, Suez and Norma to prepare the business case for a commercial-scale waste-to-renewable-jet-fuel plant in the U.K.
The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced $22 million in funding through the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy for 18 innovative projects as part of the Macroalgae Research Inspiring Novel Energy Resources program.
Canada's ethanol mandate has played a key role in reducing the carbon intensity in gasoline. Maintaining renewable fuel standards can be an integral part of Canada's transition to a low-carbon future, according to the Conference Board of Canada.
Innovation in the Lab
September 19, 2017
FROM THE OCTOBER ISSUE: Ethanol laboratories use HPLCs to find issues early in fermentation, but increasingly have been using the data for process optimization.
Biofuels Have Central Role in Low-Carbon Economy
By Bliss Baker
September 19, 2017
FROM THE OCTOBER ISSUE: As the only commercially available and immediately dispatchable low-carbon transport fuel alternative to crude oil, biofuels are the obvious choice for countries to slash transport sector greenhouse gas emissions.
A forest biomass-to-power project and two biogas projects were recently approved for grants by the California Energy Commission, via its Electric Program Investment Charge program.
European renewable ethanol association (ePURE) members produced 5.2 billion liters of ethanol and 4 million metric tons of high-protein animal feed in 2016, according to new audited data released by the industry association.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration has announced respondents providing data for its Monthly Densified Biomass Fuel Report produced 570,000 tons of densified biomass fuel in June, and sold 430,000 tons.
UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane industry association, has released data for the second half of August, reporting increased ethanol sales. Ethanol production during the second half of August was up 3.15 percent, with 1.77 billion liters manufactured.
The U.K. government is seeking public comments on two proposed options aimed at controlling costs of non-grandfathered biomass conversion and co-firing units under the Renewables Obligation.
The Message is Clear: We Must Create Demand
By Dave VanderGriend
September 18, 2017
FROM THE OCTOBER ISSUE: Growth above 15 billion gallons will require new markets and widespread understanding of ethanol's carbon-reduction value.
Enerkem Inc. has begun commercial production of cellulosic ethanol at its commercial-scale facility in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The company has been producing and selling biomethanol since 2016, and is now converting that biomethanol into ethanol.
A bipartisan group of senators, led by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, is calling on U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to work with the Brazilian government to end a recently reinstated tariff on ethanol imports.
Evaluating Funding Options
By Keith Loria
September 18, 2017
FROM THE OCTOBER ISSUE: Funding options are generally best-suited to specific types of projects. The money is out there –– producers just need to figure out which source is the right fit for them.
Clariant and Enviral, an ethanol producer in Slovakia, have signed a license agreement on Sunliquid cellulosic ethanol technology. Enviral plans to develop a commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant at its existing Leopoldov site in Slovakia.
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved a conditional $15 million Focus on Energy grant to BC Organics LLC for a bioenergy system in Brown County. The system will produce renewable natural gas from dairy farm manure and other waste.
Fremont's biodigester has reopened under new ownership and management, converting 165,000 tons of organic waste every year into renewable electricity that can power more than 2,500 Michigan homes.
It's All in the Risk
September 17, 2017
FROM THE OCTOBER ISSUE: The ethanol industry has been conservative on risky investments since its most recent downturn, experts say. But innovating, expanding and diversifying are important and can be done prudently.
Business Briefs
September 17, 2017
FROM THE OCTOBER ISSUE: The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association has new members, the U.S. Grains Council elects its first chairwoman, and ACE presents its industry awards.
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