In New York, a research team led by Cornell University and USDA Agricultural Research Service at both Cornell and North Carolina State University have related genetic variation across the entire maize genome to traits. The researchers found 1.6 million sites where one maize plant can vary from another, and then identified the genes that control […]
In Washington, the EPA announced that they are deferring greenhouse gas (GHG) permitting requirements for carbon dioxide emissions from biomass-fired and other biogenic sources, for a period of three years. “We appreciate EPA’s sensible approach to this complex issue and look forward to working with the agency on a commonsense solution,” said RFA President and […]
In Canada, Philippe Burton has joined Enerkem as Vice President, Human Resources. He was most recently Managing Director, Human Resources at AVEOS Fleet Performance, a company with over 3,000 employees. Prior to that, he was Director, Human Resources at General Electric, Energy group, in Montreal, Quebec. In Wisconsin, Lallemand Ethanol Technology announced the appointment of […]
The Biofuels Digest Index™ (BDI), a basket of public biofuels stocks, gained 0.72 percent to a 30-month high of 86.74 as large caps jumped. For the day, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) gained 2.06 percent to $33.23, while Amyris (AMRS) soared 5.59 percent to $31.91. Among other equities, Valero (VLO) gained 1.95 percent to $25.04. Overall, […]
In New Hampshire, Mascoma announced that Valero Energy has joined as an investor in the company. Further, Mascoma, Valero, and Mascoma’s operating subsidiary, Frontier Renewable Resources, (jointly owned with J.M. Longyear) have signed a non-binding letter of intent to support the construction of Mascoma’s 40 million gallon cellulosic ethanol plant in Kinross, Michigan. Groundbreaking on the […]
In the “Economics of Biofuels”, Pacific Rim Bioenergy offers a look at price scenarios for algal biofuels, and biodiesel made from waste oils and tallow. “As the price for petroleum rises, the commercial start up volume requirements will not be nearly as inhibiting. Once this barrier to entry has been lowered, algae commercial start-ups can […]
By Will Thurmond 1 Emerging Markets Growth US and EU-based algae producers and licensors of technology are increasingly looking to the Emerging Markets in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East for faster economic growth, increasing market demand, and more supportive government and regulatory climates for accelerated commercial growth. This follows a key trend […]
In California, algal fuels pioneer OriginOil announced that it will focus on its algae extraction technology platform. Conventional extraction, adequate for specialty products, such as pharmaceuticals, is far too energy-intensive for large-scale uses such as fuel and chemicals. A scalable and proven solution to the extraction challenge is vital to the future of the fast-growing […]
In Germany, CropEnergies’ ethanol sales rose by 24% in the nine months through November, boosting revenues to $440 million from $363.4 million last year. The company’s Wanze, Belgium plant increased its production by 16% which helped lead to its increase in sales. More on the story.
In the UK, the Renewable Fuels Agency has fined a wholly owned subsidiary of BP and one of Total $7,800 each for failing to register its biofuel use with the regulator, but both have eventually met their blending obligations. However Yorkshire Petroleum Company has been fined the full $78,000 for not meeting its blending obligations […]
