In California, Nature published a paper that evaluated recent advances in biocatalysis and their impacts on commercial development of biofuels. The paper, coauthored by Dr Gjalt Huisman of Codexis Pharmaceuticals, stresses the importance of directed evolution in the third wave in biocatalysis, which is a foundation of Codexis’ technology platform. The paper specifically highlights rapid […]
In Maryland, Fiberight and KmX have signed a biofuel technology license agreement allowing Fiberight exclusive rights to KmX’s membrane aided concentration and dehydration technologies for conversion of Municipal Solid Waste. KmX’s membrane technologies replace the need for energy intensive distillation columns and molecular sieves in refining cellulosic ethanol. More on the story.
In New York, Bunge’s first quarter profits fell far below Wall Street’s expectations as high corn costs cut profits at its ethanol plants. While revenue was slightly higher than expected, shares fell almost 3 percent in the morning trading after profit reports were released. Revenue in the sugar & bioenergy division during the quarter dropped to […]
In California, the FDA has approved Codexis’ new process for the manufacture of sitagliptin, the active ingredient in Merck’s new drug Januvia. The approved process, which won the Presidential Green Chemistry Award in 2010, is a more environmentally friendly and efficient production process than those used in the past. Specifically, it indicates the potential for improving […]
In Canada, Lignol has announced a purchase agreement for the sale of up to 10 tones of their HP-LTM lignin to be used for product trials. The sale comes as the culmination of a multi-year joint development program during which Lignol provided test quantities of a variety of lignin derivatives for various epoxy coating formulations. “Our ability […]
In Ukraine, the Energy and Coal Industry has prepared a draft of a law that would require a 5% blend of bioethanol to gasoline for consumers by 2014. Said Minister Ihor Kyriushyn, “In the nearest 10-15 years, we have a task to maximum increase a part of the use of bioethanol in the fuel quality in […]
In the EU, parliament has condemned Argentina’s move to seize YPF, the largest oil distributor in Argentina which was previously owned by Spain’s Repsol. Argentina claims that Repsol has not invested enough in the country’s oil industry. The parliament has called on the EU to consider “possible partial suspension of the unilateral tariff preferences” currently […]
In Minnesota, Ever Cat Fuels has raised $800,000 in venture capital for development of a new process for biodiesel production. The securities filing for the company indicates a financing round which expects to raise $4 million. The company’s technology and use of feedstocks from a nearby ethanol plant lowers the cost of production up to […]
In Minnesota, Bushmills Ethanol has received an $800,00 penalty for pollution in its Atwater plant. The penalty comes in a series of crackdowns in regulation which has seen 13 of the state’s 21 plants polluting, accruing fines that exceed $5 million. Jeff Connell, the state regulator, said problems with treatment technology are not uncommon, and […]
In South Carolina, Lincoln Energy Solutions is expanding their facility to include nearly 2 million gallons of storage capacity for ethanol and biodiesel. The tanks will expedite the off-loading process from the train, which will cut the previous time required for off-loading in half. The company’s supply comes from a strategic business relationship with Archer […]
