In Tennessee, E30 can offer benefits for spark-ignited engines, according to a study recently published by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. E30 offers the highest torque capability when at a high compression ratio compared to the other fuels tested. In addition to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the data suggests mid-level alcohol blends with engine […]
In Iowa, Monte Shaw, a Republican activist who serves as the executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association has announced his candidacy for the Iowa U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. Tom Latham, who announced his plans to retire after 20 years. Shaw, who has been a longtime supporter of ethanol trade, will […]
In Florida, Viesel Fuel has developed a biodiesel production process using enzymes to produce at a rate of 5 MMgy, in collaboration with Novozymes and Tactical Fabrication. The technology recovers and reuses the enzymes to catalyze several batches, making enzymes affordable, with resin-based technology used to bring the crude biodiesel technology up to ASTM specifications. […]
According to Green Chemicals Blog, 2014 may see a resurgence of private investment in renewable chemicals as traditional chemical companies including DSM, BASF, DuPont, Braskem, Dow, and more turn toward investment in several commercially-viable biobased chemicals. Recent financing announcements from Amyris, Calysta Energy, Global Bioenergies, Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures, and more support this assertion. The […]
In Wisconsin, the USDA OKed commercial sales of corn and soybean seeds genetically engineered to resist an weed killer 2,4-D, which at one time prominently figured in the herbicide known as Agent Orange, from the Vietnam War era. To date, no link has been established between 2,4-D and toxic effects of Agent Orange. It is […]
In Missouri, two veteran leaders of the Missouri Soybean Association have been removed from their positions after an audit on the agricultural group’s merchandising fees paid by farmers. While the Board declined to release the audit, Dale Ludwig, former executive director, and J.P Dunn, field services manager, have indicated that conflicts of interests could have […]
The Energy Information Adminsitration (EIA) is offering an early release of their energy production and consumption forecasts for the US, predicting a steady increase in cofiring of biomass. The report additionally projects that cofiring will have the greatest influence on the growth of the biomass sector, with an annual growth rate of 14.5%. More on […]
In Montana, as the Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA) analysis of western Montana finishes up, the Bioenergy Alliance of the Northern Rockies (BANR) is gearing up to study the northern Rocky Mountain region. “We’re looking at forest residuals – post-harvest residuals – and BANR is focusing on the beetle-killed areas,” said NARA spokesman Charles Burke, […]
In Ohio, citizens of the state overwhelmingly support the Ohio Clean Energy Initiative, which would provide $1.3 billion a year in funding for public infrastructure projects including biomass projects. If approved, the funding would continue for ten years. The legislation has 45% strong approval, with an additional 26% of people indicating they would be somewhat […]
In Minnesota, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) wrote a column defending the Renewable Fuels Standard, whose rollbacks are estimated to cost Minnesota $600 million in lost economic activity. The senior Senator asserted that the program is working in her state and across the nation, with E85 sales alone doubling in Minnesota in 2013. Klobuchar indicated that […]
