In Israel, Kaiima Agro-biotech Ltd., an agro-biotch startup, seeks to raise up to US $50M in an equity financing round to further develop their products which increase crop productivity without genetically modifying the DNA of the selected crop. Kaiima’s products take advantage of “polyploidy,” a condition which causes species to have extra sets of chromosomes. […]
In Finland, Bloomberg has highlighted Neste Oil’s research efforts to expand their feedstock range to include straw and waste. The company, which currently uses more than ten feedstocks including vegetable oil and animal fats, indicated that it continues to focus its research efforts in the biodiesel market, and does not plan to expand into ethanol. […]
In Brazil, a joint trade mission to improve biofuel trade between the US and Brazil has been announced, and will be sponsored by the Renewable Fuel Association (RFA), the Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) and the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA). 15 companies will be selected to participate on the mission, which will be held from […]
In Kansas, an article published in Phycologia has challenged the notion that more research is needed before commercial-scale algae biofuel technology can be implemented by examining the strain botryococcus braunii. The strain was initially selected for large-scale biofuel production because of its extraordinary ability to synthesize large amounts of hydrocarbon oils. Although further study is […]
In Oklahoma, Syntroleum has received several unsolicited purchase offers after experiencing a rough economic climate since 2012. The company has since hired Piper Jaffray & Co to scout “strategic alternatives.” Given the favorable commercial environment, the company believes that now is an appropriate time to broadly review its strategic alternatives with respect to its renewable […]
In New York, REG has gained access to New York Harbor through the International-Mate Tank Terminal, allowing the company to sell large volumes of biodiesel via barge or truck. “The Northeast has an active biodiesel market and this terminal position allows us to provide more high quality REG-9000® biodiesel to better serve this growing market,” […]
In Wisconsin, Ace Ethanol has approved the $16.5 million purchase of the Utica Energy Ethanol Plant and Utica Industries, both located near Oshkosh. The acquisition will double Ace’s production to nearly 100 million gallons per year. The plant was mothballed last September, but is expected to be running again this fall, and will be renamed […]
In New Zealand, the “Stump to Pump” program is being awarded NZD$6.75 million in government co-funding as a 14-month long research program to create a new market pathway that links low-value forestry and wood processing residuals to renewable fuel markets. The program will be administered by the Crown Research Institute Scion, who have extensive experience […]
In the Philippines, the Sugar Regulatory Administrator said that conversion of world market sugar for ethanol production will be permitted given the SRA’s sugar allocations for 2014. “It is to inform the world that, finally, we will encourage ethanol production,” said Ma. Regina Bautista Martin, adding that this will be the first ever SRA inclusion […]
In Kentucky, gribbles can break down biomass into sugars in the harshest of environments, and are the subject of testing conducted by the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL. Limnoria quadripunctata, a species of wood borer, thrive in salt-rich, high-solids environments. The enzyme could make the conversion process quicker and cheaper if […]
