In China, ChemChina announced a $43 billion bid for Syngenta, the companies announced. Syngenta’s US shares rose to $76.47 on the news, which came as Syngenta said that ChemChina was looking for even more acquisitions. The Syngenta board is backing the deal, which is expected to clear regulatory hurdles and close before the end of 2016. […]
Gevo and Porta are targeting the construction of at least four isobutanol plants in Argentina; first plant to be wholly owned by Porta, with a targeted production capacity of up to five million gallons per year In Colorado, Gevo has entered into a license agreement and a joint development agreement with Argentine ethanol distiller Porta […]
In Switzerland, AVA Biochem revealed that it is expanding its product portfolio to include platform chemical FDCA (2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid)— and that’s a pathway to a molecule called PEF that’s a potential bio-based replacement for PET used to make clear plastic bottles for soft drinks. So, it’s big news in a field that’s getting crowded with promising […]
The “Top 100 People in the Advanced Bioeconomy” for 2016 as nominated and voted by the readers of The Digest and the publication’s editorial board. For comparison purposes, the The Top People for 2015 rankings are here.
Jacobs’ back and Ensyn’s got him. The complete story. Jeffrey Jacobs, who served as Vice President of Chevron Technology Ventures until his recent retirement from Chevron, was appointed CEO of Ensyn Corporation and elected to its Board of Directors. Jacobs was also appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of Envergent Technologies, Ensyn’s […]
Did you notice electric car sales plunging? Fuel usage on the rise? Fracking in retreat? Strategics like Exxon, United Airlines, Suntory and Tesoro doubling down? Why $30 oil is your new best friend. C’mon Get Happy. When US President Theodore Roosevelt remarked in a speech at Provincetown, Massachusetts in August 1907 of his government’s determination […]
Two giants hook up to bring cellulosic biodiesel to scale. A new source of biodiesel feedstock, and a new source of renewable fuels. In Iowa, ExxonMobil and Renewable Energy Group have agreed to jointly study the production of biodiesel by fermenting renewable cellulosic sugars from sources such as agricultural waste. REG has developed a patented […]
Is ethanol really worth $3.81 for the octane but costs only $1.39 on the market? How could that be? Math majors around the country are frequently perplexed by this one. If you start with 84-octane RBOB gasoline and add a 10 percent blend 100-octane ethanol, how the heck do you get 87-octane gasoline at the pump? […]
