A long war of opinion has been waged for years between advanced biofuels’ detractors and supporters. Mirage or reality? Completion of 6 key projects 2012 decided much of the debate. When these 12 projects open for business (or not) in 2013, you’ll know for sure. Advanced, next-generation biofuels are on the march, say the supporters. […]
Modular units, using standard industry systems where possible, there’s lots to like about the Envergent system for drop-in renewable fuels being developed as a joint venture by Ensyn and Honeywell’s UOP. Even more impressive are the economics of the system, its ability (as a thermochemical system) to use a wide variety of feedstocks, and the […]
There’s much to admire about KiOR’s first small commercial project – but three factors stood out for us. It was built on time, on budget, and produces a drop-in, cellulosic product. That’s transformative on three levels — and with scale-up to the 60 million gallon level, the economics are expected to be as compelling as […]
There have been so many projects announced in cellulosic ethanol in the past five years, it’s hard to keep count. But the list of projects that have completed construction at commercial scale, and publicly established the financial structures for deployment at scale — that’s a list of one, Beta Renewables. Though the project is tucked […]
Here’s a project with thermal attributes – gasifying biomass — and fermentation attributes, because its a gas fermentation technology. It’s a hybrid in so many other ways , as well. A joint venture between INEOS Bio and New Planet Energy. Featuring a hybrid of substantial government (DOE) and private (INEOS) investment. Also, using a hybrid […]
Like INEOS Bio, ZeaChem is a hybrid that features both gasification and fermentation elements. The mechanical completion of the core of its demonstration-scale project was a highlight this year — on budget, on time. What makes this project even more interesting is that, even after moving through lab to pilot and now demonstration, no one […]
Perhaps the most ubiquitous fossil fuel product in the world – even more widespread than gasoline or diesel fuel, is the clear plastic bottle in which the world’s most well-known product, Coca-Cola, is distributed. The drive to replace fossil-based plastic bottling with renewably produced product stalled at around 30% renewable content, because no one could […]
Aviation biofuels is, without a doubt, one area in which just about everyone agrees that biofuels have a strong future, if the economics are there and the product is a drop-in fuel. Well, nothing is more of a drop-in than a 100% drop-in, but to this point, a shortage of aromatics in renewable aviation fuels […]
LS9’s acquisition of fermentation technology in Florida was a signature deal, from a cost point of view — in the end, between various incentives and the fact that they bought it as a distressed facility, they picked it up for almost nothing, and spending has focused on retrofitting the 12 million gallon facility to the […]
Every so often, we report on another acquisition or merger with Renewable Energy Group as they build out their biodiesel capacity. What powers that expansion? Strong technology, sourcing and financing. Almost any biodiesel facility performs financially better using the REG system — and that has not only helped the company grow, its helped save the […]
