In Germany, researchers from Kaiserslautern, Bochum, and Rostock have developed a method for producing a petroleum diesel-like fuel from conventional biodiesel at low temperatures. The new biofuel fulfills the current EU and US requirements. It can be used undiluted in modern diesel engines or mixed in any ratio with petroleum diesel. The researchers present their […]
In California, a recent discovery by Stanford University scientists could lead to a new, more sustainable way to make ethanol without corn or other crops. This promising technology has three basic components: water, carbon dioxide and electricity delivered through a copper catalyst. The results are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences […]
In California, ExxonMobil and Synthetic Genomics Inc. announced a breakthrough in joint research into advanced biofuels involving the modification of an algae strain that more than doubled its oil content without significantly inhibiting the strain’s growth. Using advanced cell engineering technologies at Synthetic Genomics, the ExxonMobil-Synthetic Genomics research team modified an algae strain to enhance […]
In Washington, the US EPA announced the winners of the 2017 Green Chemistry Awards: During the 22 years of the program, EPA has received more than 1600 nominations and presented awards to 114 technologies that spur economic growth, reduce costs, and decrease waste. The agency estimates winning technologies are responsible for annually reducing the use […]
In Kansas, researchers from Kansas State University looked at the interaction between genotype and environment on camelina seed yield, oil content, and fatty acid composition across two locations in the U.S. Great Plains over three growing seasons using three different varieties. Yields in Montana were shown to be more than 50% higher than those in Kansas […]
In the UK, some biodegradable plastics could in the future be made using sugar and carbon dioxide, replacing unsustainable plastics made from crude oil, following research by scientists from the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies (CSCT) at the University of Bath. • Polycarbonate is used to make drinks bottles, lenses for glasses and in scratch-resistant […]
In Minnesota, for University of Minnesota (UMN) researchers, scum is a word packed with profitable promise. Their patented process not only converts the scum to a higher value product (biodiesel) but also reduces environmental pollutants in both landfills and water systems. As a result, 68 percent of dried and filtered scum can be converted to […]
In Minnesota, California waste recovery company Resynergi Inc. is drawing on University of Minnesota expertise and technology to develop and commercially manufacture a biorefining technology that converts both plastic and biomass into oil and gas. Resynergi is combining U of M Professor Roger Ruan’s microwave-based technology to convert biomass such as waste wood or crop […]
In Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy announced approximately $15.8 million for 30 new projects aimed at discovery and development of novel, low-cost materials necessary for hydrogen production and storage and for fuel cells onboard light-duty vehicles. Selected projects will leverage national lab consortia launched under DOE’s Energy Materials Network (EMN) this past year, in support of […]
In Washington, a new analysis by the Renewable Fuels Association, “RFS Impacts: By the Numbers. is highlighting tremendous progress has been made toward its goals of energy security, clean air and boosting local economies. The report highlighted advances in US ethanol production, jobs, corn production, petroleum independence, retaoling of alternatives fuels and emissions. The report […]
