Category: Research

The Latest in next-wave biofuels feedstock reports: Biogas

The Latest in next-wave biofuels feedstock reports: Biogas

June 8, 2014 |

In a shocker last month out of Pennsylvania, Farmatic now concludes that biogas can replace 50% of the US’s transportation fuel needs. Presented by Dr. Michael Schuppenhauer, President & CEO of Farmatic, the study is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and other research institutions. […]

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Utah State researchers release major microalgae productivity assessment

Utah State researchers release major microalgae productivity assessment

June 5, 2014 |

In Utah, microalgae-based biofuel not only has the potential to quench a sizable chunk of the world’s energy demands, say Utah State University researchers, it’s a potential game-changer. Researchers published findings from an unprecedented worldwide microalgae productivity assessment in the May 26, 2014, online Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. […]

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Texas A&M researchers measuring GHG footprint of bioenergy cropping systems

Texas A&M researchers measuring GHG footprint of bioenergy cropping systems

June 4, 2014 |

In Texas, researchers in the Texas A&M University soil and crop sciences department have been measuring greenhouse gases from biofuel production scenarios to help quantify the carbon footprint of a bioenergy cropping system and evaluate compliance with federally mandated reduction goals.  

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DEINOVE signs R&D agreement with Suez Environnement for waste-to-ethanol

DEINOVE signs R&D agreement with Suez Environnement for waste-to-ethanol

June 3, 2014 |

In France, DEINOVE has signed a collaborative R&D agreement with SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT Group. This two-year contract is the first step of a project aimed at exploring the potential for developing a new industrial sector for transforming urban organic waste into ethanol through the action of Deinococcus bacteria.  

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Neiker shows algae production can boost biogas GHG performance

Neiker shows algae production can boost biogas GHG performance

June 2, 2014 |

In Spain, Neiker-Tecnalia has demonstrated that Chlamydomonas acidophila microalgae can be successfully used to absorb ammoniacal nitrogen produced in effluent from anaerobic digestion of organic waste. By co-producing algae with biogas, the ammonium can be absorbed instead of released into the atmosphere, while the resulting algae can then also be used as a biogas feedstock, […]

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USDA to award $6M for online tools for ARC and PLC program education

USDA to award $6M for online tools for ARC and PLC program education

June 2, 2014 |

In Washington, the Department of Agriculture is awarding $6 million to universities and cooperative state extension services to develop online decision tools and other materials and train experts to educate producers about several key farm bill programs including the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program and the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program. The new Web tools […]

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Evolva achieves key milestone in Stevia project with Cargill

Evolva achieves key milestone in Stevia project with Cargill

June 2, 2014 |

In Minnesota and Switzerland, Cargill and Evolva Holding announced the achievement of a technical milestone in their joint development program of fermentation-based minor steviol glycosides – the compounds responsible for the sweet taste in the stevia leaf. The milestone is an enabling step in bringing additional great tasting stevia-based sweeteners to market in a cost […]

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Wood waste biofuel could boost shipping industry sustainability

Wood waste biofuel could boost shipping industry sustainability

May 29, 2014 |

In the UK, sustainable biofuel made from Norwegian forest wood waste could help transform the shipping industry and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Aston University scientists are involved in the ReShip project, which will use low quality wood waste, chippings and unmerchantable wood left in forests after logging has occurred to produce new biofuels. Via […]

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Cornell researchers see algae byproduct as prime animal feed

Cornell researchers see algae byproduct as prime animal feed

May 27, 2014 |

In New York state, researchers from Cornell University have been testing algae, after the oil has been removed for biodiesel production, as a potential animal feed for pigs and chickens. After removing the oil, the specimens used in the research included 13.9% to 38.2% crude protein and 1.5% to 9.3% crude fat. The algae byproduct […]

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Researchers re-think biorefineries and the role of lingin

Researchers re-think biorefineries and the role of lingin

May 26, 2014 |

In Georgia, a new review article in the journal Science points the way toward a future where lignin is transformed from a waste product into valuable materials such as low-cost carbon fiber for cars or bio-based plastics. Using lignin in this way would create new markets for the forest products industry and make ethanol-to-fuel conversion […]

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