In Michigan, the Historic Vehicle Association launched an all-out attack on ethanol as part of its opposition to the approval of E-15, which the EPA approved recently for the 2007-09 model years. In its broadside, the group used data on ethanol tax policies, mileage, and price impact dating back to the early 1990s. The group […]
In California, the Boston Consulting Group released its report, titled What’s Next for Alternative Energy?. The report examined seven of the most significant alternative-energy technologies, asking three key questions; 1) Can it achieve cost competitiveness with conventional energy by 2020 and be economically viable without subsidies? 2) Can it overcome barriers to rapid adoption once […]
In the UK, the Department of Transport has issued a statement saying that the results of its analytical work on Indirect Land Use Change are compelling in showing that the greenhouse gas emissions from ILUC are significant compared to the potential emissions savings from biofuel use. The precise scale is uncertain, but it says this […]
In Iowa, researchers at Iowa State University examined 12 varieties of sorghum grass grown in single and double cropping systems and found that using sorghum from a single-cropping system was more effective for the production of ethanol. The project’s lead says that from a production standpoint, growing sorghum as a sole crop is more efficient […]
In Minnesota, the BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota has announced recommendations for how the forestry industry could best benefit from biofuels using system dynamics modeling. During the one year analysis, The Biobusiness Alliance of Minnesota consulted over 100 experts from around the state. Input was received from loggers, existing and emerging industry players, environmental groups, consumers, […]
At Advanced Biofuels Markets 2010, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and Biofuels Digest jointly launched the “11 Hot Trends for ’11″ poll. Digest readers and BIO members will jointly have the opportunity to rank the hottest trends from the coming year, by participating in the poll, here. To ensure that the poll reflects as wide […]
In Illinois, researchers at the University of Illinois have confirmed the existence of a potential new virus in switchgrass that could pose new challenges to developing the plant as an energy crop. The virus is associated with mosaic and yellow streak symptoms and reduces photosynthesis as well as biomass yield. More on the story.
In New York, Bloomberg is reporting that profits in ethanol production are up to $0.27 per gallon, swinging from losses as high as $0.06 per gallon during the summer. The rising profits come in spite of corn prices, which have risen 40 percent high. Among factors benefiting ethanol producers: 20 percent increases in ethanol prices, […]
In Washington, the Energy Information Agency is reporting that US ethanol production reached an all time high in August with an average of 869,000 barrels per day, up from 857,000 bpd in July. The Renewable Fuels Agency also reports that demand in August soared from August 2009, up at 911,000 bpd vs. 734,000 bpd last […]
In Massachusetts, NESCAUM provides background data on the proposition that the carbon intensity of fossil fuels varies intensely by the source, and that Low Carbon Fuels Standards that rate biofuels by feedstock and geography should also rate the fossil fuels they substitute for with the same measure. Based on data from the Energy Information Administration, […]
