Category: Thought Leadership

The Next Big Step for Algae and Sustainable Aviation Fuels

The Next Big Step for Algae and Sustainable Aviation Fuels

February 14, 2022 |

By Dr. Rebecca White, Dr. Lieve Laurens, Nate Kommers, Algae Biomass Organization Special to The Digest Among the dozens of policy innovations that Congress must consider in climate change legislation is a tool that could help trigger the next stage in decarbonizing one of the most significant industries in the world: aviation. The provision is […]

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Behind the Hot Year for Biofuels M&A: 2021 Review and Outlook

Behind the Hot Year for Biofuels M&A: 2021 Review and Outlook

February 9, 2022 |

By Bruce Comer, Frank Kim and Zak Putlak, Ocean Park Special to The Digest As ethanol producers pursued mergers and acquisitions, and renewable diesel firms built and expanded plants, the biofuels industry increasingly focused on securing feedstocks. Producers seeking to consolidate, optimize or sell plants helped double the number of mergers and acquisitions in 2021 […]

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A field of dreams – why growing sugar beet is critical to Scotland’s future

A field of dreams – why growing sugar beet is critical to Scotland’s future

February 8, 2022 |

By Ian Archer, technical director, Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) Special to The Digest After the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow, attention is inevitably turning to how each country and industry can make their contribution towards slowing the rise in global temperatures. It is widely accepted that one of the most effective ways of […]

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Synthetic Biology Spotlight: Amyris

Synthetic Biology Spotlight: Amyris

January 31, 2022 |

By Chris Calvey, postdoctoral researcher in microbial metabolic engineering at the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) Special to The Digest This post is the first of a series intended to take a closer look at the science behind some of the most promising biotech companies in the renewable energy sector. First of all, what is […]

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The Race to Reduce GHGs, Dependence on Petroleum, and Provide True Environmental Justice:  Where Will the Reductions Come From?

The Race to Reduce GHGs, Dependence on Petroleum, and Provide True Environmental Justice: Where Will the Reductions Come From?

January 26, 2022 |

By Doug Durante, Executive Director, Clean Fuels Development Coalition Special to The Digest Reducing greenhouse gases, decarbonizing our transportation fuels, providing environmental justice—all laudable objectives, but in the face of political, financial, and practical obstacles, can we realistically expect meaningful results in the short or even mid term?  We can if we put egos aside […]

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Bioplastics: Re-shaping the future of our planet

Bioplastics: Re-shaping the future of our planet

January 24, 2022 |

By Dr. Pramod Kumbhar, President and Chief Technology Officer, Praj Industries Special to The Digest The landscape of plastics and drivers for sustainable solutions As society moves towards sustainable development and a circular economy, one aspect which needs urgent attention is the use of plastic and plastic-based products. With multiple functions and excellent material properties […]

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Advanced feedstocks represent a generational opportunity – Here’s how to take it

Advanced feedstocks represent a generational opportunity – Here’s how to take it

January 17, 2022 |

By Mikala Grubb M.Sc., Ph.D., Director, Clean Fuels Technology, Haldor Topsoe Special to The Digest   The global transition to sustainably produced fuels offers refiners, biorefiners, and investors a once-in-a-generation-sized opportunity. The key to taking it will be advanced feedstocks, as detailed in this column which uncovers how to make the most of the enormous […]

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How to Reduce Your CI Fuel Score with Renewable Energy

How to Reduce Your CI Fuel Score with Renewable Energy

January 11, 2022 |

By Charlie Fredrickson, Vice President of Energy Asset Management, EnTech Solutions Special to The Digest Facilities that produce low-carbon fuels to sell credits within the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) program face ever-increasing benchmarks to reduce their carbon intensity (CI) scores to maximize revenue. In the production of these low carbon fuels such as renewable […]

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Pharma-grade ethanol: Thinking beyond fuel-grade ethanol

Pharma-grade ethanol: Thinking beyond fuel-grade ethanol

January 10, 2022 |

By Mr. Ghanshyam Deshpande, President, Center of Innovation and Applied Technologies, Praj Industries Special to The Digest A sudden need for pharma-grade Ethanol With the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization has issued guidelines on sanitization practices stating frequent use of sanitizers, disinfectants to prevent virus infection. Governments & various health agencies […]

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Time for One More Salute To Bob Dole – As an early ethanol pioneer he laid the foundation for modern biofuels

Time for One More Salute To Bob Dole – As an early ethanol pioneer he laid the foundation for modern biofuels

January 6, 2022 |

By Doug Durante, Executive Director, Clean Fuels Development Coalition Special to The Digest The late December passing of Senator Robert Dole triggered an outpouring of tributes and accolades bringing back memories of a different era in American politics.  His involvement in landmark legislation on Civil Rights, Voting Rights, and countless other bills during his long […]

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