Nov 22, 2009 (19 hours ago)
Scientists have found for the first time that high pressure can be used to make a unique hydrogen-storage material. The discovery paves the way for a new approach to the hydrogen-storage problem. The researchers found that the normally nonreactive, noble gas xenon combines with molecular hydrogen under pressure to form a previously unknown solid with unusual bonding chemistry. The discovery debuts a new family of materials, which could boost hydrogen technologies.
Nov 21, 2009 (1 day ago)
Filed under: Biodiesel , UK Can you use biodiesel in commercial truck applications? Sure you can. Thousands of trucks burn it everyday. Still, not everyone is fully convinced, and some want to operate their own fleet test to prove that turning waste vegetable oil into fuel is a viable plan. This is what CO 2 Sense Yorkshire, a UK-based group that helps businesses and organisations \"prosper and grow in the new Low Carbon Economy,\" is planning with a new demonstration project. Basically, businesses in the area say, \"hey, put that fuel in my vehicle and we\'ll see what happens,\" and CO 2 Sense Yorkshire says, \"OK, here\'s 3,000 liters of 100% waste vegetable oil biodiesel fuel for free. Tell us how it works.\" Sounds like a deal to us. The biofuel trial runs from December through February. Interested companies who want to volunteer a vehicle have until the end of the month to submit an application. Details here . Thanks to Damon S. for the tip! [Source: Fleetnews ] Give a little, get a little: free biodiesel for test fleets in Yorkshire, UK originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Read | Permalink |..
Nov 20, 2009 (2 days ago)
Wow, what a blog post title, “Synthetic Biology: Why Not Pursuing Crazy Biotech Is Dangerous.” The the crew at Gizmodo who came up with that title talks with Michael Spector who covers science for the New Yorker and is the author of Denialism: How Irrational Thinking Hinders Scientific Progress, Harms the Planet, and Threatens Our Lives. The Gizmodo crew says about their discussion with Specter, “For our discussion—fitting the theme of This Cyborg Life—we singled out synthetic biology, a pursuit, as Specter describes it, that “by combining elements of engineering, chemistry, computer science and molecular biology, seeks nothing less than to assemble the biological tools necessary to redesign the living world.” To find out what Specter had to say about synthetic biology read the blog . Next, Xconomy of San Diego, writes a post, Big Energy Collaborations Seen to Jump-Start Emerging Biofuels Technologies . Xconomy attended presentations organized by Biocom, San Diego’s life sciences industry group. Xconomy says according to industry experts at the conference, “As startups developing next-generation biofuels emerge in San Diego, Boston, and elsewhere, a business model for ..
Nov 20, 2009 (2 days ago)
Ethanol advocacy group Growth Energy sent letters to the California Air Resources Board and members of Congress today to address issues that could impact the expansion of ethanol. In California, Growth Energy is calling on the Air Resources Board (ARB) to reopen comments on the low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) in light of undisclosed documents recently uncovered related to the rulemaking process. Through a public records request, Growth Energy uncovered numerous previously undisclosed documents and comments from ARB consultants that cast doubt on ARB conclusions and others that appeared to influence ARB’s assumptions. Following the discovery, Growth Energy issued a letter to ARB, calling on them to reopen the public comment period and allow comment on all documents received by ARB in connection with the LCFS as mandated by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). These include documents commenting on detailed environmental analyses of the LCFS developed by other corn ethanol stakeholders, including the Renewable Fuels Association and the New Fuels Alliance. Meanwhile, on the national level, Growth Energy is asking Congress to fix a tax glitch in the program intended to promote the i..
Nov 20, 2009 (2 days ago)
Iowa-based biodiesel producer Renewable Energy Group has released a report that looks at a wide variety of biodiesel feedstocks and the characteristics of both that feedstock and the fuel produced from it. In the “ Feedstock and Biodiesel Characteristics Report ,” a first-of-its-kind of publication, REG, in cooperation with the Iowa Power Fund Board and the Iowa Office of Energy Independence, evaluated 36 biodiesel feedstocks and produced fuel from 34 of them: These feedstocks varied from traditional fats and oils to novel feedstocks from around the world… Each feedstock was tested for the following characteristics: moisture, free fatty acid, kinematic viscosity, FAC color, saponification value, moisture and volatile matter, insoluble impurities, unsaponifiable matter, MIU, oxidation stability, sulfur, phosphorous, calcium, and magnesium. If a feedstock exceeded 10 ppm phosphorous, 5 ppm calcium and magnesium, it was pretreated using the phosphoric acid procedure and dried. Feedstocks having free fatty acid in excess of 0.5 wt % were esterified using Amberlyst BD 20. The feedstocks were transesterified using identical reaction conditions and production protocols...
Nov 20, 2009 (3 days ago)
Petrobras buys large stake in new Brazil biodiesel plant Brazil’s state-run Petrobras Biofuels acquired a 50 percent stake for $32 million in a BSBIOS SA plant in the state of Parana that is expected to begin commercial operations in the second quarter of 2010. The new plant has an installed capacity of 120 MMly (about 30 MMgy). Petrobas Biofuel currently has a capacity of 324 million liters of biodiesel per year, with plants in Montes Claro, Dandeia and Quixada. The Parana plant will give the company a presence in the country’s southern region. BSBIOS is one of the largest biodiesel producers in southern Brazil with a 160 MMly plant in Passo Fundo using soybean oil, canola and sunflower. The new plant at Marialva, Parana, is in the final stages of construction. We saw another state-owned biodiesel company in China expanding as well, and Brazil is already a world leader in ethanol used in flex-fuel cars and trucks. They also hope to lead in biodiesel, I am sure. Kenya increases investments in biodiesel production Kenya’s Ministry of Energy has launched a new five-year policy to boost biodiesels, as a measure to contribute to the fight to global warming as well as to ..
Nov 20, 2009 (3 days ago)
A big issue is the current Renewable Fuels Standard … as well as the new RFS2 under consideration by the EPA … is the Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). In this edition of the Domestic Fuel Cast, we listen in on the conversation from the recent 2nd Annual RINWorld Summit held in Dallas, TX where the EPA\'s John Wienrauch, Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAC) and Erv Pickell, Office of Enforcement Compliance Insurance briefed attendees on some issues with RINs and the current RFS and what we could see with the new RFS2. Some of the current problems include unregistered users generating invalid numbers, duplicates RINs and even some fraud out there. And once a bad RIN is out there, it affects everyone down the line. But for the most part, those issues seem to be honest mistakes. Pickell says the EPA has been more forgiving with those who have self-reported their problems, but tighter controls will have to rein these issues in the future, especially with the new RFS2. Weihrach says it comes down to the three Rs: registration, record-keeping and reporting. It\'s an important conversation, and you can here more of it here: You can also subscribe to the Domest..
Nov 20, 2009 (3 days ago)
With the introduction of a single bacterial gene into yeast, researchers have achieved three improvements in bioethanol production from agricultural waste material: \'More ethanol, less acetate and elimination of the major by-product glycerol\'
Nov 20, 2009 (3 days ago)
The City of Santa Clara and Ameresco unveiled a new landfill gas-to-energy project at the city\'s closed municipal landfill.
Nov 20, 2009 (3 days ago)
Surplus biomass from the production of flax sheaves, and generated from Brassica carinata, a yellow-flowered plant related to those which engulf fields in spring, can be used to produce bioethanol.
Nov 20, 2009 (3 days ago)
Nov 19, 2009 (3 days ago)
New North, Inc. has recently released Phase 2 of a study on the feasibility of cellulosic ethanol plant in Niagara, an area in Northeast Wisconsin. Phase 2 demonstrates the availability of feedstocks to the plant, primarily wood resources, should the plant be able to produce ethanol using a diversity of feedstocks. The news is positive as many local community members and companies have expressed interest in providing feedstocks to the plant. Phase 1 , which was released this past July, studied the surrounding biomass resources in order to determine if a cellulosic plant could be sited in the region. Both parts of the report were conducted by Resource Analytics. The study also notes the possibility of creating switchgrass supplier cooperatives in conjunction with the establishment of an ethanol plant over the coming years. “As second generation biofuels emerge as a fuel source, the New North is well positioned to take advantage with the resources and infrastructure necessary to create them,” said Jerry Murphy, Executive Director of the New North, Inc. “This study has demonstrated that a cellulosic ethanol facility at the former Niagara paper mill site has a great deal of promise fo..
Nov 19, 2009 (3 days ago)
Advanta US believes sorghum will become the most versatile feedstock for ethanol production . As a global seed company that has a direction toward research, they have seen a stream of similarities and advantages verses other readily known ethanol production methods such corn, sugar and switchgrass. According to a press release from Advanta US, “As the world leader in sorghum, including bioenergy sorghums, Advanta is intimately involved in developing the biofuels industry worldwide,” says John Oppelt, Advanta US Manager of Business Development. “Although the starch-to-ethanol method of ethanol production using corn or grain sorghum has gained the lion’s share of agriculture’s attention to date, the sugar-to-ethanol and cellulosic ethanol methods hold the greatest advantage in conversion and green footprint. Advanta is building upon the advantages of sorghum and currently is marketing hybrids we’ve developed for biofuel and bioenergy conversion around the world. Sorghum is the only crop offering multiple pathways to ethanol.” Advanta is a global seed company headquartered in India with offices in Argentina, Australia, India, Thailand and the U.S.
Nov 19, 2009 (3 days ago)
Fuel sourced from waste derived feedstock is the gold-standard in sustainable energy production. And the pine forest waste left over from Georgia’s paper industry will soon be turned into fuel. Range Fuels\' cellulosic ethanol production facility aims to utilize the limbs, needles and tops of timber typically left out in the woods as an entirely new [...]
Nov 19, 2009 (4 days ago)
China Integrated plans to increase biodiesel production Biodiesel accounted for 20.5 percent of China Integrated’s total sales. State-owned China Integrated has made plans to expand its biodiesel production capacity by 50,000 tons in the next 12 months, chief executive Gao Xincheng disclosed. The Nasdaq-listed company posted net revenue of $72.4 million in the third quarter of the year, representing a 15.1 percent increase from net revenue of $62.9 million made in the same period in 2008. China is very serious about biodiesel, and as we see, the government owns this company, so it pretty much has to succeed. I just don’t want to see Americans buying Chinese biodiesel in the future. From the UK: CO2 Sense Yorkshire will give out free biodiesel made from WVO Personal Home Biodiesel Kit (2 Tank System) Photo from this site In the UK, CO2 Sense Yorkshire is supporting trials of using waste vegetable oil-based biodiesel collected and processed in Yorkshire and Humber to fuel local vehicles. Businesses volunteering for the project, Dec. 2009 to Feb. 2010, will receive 800-gallons of B100 free of charge. Very short article about a test in the UK where volunteer ..
Nov 19, 2009 (4 days ago)
There\'s an old saying that goes, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” While it might be true that college does cost, there are some cheaper options out there. And more of those options are including solar and wind degrees from the less expensive community college route. This article from CNN Money says that more of the more-affordable two-year schools are offering degrees in the ever-growing renewable energy sector: In part the increase in demand at junior colleges is due to the recession: Many students can no longer afford pricey four-year colleges and are opting to attend two-year programs instead. And the schools are about to receive a surge of funding thanks to the Obama administration, which has placed the country\'s 1,200 two-year institutions at the heart of its recovery strategy, allocating $12 billion over the next decade to help modernize the system. Already green partnerships between big industry and junior colleges are popping up around the country: GE has donated a small wind turbine to Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, N.M., and has plans to hire graduates of the school\'s new wind energy technician program. And at Milwaukee Area Te..
Nov 19, 2009 (4 days ago)
The world\'s first jet fuel made from 100 percent renewable canola and soybean oil that has pushed a rocket to 20,000 feet has been picked as one of the top 100 innovations of the year. This press release from the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota and the U.S. Department of Defense\'s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) says the groups\' green fuel was tapped as the Best of What\'s New Award from Popular Science Magazine in the aviation and space category in the current issue of the publication: “This is our favorite editorial project of the year because we get to comb through thousands of new products and technologies and then recognize the most outstanding 100 with awards,” said Popular Science Editor-in-Chief Mark Jannot. “We are truly honored and excited to be recognized by Popular Science,” said EERC Director Gerald Groenewold. “This is a tremendous example of the type of practical, cutting-edge technologies the EERC is commercializing on a continual basis, as well as a perfect example of our ability to partner with private industry and government entities worldwide,” he said. The..
Nov 19, 2009 (4 days ago)
The winds are turning favorable for renewable energy companies to seek financing from the public markets and although going public isn\'t for everyone, it\'s hard to ignore the capital that is becoming available.
Nov 19, 2009 (4 days ago)
A 2 percent biodiesel mandate beginning next year and increasing to 5 percent in 2013 in Massachusetts has hit some glitches … thanks to confusion over what the next Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) might bring …. but it could now be moving forward. Biodiesel Magazine reports the measure has come under fire because it only allows waste-derived biodiesel, a provision put into the mandate thanks to what lawmakers thought the EPA would allow under RFS2. But despite a pronouncement by the Massachusetts Oilheat Council (MOC) in its Nov. 13 newsletter that the requirement has had a “spell of relative silence,” some progress could be at hand: On Sept. 30, MOC president Michael Ferrante sent an email to Dwayne Bregger, director of renewable and alternative energy development in the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, asking specifics regarding the mandate, to which Bregger replied, “Do know that we are moving forward with the Early Action Year beginning July 2010. We anticipate the EPA RFS2 protocol for greenhouse gas reductions to be available by the end of this year and that we will find it acceptable for adoption for [the Massachusetts] program. At that time, DOER ..
Nov 19, 2009 (4 days ago)
Members of the National Biodiesel have chosen who will represent the trade association on its governing board and leadership committee. In this NBB press release , NBB vice chair Gary Haer of Iowa-based Renewable Energy Group said the green fuel “is one of our nation\'s valuable tools to fight greenhouse gas and enhance energy security,” and the the board\'s leadership reflects the diversity and wide spread benefits of the association: Officers elected to lead the board are: * Ed Hegland, chairman, Minnesota Soybean Promotion and Research Council (farmer) * Gary Haer, vice chair, Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (producer) * Ed Ulch, secretary, Iowa Soybean Association, (at large) * Jim Conway, treasurer, Griffin Industries (renderer/producer) Biodiesel board members also voted to fill eight board member spots. Board members elected to the Governing Board include officers and: * Darryl Brinkmann, American Soybean Association (at large) * Kris Kappenman, ADM (producer) * Bob Metz, South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (at large) * Ron Marr, Minnesota Soybean Processors (at large) Greg Anderson, Denny Mauser, David Womack, Robert Stobaugh, Greg Hopkins, Doug Smit..
Nov 18, 2009 (4 days ago)
Chief Ethanol Fuels is celebrating their 25th anniversary this month in Hastings, Nebraska. An open house will be held on Monday, November 23 at the plant and will include keynote speaker, Senator Ben Nelson. The site was originally constructed by American Diversified Corporation and then bought by Chief Industries in 1990. It was the first production facility in the state. In the past 25 years, production has increased from 10 million gallons per year to approximately 70 million gallons per year today, thanks to several expansions that began in 1993 and continuous improvements today. Todd Sneller, administrator of the Nebraska Ethanol Board , said that the Chief Ethanol Fuels plant was Nebraska’s initial stake in the ground in terms of declaring ethanol as a major economic development initiative for the state. “Nebraska has a unique combination of corn, cattle and ethanol,” said Todd Sneller, administrator of the Nebraska Ethanol Board. “Agriculture is the economic engine that drives Nebraska, and ethanol is adding value in very powerful ways that reverberate throughout our state. It is important that we continue to support and develop this industry for the good..
Nov 18, 2009 (4 days ago)
Bob Dinneen, President of the Renewable Fuels Association, took Vice President Al Gore to task this week over what it sees as the inaccuracies about biofuels in his new book, 'Our Choice'. In the book Vice President Gore expresses his disappointment” over the progress of ethanol in the past 30 years. Yet, the facts used to support his opinion either do not reflect the industry as it exists today or are simply inaccurate, says the RFA.
Nov 18, 2009 (4 days ago)
Nov 18, 2009 (4 days ago)
Nov 18, 2009 (4 days ago)
Nov 18, 2009 (5 days ago)
Mass. moving forward with biodiesel mandate The Massachusetts biodiesel mandate, which has been criticized for allowing only waste-derived biodiesel to qualify, is moving forward despite what the Massachusetts Oilheat Council called in it’s Nov. 13 newsletter a “spell of relative silence” surrounding the mandate. On Sept. 30, MOC president Michael Ferrante sent an email to Dwayne Bregger, director of renewable and alternative energy development in the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, asking specifics regarding the mandate, to which Bregger replied, “Do know that we are moving forward with the Early Action Year beginning July 2010. We anticipate the EPA RFS2 protocol for greenhouse gas reductions to be available by the end of this year and that we will find it acceptable for adoption for [the Massachusetts] program. At that time, DOER will be able to qualify all biofuels (regardless of feedstock) that can demonstrate the 50 percent GHG reduction.” This article explains why it was a mistake to base the state’s biodiesel mandate on ONLY waste-derived biodiesel, excluding virgin-oil-based products from soy, etc. An interesting distinction that serves as a “gotcha” ..
Nov 18, 2009 (5 days ago)
NJ home heating oil distributor provides biodiesel for vehicles Dixon Brothers is the first home heating oil provider to supply biodiesel for vehicles. Propane Manager Bob O'Melia fills up a company truck at the pump that provides both regular diesel and biodiesel blends. (Photo by Dawn Benko) ROCKAWAY — Jennifer and Sally Pierson are hoping their investment in a biodiesel pump will help pave the way for a more energy-efficient future for New Jersey. The Pierson's Dixon Brothers location on Cobb Street is the first biodiesel retail fueling station in Morris County, providing a blend of conventional diesel fuel and a domestically produced, renewable soybean product. \"We believe people don't need to go whole hog in converting their systems and want to help clean up in any way we can to support this country,'' said Jennifer Pierson, a fourth-generation member of the family-owned business. \"In this industry, the thrust for the future is biofuel to clean up the fossil fuel image.'' This is a story that once again points out that biodiesel is a local product, often sold by a family business. Notice that in this case, they sell biodiesel for a bit more ..
Nov 18, 2009 (5 days ago)
Following a most successful inaugural conference and exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand in October 2009, Renewable Energy World Asia moves to Singapore in 2010.
Renewable Energy World Asia, co-located with POWER-GEN Asia, is anticipated to receive around 7,000 power and renewable industry professionals, who will gather for three days to enjoy the industry\'s leading conference and experience the latest developments and ideas for the future of the Asian renewables sector.
Nov 18, 2009 (5 days ago)
POET announced today that cost reductions achieved over the past year of operating their cellulosic ethanol pilot plant have exceeded expectations in their drive to commercialize the process. Reductions in energy usage, enzyme costs, raw material requirements and capital expenses have reduced POET\'s per gallon cost from $4.13 to $2.35 over the course of the past year, and the company\'s goal is to be below $2 by commercial plant start-up.
Nov 18, 2009 (5 days ago)
The bilateral relationship between the United States and China has begun to take on a more pragmatic and secure quality under the Obama Administration, a welcome contrast to the past, when the U.S. was mostly uneasy about the rise of China and China was often uncertain about assuming its emerging role as an economic and political center of gravity. Though disagreements over the value of the Yuan, trade restrictions and human rights issues will continue to be present in the Sino-U.S. relationship, the exigencies of the worldwide economic downturn and the opportunities for cooperation in the development of a new energy future, are paving the way for a sustainable and productive bilateral relationship.