Ames Laboratory announces new science in converting biomass
By Ames Laboratory
October 06, 2017
Scientists at Ames Laboratory are experimenting with chemical reactions that decompose lignin models at low temperatures and pressures. The team is combining the decomposition and stabilization processes into one multi-functional catalyst.
The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance has reacted to the International Energy Agency's latest medium-term outlook on renewable energy by noting that once again projections are anticipating continued increased growth in demand for conventional biofuels.
UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane industry association, recently released data for first half of September, reporting that mills in the south-central region produced more ethanol than sugar for the second two-week period.
The Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy and American Coalition for Ethanol have all submitted public comments to U.S. EPA and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration stressing the benefits of high-octane ethanol fuels.
Competitive landscape, innovative technologies and emerging energy policy were hot topics as a diverse group of nearly 150 thought leaders, industry representatives, researchers and suppliers convened at the Energy Conference in Iowa Sept. 11-13.
The Renewable Fuels Association announced the election of officers for the 2018 board of directors at its annual meeting in Des Moines. The RFA re-elected Mick Henderson, general manager at Commonwealth Agri-Energy LLC, as chairman.
A bipartisan group of 38 senators have sent a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, asking him to ensure the 2018 Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements promote growth in the U.S. biofuels sector and the U.S. economy.
Researchers at Michigan State University will use a $1.1 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to fight disease in switchgrass by identifying regions of the genome that cause disease resistance.
On Oct. 4, the U.S EPA published a proposal that that could reduce 2018 and 2019 blending obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard in the Federal Register, officially opening a 15-day comment period. Comments are due Oct. 19.
On Oct. 4, the Senate Committee on Environmental and Public Works held a hearing to consider President Trump's nominations to fill several government posts, including those at the U.S. EPA. The RFS was among the topics discussed during the hearing.
Gevo Inc. recently announced that it expects to supply its renewable alcohol-to-jet fuel (ATJ) to the Virgin Australia Group. The Virgin Australia Group will be responsible for coordinating the purchase, supply and blending of the ATJ .
The American Coalition for Ethanol is participating in the U.S. EPA's Smart Sectors program to provide a platform for collaboration with regulated sectors to help the agency develop forward-thinking ways to improve environmental outcomes.
On Oct. 3, a group of biofuel supporters sent a letter to President Trump expressing concern over the U.S. EPA's recent proposal that could reduce 2018 and 2019 blending obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Canada is a top trading partner for U.S. feed grains and coproducts like ethanol and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) thanks to geography and strong trade policy, according to the U.S. Grains Council.
The Crappie Masters Tournament Trail recently ended its 2017 season, crowning Missouri natives Phillip Haynes and Paul Alpers its National Championship winners. The Renewable Fuels Association was a co-title sponsor of the event.
On Sept. 28, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing on the 2018 Farm Bill focused on rural development and energy programs. The committee has now held nine hearings this year focused on Farm Bill development.
Through a grant program, the Nebraska Corn Board has announced it will award qualifying retailers up to $50,000 for installation of flex fuel pumps, other necessary equipment and hardware to offer higher blends of ethanol fuel.
The U.S. Grains Council has announced Turkey is the second largest buyer of U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in the 2016-“17 marketing year with 1.29 million metric tons of imports, nearly double the total from last marketing year.
The Surface Transportation Board has published notices announcing its intent to renew the charter of the Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee and scheduling the next meeting of the RETAC for Oct. 19.
Occidental Petroleum Corp. injects about 1 billion cubic feet per day of carbon dioxide into oil reservoirs for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). That CO2 currently comes mostly from natural sources, but could come from ethanol plants in the future.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently announced six grants totaling nearly $21.1 million to support the development of new jet fuel, biobased products and biomaterials from renewable sources.
The American Coalition for Ethanol member plant Siouxland Ethanol LLC brought biofuels to the forefront at the 15th annual Tri-State Governors' Conference. The governors of Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota participated in the event.
A judge rules that the Urban Air Initiative should have access to more EPA documents discussing test fuels. The D.C Federal Judge made the ruling in regards to a Freedom of Information Request (FOIA) Urban Air filed.
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor is speaking out regarding emerging media reports of an effort by oil refiner Valero to encourage the U.S. EPA to attach renewable identification numbers (RINs) to exported biofuel, primarily corn-based ethanol.
Jamey Cline, business development director for Christianson PLLP, spoke about the immediate future of grant opportunities during the final panel of the Biofuels Financial Conference Sept. 28 in Minneapolis.
The American Coalition for Ethanol applauds the addition of a new flex fuel station in Nebraska offering ethanol-blended fuel options. The Blue Heron Renewable Flex Fuel Plaza is hosting a grand opening Sept. 28.
On Sept. 26, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, delivered a floor speech to the U.S. Senate expressing his disappointment in action taken by the U.S. EPA that could reduce 2018 and 2019 renewable volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Geoff Cooper, senior vice president of the Renewable Fuels Association discussed market trends and their effects on biofuels policies at the Biofuels Financial Conference Sept. 27 in Minneapolis, noting its tough to predict the future.
Employers are expecting more from their employees, and it's crucial to expand training to begin at the basics, Shana McAlexander told the crowd at the 13th annual Christianson Biofuels Financial Conference in Minneapolis Sept. 27.
New Zealand's got milk—record amounts of milk production—and the country's dairy industry is feeding triple the amount of U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) year-over-year.
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