Gevo’s technology to convert wood waste to biojet fuel has achieved a breakthrough in its fermentation technology and will soon “catch air” as its soars in the sky in test flights. The wood waste is first converted to isobuanol and then converted into alcohol-to-jet fuel. Gevo has an operational plant in Luverne, Minnesota that has flexible feedstock technology allowing the …
Alaska Airlines Commits to Renewable Fuel
Alaska Airlines has teamed up with Washington State University’s Northwest Advanced Renewable Alliance (NARA) to advance development on renewable jet fuel made from forest residues. As a result of the collaboration, Alaska Airlines plans on taking the aviation biofuels to the sky during a demonstration flight next year. NARA is focusing on developing alternative jet fuel derived from post-harvest forest …
BioEnergy Bytes
Vivint Solar has announced that they have entered into their first solar commercial and industrial investment fund to which the investor has committed to invest $150 million, which will allow the company to finance energy efficient commercial and industrial solar projects. This announcement marks the first time that Vivint Solar has expanded its offerings beyond residential solar. According to the …
Nat’l Debt Grows, Energy Costs Rise
Americans have had some recent relief at the pump but it may be short-lived. According to State of the World 2015, long-term energy costs are on the rise. Why? America’s, along with other countries’ growing debt. Author John Hagens a former hedge fund manager who now teaches human macro-ecology at University of Minnesota, said nations are papering over these costs …
Louisiana Clean Fuels Honors Republic Services
Louisiana Clean Fuels has awarded its Fleet of the Year Award to Republic Services of Baton Rouge for their use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Republic’s collection company, BFI Waste Services has reduced its use of petroleum and emissions by using CNG. Louisiana Clean Fuels presented the Award at its 15th annual Clean Fuel Leader Awards Gala in Baton Rouge …
BioEnergy Bytes
Solenis has resolved a patent dispute with Superior Oil Company over methods for using chemical additives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of corn oil extraction in fuel ethanol production. Under the agreement, Solenis owns all patent and patent-related intellectual property pertaining to its Dimension corn oil extraction aids and the methods for their use, and has the sole right …
CHS Acquires Patriot Renewable Fuels
CHS Inc. has acquired the Patriot Renewable Fuels ethanol plant from Patriot Holdings, LLC, Annawan, Ill. The Annawan, Illinoise facility produces 125 million gallons of ethanol annually, and is the second ethanol plant that CHS has purchased. In June 2014, CHS acquired the former Illinois River Energy plant at Rochelle, Ill. The facility will be rebranded as CHS and it’s …
ACE Launches E15 Retailer Website
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has launched a new website for retailers focused on E15: www.FlexFuelForward.com. The site is designed to answer retailer-focused questions about E15, E85 and mid-level ethanol blends. “When convenience store owners consider a new product, the information they trust most comes from people like them – other retailers who have already done what they’re thinking …
USDA Restarts Biomass Crop Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has restarted the Biomass Crop Assistance Program that provides financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in growing and harvesting biomass for renewable energy. According to USDA, financial assistance is available through BCAP for costs associated with harvesting and transporting agriculture or forest residues to facilities that convert biomass crops into energy. …
Report: Farmers Can Grow Food, Fuel
According to research conducted by Russ Gesch, a plant physiologist with the USDA Soil Conversation Research Lab in Morris, Minnesota, farmers can successfully and sustainably grow food and fuel. Gesch specifically looked at growing Camelina sativa with soybeans in the Midwest. Gesch’s study was recently published in Agronomy Journal. Camelina is a member of the mustard family and research shows …