Advanced ethanol companies are urging Congressional leaders to include an energy title in any new farm legislation that is developed. In a letter to Senate and House ag leaders this week, the Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) urged them to include important rural energy initiatives currently being administered by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in . Specifically, AEC would like to …
Dividing Corn Stover Could Help Cellulosic Ethanol Production
Purdue University researchers have found that dividing up corn stalks may be the way to conquer in the quest for cellulosic ethanol efficiency. A research team discovered that when corn stover is processed to make ethanol, three distinct parts of it – the rind, pith and leaves – break down in different ways. Cellulosic ethanol is created by using enzymes …
ZeaChem Grows To Commercialize Advanced Biofuels
Colorado-based ZeaChem has expanded its board of directors and raises new capitol to move closer to commercial production of advanced biofuels and chemicals. ZeaChem has raised $19 million in Series C financing, led by Birchmere Ventures, and partner Sean D.S. Sebastian has joined the ZeaChem board of directors. “As an industry leader in the advanced biofuels and bio-based chemicals industries, …
ZeaChem Makes Cleantech 100 List
Cellulosic ethanol developer ZeaChem has been named one of the 2011 Global Cleantech 100 companies. The annual list is produced by Cleantech Group in collaboration with UK’s Guardian News, focusing on companies they believe are likely to make the most significant impact over the next 5-10 years. “ZeaChem is building a portfolio of advanced biofuels and bio-based chemicals derived from …
Cellulosic Ethanol Demo Plant Marks Milestone
Biofuel tech company Coskata marked two years of successful operations at a cellulosic ethanol semi-commercial facility in Madison, Pennsylvania this month. According to company officials, the facility has completed over 15,000 run hours of operation and successfully converted wood biomass and municipal solid waste into fuel-grade ethanol. “The data and operating experience cultivated at this pre-commercial scale facility has conclusively …
Senators to Address Algae Biomass Summit
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Al Franken (D-MN) will address the 2011 Algae Biomass Summit October 25-27 in Minneapolis, according to the Algal Biomass Organization (ABO). Senator Franken will help kickoff the conference on October 25, while Senator Klobuchar will address the conference via a video lunchtime keynote on October 26, focusing on home grown energy and job creation. …
Coalition for E85 Urges Retention of Ethanol Tax Credit
A coalition of retailers, producers, equipment manufacturers have formed the Coalition for E85 with the stated purpose of protecting consumer access to 85% ethanol blends. According to the coalition, if the current tax credit for ethanol expires at the end of the year and is not renewed, Flex Fuel vehicle (FFV) drivers could end up paying up to 38 cents …
Proposed Farm Bill Includes Advanced Biofuels
Senator Dick Lugar (R-IN) and Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R, IN-3rd) have introduced a farm bill that they say would save $40 billion and includes provisions that support the development of advanced biofuels. “We offer our bill as a thoughtful option for consideration by the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, as well as the Congressional Deficit Reduction ‘Super’ Committee charged with …
Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel Hosts Fall Webinar
The National Biodiesel Board is offering students and others interested in the future of advanced biofuels the opportunity to take their renewable fuels education up a notch with the Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel (NGSB) Fall Webinar on Oct. 18. The webinar will feature the very latest on biodiesel research from two university students who will present their biodiesel research, …
RFA Announces 2012 Leadership
All officers of the Renewable Fuels Association were re-elected to serve another term at the ethanol organization’s annual membership meeting held this week in Washington DC. Chuck Woodside of KAAPA Ethanol in Minden, Nebraska was re-elected as Chairman of the Board. Also re-elected were Vice Chairman Neill McKinstray, Ethanol Division Vice President and General Manager, The Andersons, Inc.; Treasurer Randall …