Solix Biofuels Inc., a startup company based in Boulder, is working with Colorado State University engineers to commercialize technology that can cheaply mass produce oil derived from algae and turn it into biodiesel. Algae are the fastest growing organisms on the planet, and can produce 100 times more oil per acre than conventional soil-tilled crops that are now being grown …
Science Foundation Advocates Grass for Gas
Diverse mixtures of native prairie plant species have emerged as a leader in the quest to identify the best source of biomass for producing sustainable, bio-based fuel to replace petroleum. A new study led by David Tilman, an ecologist at the University of Minnesota, shows that mixtures of native perennial grasses and other flowering plants provide more usable energy per …
New Iowa Ag Secretary Says Beef Industry Will Benefit From Ethanol
Iowa’s newly-elected Secretary of Agriculture says the ethanol industry can help the state regain its dominance in beef production. According to a story from the Brownfield Network, Bill Northey told members of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association meeting Thursday that widespread availability of ethanol co-products like dry distillers’ grains could make Iowa the number one beef producing state again like it …
Monsanto Adopts Bean-Powered Buses
Monsanto Company employees are now riding shuttles operating on 20 percent biodiesel. According to a company release, the three on-campus shuttles that provide employee transportation around the Monsanto campus in St. Louis are now operating on B20 biodiesel fuel. The new, smaller shuttles will result in a three mile-per-gallon efficiency increase and a 20 percent savings in fuel costs. The …
More Domestic Fuel Use Forecast
In the latest Long Term Energy Outlook report issued by the Energy Information Administration, higher fossil fuel prices and public policy will generate a further shift toward alternative energy in the coming years. According to an AP story, U.S. ethanol use is expected to grow to 11.2 billion gallons in 2012 from 4 billion gallons in 2005. By 2030, ethanol …
Pacific Biodiesel Opens Plant #10
Maui-based Pacific Biodiesel opened its 10th biodiesel plant this week in the northern California town of Gonzales. According to a news release, Pacific Biodiesel built the 10,000-square foot plant for California-based Energy Alternative Solutions Inc., which is planning at least six more plants in California within the next five years. The Gonzales plant will eventually be able to pump about …
Presidential Advisors Support Biofuels
The President’s Council of Advisors for Science and Technology (PCAST) has issued a report on the role of technology and emerging companies in helping to supply our nation’s energy needs. According to a release from the Renewable Fuels Association, the report concluded that biofuels like ethanol are a vital and readily available solution to help address America’s dependence on foreign …
Alabama Alternative Fuels
The state of Alabama is focusing on alternative fuels. Alabama Agriculture Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks has announced the formation of the Center for Alternative Fuels. “Hardly a week goes by that we don’t get calls to provide guidance to interested parties on how to build biodiesel or ethanol plants, or where to purchase alternative fuels. They want to know about …
Biodiesel Milk Trucks
Oakhurst Dairy, based in Maine, has announced the conversion of their delivery trucks to a biodiesel blend. Oakhurst credited tax incentives for driving the decision to convert 90 percent of its vehicles, making it the largest private biodiesel fleet in New England. Biodiesel is produced in Maine from waste vegetable oil. Except in the coldest weather, the delivery trucks will …