It is the first and only domestically produced advanced biofuel produced in the U.S., so it’s no wonder biodiesel is being highlighted during October, Energy Awareness Month. The green fuel’s biggest advocate, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), is taking this month to draw attention to biodiesel and its role in “POWERING AMERICA: We’re On Target,” the theme for the next …
Ohio Unveils State’s Largest Rooftop Solar Array
The Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority (RTA) unveiled the largest solar rooftop array in the state of Ohio today. RTA’s new solar rooftop on the RTA bus garages at METRO’s headquarters is rated at 488 kilowatts DC, and is expected to produce around 486,760 kilowatt hours of solar power a year. The $2.5 million project was installed by Ohio-based Third …
VeraSun Creditors Drop Corn Repayment Suit
Back in August, dozens of corn growers who sold corn to bankrupt VeraSun plants across the country in 2008 received letters asking them to repay the money. Should the farmer not comply, the letters threatened to take legal action but stipulated that they would accept payment to 80 percent of what the farmer received for their corn sales to VeraSun. …
Early Bird Deadline for Biodiesel Conference Approaches
Time is running out for exhibitors to take advantage of the early bird discount to the upcoming National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, February 6-9, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. Our friends at the National Biodiesel Board have sent out a friendly reminder that you can save $200 on your booth space reservation if you book it by this coming Tuesday, Oct. …
Key Vote in US House Moves Forward Algae Biofuels
A key vote in the U.S. House of Representatives has moved forward a measure that will help the nation’s algae biofuels industry. Passage of H.R. 4168, the Algae-based Renewable Fuel Promotion Act, garnered praise from Sapphire Energy for two key Congressmen, Reps. Harry Teague (D-NM) and Brian Bilbray (R-CA) whose bi-partisan support lead to the bill’s passage: Congress took the …
Alternatives Key Part of Navy Energy Security Forum
The U.S. Navy will be hosting this year’s Navy Energy Forum, Oct. 12-13 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. This yearly forum, this time entitled “Seapower Repowered: Energy as a Force Multiplier and Strategic Resource,” brings military, government, and industry leaders to talk about energy and the warfighter: Distinguished Navy speakers include the Honorable …
Arizona Provides $2 Mil for Algae to Biofuel Development
The state of Arizona is providing $2 million to support research and development of alternative fuels, especially the development of algae into biofuels. KPHO-TV in Phoenix reports Gov. Jan Brewer made the announcement during this week’s Algal Biomass Organization’s national conference in Phoenix: “Our state has the potential to be a national and global leader in algae research and biotechnology, …
Biodiesel Board Urges Tax Credit Passage Before Break
It won’t be long before Senators and Representatives go back home to do what they seem to do best, or at least, the most: work on getting re-elected. But before they head out of D.C. for the break (right now, scheduled for October 8) before the November elections, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and the Advanced Biofuels Association (AFBA) are …
OriginOil Launches Service to Help Algae Oil Industry
California-based OriginOil, Inc. has launched a new service that lends the company’s expertise to other potential algae oil producers. The company announced its professional “expert services” at the recent National Algae Association meeting in Houston, Texas: “For the past three years, hundreds of large companies, entrepreneurs, development agencies and investors have asked for our help in launching their algae programs,” …
Verenium Launches New Enzyme for Ethanol
Verenium Corporation has launched a new enzyme for fuel ethanol production called the DELTAZYM(R) GA L-E5. The new enzyme has demonstrated high ethanol yields at industrial scale using multiple substrates including corn, milo, barley, wheat, and cassava. “Verenium is pleased to be able to enhance our starch processing product offering with this best-in-class glucoamylase enzyme for fuel ethanol production,” said …