The U.S. is at the “blending wall” saturation point for ethanol use according to a new Purdue University study. The cause is lack of infrastructure to meet the federal mandate for renewable fuel use with ethanol, but the country could still meet the standard with significant increases in next-generation biofuels and cellulosic fuels. Wally Tyner, the James and Lois Ackerman …
Book Review – Why We Hate The Oil Companies
Two, four, six, eight, who do we love to hate? The oil companies! Despite my story lead, I was not a cheerleader in another life but I couldn’t get that cheer out of my head while I read this week’s book, “Why We Hate The Oil Companies Straight Talk From An Energy Insider,” by John Hofmeister. I recently gave Mr. …
Velasco Leaves UNICA for Amyris
The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) announced today that Joel Velasco, the organization’s Washington, DC-based Chief Representative for North America, is leaving the position he has held since 2007, to join Amyris, Inc., as Senior Vice-President, External Relations. “Joel has provided UNICA with wise counsel, effective strategy and solid results. We wish him well at Amyris and will continue cooperating …
Update on China DDGS Dumping Probe
Three years ago there were virtually no dried distillers grains (DDGS) going to China. Last year there were more than 1.5 million metric tons of DDGS exported to the country and some estimate that the number could be as high as 3 million metric tons at the close of this year. So, although the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) felt that …
Extractor to Pull Oil from Waste Streams for Biodiesel
A New Jersey company has sold its first industrial-scale oil extractor that will help get biodiesel from waste streams. This article from Biodiesel Magazine says Renewable BioSystems LLC’s (RBL) system will initially be able to turn 500,000 gallons of yellow grease into oil for biodiesel feedstock each year and could be scaled-up to more than 5 million tons of oil …
Banned Energy Drinks Turned To Ethanol
People desperate for the rush of excessive caffeine while drinking alcohol had their shaky nerves calmed when oodles of Four Loko and other alcohol-laden energy drinks were yanked from the shelves. Federal authorities asked manufactures to discontinue producing these drinks citing they were dangerous and calling them an “unsafe food additive” that caused partakers to become “wide-awake drunk.” According to …
With a Little Help From My Friends
I’m feeling a bit nostalgic this first week of 2011 for the days of affordable energy prices, environmentalists who still understood change for the greater good and for a biofuels industry that not only got along but were actually friends. We’re only four days into the new year and some energy economists have declared that $3.00 per gallon gas prices …
Southwest Windpower Launches Home Wind Turbine
Southwest Windpower has released the Skystream 600 – their most efficient and small wind turbine product. The Skystream is designed to provide personal wind energy for homeowners and businesses. According to the company, the Skystream 600 produces 74 percent more energy than its predecessor, which makes it the most efficient power grid-connected turbine in its class. On average, it can …
Qteros Closes $22M in Funding, Partners with Praj
Qteros announced today a strategic partnership to accelerate commercialization efforts for industrial-scale cellulosic ethanol production with Praj Industries. The agreement will capitalize on Qteros’ CBP platform and Praj’s research capabilities as well as their technology, process design, engineering and construction expertise. The goal of the partnership is to deliver fully integrated ethanol engineering design packages at a low cost of …
NASCAR Champ to Keynote Renewable Fuels Summit
NASCAR legend and champion Rusty Wallace will be a keynote speaker during the upcoming 5th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on January 25, 2011. During his presentation, he will discuss NASCAR’s move to E15. The Summit is hosted by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). “When the 2011 season begins, NASCAR’s three major national touring series will run on E15, …