Rapeseed Research to Help Optimize Plant Oil Production

Cindy Zimmerman

New energy department research is aiming to increase the use of plant oils as renewable resource by optimize the production of oil in the seeds. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a computational model for analyzing the metabolic processes in rapeseed plants — particularly those related to the production of oils in their …

biofuels, feedstocks, Research

INEOS Says Advanced Biofuel Plant is on Schedule

Cindy Zimmerman

Contrary to recent media reports, INEOS Bio officials say the joint venture facility in Florida to produce advanced biofuels from waste will start on time next year. “Things are progressing well and are on-track at the Vero Beach site,” said Peter Williams, Chairman of INEOS New Planet BioEnergy and CEO INEOS Bio, in a statement. “As is the case with …

advanced biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Recruiting for Biofuels Careers

Cindy Zimmerman

Development of next generation biofuels means companies like Novozymes are growing and creating jobs at a rapid pace. The key is finding qualified people to fill those roles. Novozymes was one of the companies that participated in the AgCareers.com 2011 North American Ag HR Roundtable held this week at Purdue University. Novozymes Recruitment and Employer Branding Manager Darlene Godsey says …

biofuels, Cellulosic

Biodiesel Board Announces New Capitol Hill VP

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has announced a new vice president of federal affairs to serve the industry on Capitol Hill. Anne Steckel, who will lead NBB’s Washington office, brings nearly 15 years of Washington experience to the job. Currently chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson of California, she has overseen legislative issues for several members of Congress, …

Biodiesel, NBB

Glencoe, MN to Host Ethanol Promotion

Joanna Schroeder

There will be a celebration at the Glencoe Coop on August 8th to mark the installation of the community’s first blender pump. The project was supported by a $6,771 grant from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) that was created in the 2002 Farm Bill. The program helps with the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems and energy …

blends, E85, Ethanol, Promotion

Peter Matrai Joins Butamax as COO

Joanna Schroeder

Peter Matrai has joined Butamax Advanced Biofuels as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO). He will be responsible for the development and implementation of Butamax strategy and business plan. He will also be in charge of leading the company’s global commercial team which is currently engaged in activities in the U.S., Brazil, Europe and Asia. Prior to joining Butamax, …

biobutanol, biofuels, Company Announcement

NBB Offers Diesel Technicians Biodiesel Training

Joanna Schroeder

Diesel technicians are getting up-to-date, accurate information about biodiesel compliments of a National Biodiesel Board (NBB) training program. The program is a partnership between NBB and Universal Technical Institute, a provider of entry-level technicians to the transportation industry. So far, more than 300 instructors have been taught about biodiesel through the program. “I’ve found that students are very curious about …

Biodiesel, Education, NBB

First WindTamer Turbine Installed in Europe

Joanna Schroeder

The first WindTamer wind turbine has been installed in Europe by UAB WindTamer Europe which has the exclusive rights to sell the wind turbine in Lithuania, Latvia, Denmark, Sweden and The Netherlands. The new age turbine is manufactured by Artista Power. The 8GT WindTamer was installed in Kunkiai, Lithuania, a community located about 25 km north of Klaipeda. The town, …

Electricity, Energy, Wind

RFA Sponsors Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Joanna Schroeder

Next week the 71st Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally kicks off in Sturgis, South Dakota. Once again, thousands of motorcycle riders will have the opportunity to learn about the benefits of ethanol at the Legendary Buffalo Chip through the Renewable Fuels Association’s “Fueled with Pride” sponsorship. Similar to past years, RFA will hand out promotional materials and merchandise. In addition, an …

Ethanol, Promotion, RFA

The Simpson’s Go Off-Grid

Joanna Schroeder

It seems like I just don’t have enough time to watch TV, unless of course I’m holed up in a hotel room as I am tonight. I just happen to be flipping channels when I stopped on a rerun of the Simpson’s, “The Squirt and the Whale.” This episode was created in honor of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day …

biofuels, Energy, Environment, Ethanol, Opinion, Solar, Wind