Microvi Biotechnologies has been awarded a grant to develop its technology to improve yield and performance of biobutanol processes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). According to Microvi, their technology overcomes the toxic and inhibitory effects on butanol producing microorganisms, a major bottleneck in scaling existing biobutanol processes. Its butanol technology is based on the their MicroNiche Engineering, a …
Shanghai Buses to Run on Waste Oil Biodiesel
Some 1,000 public buses in Shanghai, China could soon be running on biodiesel made from kitchen waste oil. The Global Times reports it’s a pilot program by the city’s Food Safety Commission Office to get rid of what is known locally as “gutter oil.” The city started requiring some restaurants and food companies to install grease traps in 2011 so …
Ethanol Says “Tanks-a-Lot”
The American Lung Association in Wisconsin Clean Air Choice Team will be traveling throughout Wisconsin for the next few months to reward motorists through their “Tanks-a-Lot” promotion. As part of their effort to support cleaner burning fuels, members of the Wisconsin Clean Air Choice program will surprise lucky motorists who pull up to refuel with E85 at Wisconsin gas stations …
Highlighting Algae’s Potential for Biofuels & More
A trade organization for the algae industry is trying to raise awareness of the green goo’s potential to serve as a feedstock for biofuels and more. The Algae Biomass Organization launched its second annual “Summer of Algae” campaign that will feature a series of open-house style events and news announcements to give “local and national officials an opportunity to experience …
From Toilet to Tank
The All-gas project, funded by the European Union, has achieved a milestone: successful crop of algae biomass at its site in Chiclana in Southern Spain. The goal of the project is to develop low-cost biofuel from algae grown in wastewater. The All-gas project proposes using this wastewater, as well as CO2, generated in biomass boilers from residuals such as garden …
GEA Seeks Entries for Best in Geothermal
The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) is in search for nominees for its GEA Honors 2013. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 for the awards program. Applications may be submitted for more than one award category. This year, awards will be given to GEA member companies in the following categories: Technological Advancement: Awarded to an individual or company …
Corn Farmers Look to Produce Fertilizer from Wind
Farmers in Minnesota soon could be turning wind energy into fertilizer. Research funded by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association is developing a way to have the wind turbines put up in corn fields produce the very nitrogen fertilizer that helps those same crops grow. “We take water, and we separate the hydrogen and oxygen. We pull nitrogen from the air …
BioEnergy Bytes
Admirals Bank, has opened a Renewable Energy Lending Business Development Center in San Francisco, CA. This marks the Bank’s second major initiative following the launch of their new division, Admirals Alternatives, earlier this year. Principal Solar, Inc has announced the appointment of Jeff Heller, former vice chairman of Electronic Data Systems, Inc. (EDS), to its Board of Directors. JA Solar …
Study: E85 Can Help Break the Blend Wall
According to a new analysis by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University, the so-called ethanol “blend wall” can be overcome and Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements can be met in 2014 and beyond through increased use of attractively-priced E85. The analysis is titled “Price It and They Will Buy: How E85 Can Break the Blend …
“More B for Me” Biodiesel Messages Greet Fair Goers
Visitors to the Iowa State Fair will be greeted with a message promoting the use of biodiesel. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) announced the “More B for Me” billboard campaign aimed at increasing the use of biodiesel in the state, particularly on farms. In addition, farmers could win $1,000 worth of biodiesel: The IRFA is delivering the biodiesel message …