Texas A&M is part of a nearly $16 million nationwide grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in part to fund projects for turning biomass into power. This article from the Stephenville (TX) Empire-Tribune says A&M’s AgriLife Research received money under the USDA’s Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) to help fund a two-year program to demonstrate developing technologies for water …
Charged by Biodiesel, Electric Bike Sets Record
The world’s fastest electric motorcycle gets its power from a biodiesel-fueled generator. This article from Torque News says Eva Hakansson made a 270 mph run at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah in the KillaJoule electric streamliner motorcycle, making it the the fastest electric motorcycle in the world, and its pilot the fastest woman on a motorcycle. Making its runs and …
Biorefineries to Produce Advanced Biofuels for Military
Today the Departments of Navy, Energy and Agriculture announced that three companies have been awarded contracts to construct and commission biorefineries to produce “drop-in” biofuels for the military and private sectors. Made through the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Defense Protection Act (DPA) of 1950, the awards support the Administration’s goals to boost and diversify the domestic fuel supply base, make …
Volvo Releases All Electic Hybrid Bus
Volvo will be introducing its new 7900 Electric Hybrid during the International IAA Commercial Vehicles show in September 25-October 22 in Hannover. The EV bus is silent, cleaner and with significantly lower fuel consumption and Volvo has already signed contracts with several European cities for the first deliveries. “I am very proud to launch this ground-breaking bus system. Electric-hybrid buses …
Gevo’s Plant Co-producing Isobutanol & Ethanol
Gevo’s plant in Luverne, Minnesota is now co-producing isobutanol and ethanol with one fermenter dedicated to isobutanol production and three fermenters dedicated to ethanol production. With the completion of the last phase of capital for SBS, Gevo has begun to produce and ship isobutanol in railcar volumes. This equipment facilitates the extraction of isobutanol from the plant, which should enable …
BioEnergy Bytes
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has announced the launch of the third round of the Game Changer Competitive Grant Program. The Game Changer Competitive Grant Program is designed to support novel renewable energy (electric and/or thermal) systems or deployment strategies. Successful projects must result in additional renewable energy capacity installed in the state of Maryland, within the grant period. MEA …
10 Facts About Geothermal Energy in Oregon
The GRC Annul Meeting and Geothermal Energy Expo is taking place September 28-October 1, 2014 in Portland, Oregon. To get people excited, the Geothermal Energy Association has created 10 facts about geothermal energy in Oregon. There is about 33 MW of geothermal power on-line in Oregon producing 165 GWh in 2013. The latest industry survey identified 19 projects under development …
Biodiesel Helps Iowa Football Make Winning Drive
Iowa is one of the biggest biodiesel producing states in the country, so it makes sense that one of their flagship football teams uses the green fuel to get it to the field this year. The Iowa Soybean Association is touting the fact that biodiesel, mostly made from soybean oil, is being used to power the University of Iowa Hawkeyes’ …
Blue Sun Biodiesel Earns Rare BQ-9000 Quality Status
A biodiesel refinery in Missouri has earned a rare quality production status. Blue Sun’s St. Joseph, Mo., biodiesel refinery joined just 50 other companies in the country to receive BQ-9000 Producer status from the National Biodiesel Accreditation Commission (NABC) and National Biodiesel Board (NBB), a cooperative and voluntary program that combines the ASTM standard for biodiesel, ASTM D6751, and a …
How Will Low Crop Prices Impact Next Year?
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Would you buy an Apple Watch?” Apple never ceases to amaze us with the new products they come up with. It doesn’t look like many of you will be rushing out to buy their newest techie gadget. I think I fall into the ‘not yet’ category. I don’t see how it can benefit me …