Wesley Spurlock, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) incoming president, farms on the Texas panhandle – in a state better known for oil than ethanol. While ethanol has gained considerable market share the last decade and the majority of gas sold in the U.S. has a 10 percent blend of ethanol (E10) Spurlock says that ethanol can, and should, continue to …
USDA Grant to Explore Waste-to-Energy
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a Rural Business Development Grant to fund a feasibility study to evaluate converting a coal-fired power plant into a waste-to-energy transportation fuel production facility. Partners in the project include the City of Becker, Minnesota, where the power plant resides, Wenck and VONCO. The idea was created after Xcel Energy announced plans to …
Borregaard Invests in Bioethanol Upgrade, Biogas
Norway company Borregaard has announced a bioethanol upgrade project. The company is committing NOK 63 million to the project that includes a new facility to capture and store biogas. Norwegian government agency Enova has awarded Borregaard a NOK 18.9 million grant. The funds are given to projects that promote environmentally friendly restructuring of energy end-use renewable energy production and new …
Rep Black Intros Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Bill
Another federal bill has been introduced to extend the biodiesel tax credit. Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn.) has introduced the “Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Incentive Extension Act of 2016” (H.R. 5994). The bill extends the tax credit through 2018 and according to Black, would help fuel retailers continue to sell biodiesel blends at a cost competitive price as compared to traditional …
BioEnergy Bytes
Enerkem Inc. has announced that Vincent Chornet has been named in the prestigious 2017 Clean16 awards. Delta Management Group and the Clean50 organization announced Canada’s Clean50 Awards, which recognize 50 individuals, from 16 different categories (including Clean Tech), who have done the most to advance the cause of sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada over the past two years. On …
Virent Spearheads Strategic Biobased Group
In an effort to complete the development and ultimately bring to commercial production its BioForming technology, Virent has spearheaded a strategic consortium. Members include: Tesoro, Toray, Johnson Matthey and The Coca-Cola Company- companies who would all benefit from biobased products. The group will work together to finalize technical developments and commercial arrangements, with the goal of getting a commercial scale …
JetBlue Embraces Biojet Fuel
JetBlue has contracted with SG Preston to purchase renewable jet fuel for the next 10 years. According to JetBlue, this is one of the largest renewable biojet fuel purchase agreements to date and the largest, long-term, binding commitment by any global airline for HEFA (hydro-processed esters and fatty acids) based renewable jet fuel. “The future of aviation relies in part …
Interest in EVs Growing Finds Survey
The second annual survey on electric vehicles (EVs) has found that consumer interest in purchasing EVs, led by young adults, has increased over the past year from 31 percent in 2015 to 36 percent in 2016 while 50 percent of young adults (18-34) saying they would consider purchasing. The survey found that the more consumers know about EVs, the greater …
RFA Hosting Illinois #Ethanol Safety Seminars
The Renewable Fuels Association is hosting two free ethanol safety seminars next week in Benton, Illinois. Attendees will receive in-depth information on proper training techniques that emergency responders and hazmat personnel need to effectively respond to an ethanol-related emergency. Certificates of Completion will be handed out to all attendees at the end of the safety seminar. The Benton seminars will …
Survey Says – Americans Want More Renewable Energy
A new survey has found that 78 percent of respondents believe the winner of the presidential race should prioritize faster adoption of renewable energy. The 7th Sense & Sustainability Study released by G&S Business Communications also found that opinion is split in relation to elected leaders and their understanding of the costs associated of fossil fuels. Fifty-two percent disagree while …