The Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) gave testimony last week regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). One of the issues ethanol detractors are using in their attempt to modify or even repeal the RFS is the so-called blend wall. ABFA Executive Director, Michael McAdams said in response to this issue, “Calling for the full repeal of the RFS over a short …
Refuel Colorado Fleets
Refuel Colorado Fleets, a pilot project to boost the use of alternative fuel vehicles in public and private sector fleets, has announced a new pilot program for several Colorado communities. The program is funded by a U.S. Department of Energy grant to the Colorado Energy Office. Counties selected for the year-long pilot are Routt, Larimer, Boulder, Jefferson, Adams, Garfield, Mesa, …
Appalachian State University Receives Biomass Grant
Appalachian State University Department of Technology and Environmental Design professors David Domermuth and Ok-Youn Yu have received a $45,000 grant from the N.C. Agricultural Foundation for a project to economically convert biomass to biofuel and useful biochar. The grant, along with a current grant from the EPA, is being used to complete the university’s bioshelter/greenhouse at the Watauga County Landfill …
A New Use for Algae in Biofuel Production
According to an article in the journal Phycologia, a recent research study examined a promising freshwater algal strain for possible genetic engineering applications that could make it a viable biofuel. The research, conducted by a research team in Japan, was aimed at reducing the time from research to commercial production of algal-based biofuels. The article takes an in-depth look at …
POET Plants to Add Liquefied Carbon Dioxide
Two POET biorefineries in Ohio are installing liquefied carbon dioxide facilities on site. POET Biorefining – Marion and POET Biorefining – Fostoria will be operating in the Greater Ohio Valley liquid carbon dioxide marketplace. The plants will be able to serve the traditional food freezing and beverage carbonation markets as well as secure new carbon dioxide customers. “One of our …
EWG Has No Love for Corn Ethanol
During the recent Subcommittee on Energy and Power’s hearing to review the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) as well as during a recent RFS briefing sponsored by the Advanced Biofuels Association last week in D.C., the Environmental Working Group (EWG) made it very clear that they have no love for corn-based ethanol. Scott Faber, EWG senior vice president for government affairs …
World Energy Use to Rise by 56 Percent
According to the International Energy Outlook 2013 (IEO2013) report released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), over the next three decades, world energy consumption is projected to increase by 56 percent. This will be driven by growth in the developing world. Clean-fuel technology is also playing an important role in the outlook, with renewable energy and nuclear power expected …
NASCAR Driver Dillion Visits POET Plant
NASCAR® driver Austin Dillon visited POET-Biorefining – Portland (Ind.) as part of his American Ethanol Heartland Tour. Dillon toured the biorefinery, signed autographs and took part in a Q&A with POET team members and farmers. Dillon’s Midwest tour takes him from Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. to Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. Along the way, he is making a number …
N.C. Biofuels Center To Shutter Its Windows
According to an article in the Triangle Business Journal, the N.C. Biofuels Center will close down “within weeks” as lawmakers moved to vote on a state budget that cuts off its $2 million in annual state funding. The facility is focused on conducting research on transportation fuels derived from cellulosic grasses and other non-food crops. In addition to state funding, …
Deep Water Wind Turbines Hold Energy Key
According to a new report from the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), “Deep Water, the next step for offshore energy,” deep water wind turbines are key to unlocking the massive energy potential in Europe’s Atlantic and Mediterranean seas and the deepest parts of the North Sea. The report finds that floating turbines in North Sea deep waters alone could power …