Amyris has shipped it first commercial product from its plant in Brazil. The facility was the company’s first purpose-built industrial fermentation facility and produces Biofene, the company’s brand of renewable farnesene, to be used in a range of specialty chemical and fuel applications. “This initial shipment marks the successful completion of our start-up activities. We have operated multiple tanks without …
Biofuel Industry Responds to RIN Integrity Proposal
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its proposed rules for the 2013 Renewable Fuels Standard yesterday. A portion of the proposal focused on dealing with Renewable Identification Number (RIN) fraud. Last year, several individuals were indicted for committing fraud by selling fake biodiesel RINS. The proposal is open for comment until March 19, 2013 and the industry is just now …
Bioenergy Bytes
Novozymes has acquired Iogen Bio-Products, industrial enzyme business of Ottawa-based Iogen Corporation for CAD 67.5 million and potential earn-out payments of up to CAD 12.5 million. IKEA has “plugged-in” the solar energy system installed at its South Florida store in the City of Sunrise, which will be the largest solar installation in South Florida and, when combined with IKEA projects …
Biodiesel Industry Supportive of 2013 RFS Proposal
The biodiesel industry is indicating is support today for the proposed rules from the EPA establishing this year’s advanced biofuels requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFs). In response, Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), thanked the EPA and the Obama administration for standing strong behind the advanced biofuels standards. She indicated that …
EPA Releases Proposed Rule for 2013 RFS Obligations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released it proposed rules today for the 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumetric requirements. Public comment is open until March 19, 2013. The proposal waives the cellulosic biofuel requirement from one billion gallons to 14 million gallons, but retains overall advanced and renewable fuel requirements. The ethanol industry responded today with statements and Bob …
U.S. Ethanol Prices & Production Lower Than 2011
According to a 2012 Brief released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. ethanol prices and production are lower compared to 2011. Spot prices for U.S. fuel ethanol were lower throughout most of 2012 compared to 2011. Prices were relatively stable during the first half of 2012, but they rose at mid-year as severe drought and high temperatures reduced …
DOE Announces New SunShot Projects
The Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded seven data-driven projects focused on reducing costs and accelerating solar energy deployment as part of the SunShot Initiative. DOE said the goal of the projects will result in viable methods for dramatically transforming the operations of solar researchers, manufacturers, developers, installers and policymakers, and speed the commercialization and deployment of affordable clean energy. …
RFA Condems UN Biofuels & Food Security Study
Earlier this month, the U.N. Committee on World Food Security (CFS) has released a draft study on biofuels and food security with a public comment period until January 30, 2013. Yesterday, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) submitted comments about the report and its several policy recommendations. The authors write, “Our report has confirmed the central role of biofuels in provoking …
IRFA Renewable Fuels Summit Smashing Success
A bit of bad weather couldn’t keep people away from the 7th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Association’s (IRFA) Renewable Fuels Summit. The event kicked off with remarks from Executive Director Monte Shaw who said that the renewable fuels industry was ready to fight for the future. The organization, on behalf of its members, said Shaw will fight for the Renewable …
Study: Biodiesel Boosts Revenue for Iowa’s Farmers
A new study released today during the 7th Annual Renewable Fuels Summit quantifies how biodiesel production boosts revenue for Iowa’s crop and livestock farmers. The study’s results demonstrate that when Iowa farmers use biodiesel, they not only positively impact Iowa’s economy, they boost their own bottom line. The study was conducted by John Urbanchuk, an economist with Cardno Entrix and …