Global opportunities for hydropower are reviewed and analyzed in a new report, “The Hydropower Market 2011-2012,” by Visiongain. According to the report, the global hydropower market, as defined by spending on new hydropower projects as well as spending on upgrades and expansions, to be worth $56.61 billion in 2011. Today, hydropower currently contributes nearly one-sixth of all worldwide electricity, but …
Alt Fuels & Vehicle Lecture Announced
The American Lung Association in Minnesota is offering a free lecture on alternative fuels and vehicles that are currently available in Minnesota. The event will be held on Wednesday, July 20th from 6:30-8:00 pm CST, at the American Lung Association in Minnesota’s building located at 490 Concordia Avenue, Saint Paul. The lecture is taking place in the Mississippi room. The …
Hino Trucks Approved for B20
Hino Trucks has approved its product line of class 4 and 5 cab overs as well as class 6 and 7 conventional trucks for use up to a 20 percent biodiesel blend (B20). The company says all of its 2011 and 2012 model year trucks powered with its 3-Series engines are approved to use up to B20 blends that meet …
Siemens Secures Contract for Idaho Solar Project
Yesterday, I spent the day checking out what was happening in the global solar industry at the InterSolar North America conference held in San Francisco, California. With more than 20,000 attendees and nearly 800 exhibitors, there is proof that the solar industry is gaining traction. One company making news is Siemens Industry, Inc. who announced they received a multi-million dollar …
REG New Owner of SoyMor Biodiesel
Renewable Energy Group (REG) is the new owner of the SoyMor Biodiesel LLC facilities located in Albert Lea, Minn. The purchase included SoyMor’s biodiesel plant as well as its soy lecithin facility. The 30 million gallon per year (mmgy) biodiesel plant has been idle since 2008 and REG is already in the process of hiring 20 full-time employees for the …
Codexis Scales Up Cellulosic Enzyme Production
Codexis has confirmed plans to scale-up the commercial manufacturing of its proprietary cellulase enzymes. These enzymes are manufactured to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars, and ultimately bioproducts including biofuels, biochemicals, and bio-based performance ingredients in household products such as laundry detergents and shampoos. The enzymes will be produced at the Fermic S.A. de C.V. facility located in Mexico City, …
WM Commissions 1,000th Natural Gas Truck
This week, Waste Management (WM) commissioned its 1,000th natural gas truck. The company is the largest owner and operator of natural gas burning heavy duty trucks in North America. The truck was commissioned during a ceremony in Carson, California and on hand was Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster. The truck will be dedicated to picking up recyclable materials. “This is …
Researchers Study Alage in Roman Baths for Biofuels
Here is an interesting place to find feedstock for biodiesel – the Roman Baths. University of Bath researchers in the Department of Biology & Biochemistry are studying the algae growing in the Roman Baths as a source to produce biodiesel. The algae, growing in high temperature waters of the bath, may be a key to meeting growing biofuel needs. Holly …
LS9 To Test UltraClean Diesel, May Open Brazil Biodiesel Plant
LS9 has been making news with the announcement that they will collaborate with MAN Latin America to test their renewable diesel in both stationary engines and operational fleet vehicles in Brazil. The testing will cover performance, emissions, fuel consumption, and engine durability testing, as well as field testing of the company’s biofuel in Volkswagen trucks and buses. “Our collaboration with …
The CEC Awards $29M to Advanced Biofuels Projects
I sometimes wonder what in the world California is thinking. I just wrote about Feinstein’s attack on biofuels in the state, yet today the state’s biofuels industry scored a victory when the California Energy Commission (CEC) announced the approval of more than $29 million for advanced biofuels projects. The CEC completed the first two years of its program funding cycle …