There just might be gold in algal biofuels and the team from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, based at the University of California San Diego (UCSD-SIO), is intent on finding it. UCSD-SIO has been researching micro and macro algae (seaweeds) for their potential to produce biofuels for more than 40 years. Researcher Greg Mitchell believes the search will be well rewarded …
Survey Says…Growers Ready to Grow Energy Crops
America’s growers are ready and willing to produce biomass for advanced biofuels and biopower and have the land to do so according to a survey released by Ceres, Inc. The survey of U.S. growers showed that 71 percent of respondents were very interested or interested in growing dedicated energy crops. In addition, 77 percent of the respondents said they had …
How Loud Is A Wind Turbine?
There are several complaints that plague the wind industry including noise, visual impact and bird and bat mortality. Along with these complaints are sources that attempt to mitigate these issues. However, as with any emerging industry, the extent of negatives and positives are not known until later. That is why research is focused on answering these questions. For example, many …
Is the Age of Electric Vehicles Finally Upon Us?
The LA Auto Show took place last week and several of the hottest cars were electric vehicles (EVs). On display were the much anticipated Chevy Volt along with its current biggest competitor the Nissan Leaf. According to Chevy, the Volt will be available sometime this year for pre-order and manufacturing will begin sometime in the first quarter of 2011. Once …
Will The Lame Duck Session Create Mad Ducks?
DomesticFuel reporter Chuck Zimmerman recently had the opportunity to sit down with Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis and get an update on the state of the industry. This week, the lame duck session kicked off and this is a very important session for the biofuels industry as they are facing the expiration of several important tax provisions. “We’re hoping the …
Scoop Up Some Holiday Cash
Scoop up some extra cash for the holiday season by filling out the DomesticFuel Survey. By participating in our fast, easy quick 5 minute survey, you could win $250 to spend on yourself or to help spread the joy to your friends and family. Here’s all you need to do. Click on this link to complete the survey that will …
Book Review – Smart Power
Tis the season to start thinking about electricity costs. Winter is on the horizon and with the holiday season comes holiday lights and holiday parties. As energy demand rises, how are the utilities going to keep up with demand? An important question as the country looks to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time needs to find a …
OPEC Slams International Biomass Programs
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) slammed global biomass programs in its most recent oil report while at the same time raising oil demand forecasts for 2011. The organization was highly critical of global incentives designed to aid companies who are focused on developing biofuels from biomass and reducing the use of fossil-fuel based energy. In the report, …
Pennsylvania Awards $8M For Energy Projects
The federal government may be dragging its heels on passing energy tax incentives but at least several states are not. Earlier this week Iowa announced several awards for energy projects and now Pennsylvania is doing the same. Governor Edward Rendell, through the Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant Program, has awarded 21 projects funds for a total just shy of $8 million. …
NAABB’s Algal-Based Biodiesel Meets ASTM Standards
According to the National Alliance for Biofuels and Bioproducts (NAABB), a considerable breakthrough has been made with the production of biodiesel using oil extracted from algae. The consortium’s algal biodiesel is meeting fuel specifications set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The algal oil was provided by Eldorado Biofuels, and the oil was converted to biodiesel by …