Propel Fuels’ E85 for 85 Cents Event Draws Attention

Joanna Schroeder

Earlier this week, my colleague posted a story about Propel Fuels’ E85 promotion that took place on February 24 and several of its stations in Sacramento. It was a big success, drawing quite a bit of attention from both consumers and the media alike. Biofuels enthusiast, Paul Wikoff participated in the event and sent DomestcFuel some photos including one of …

Biodiesel, E85, Ethanol, Promotion

New Ideas for Funding Sustainable Biofuels

Joanna Schroeder

If you did a survey among the biofuels industry and asked if the funding programs for biofuels research and development were working, most would say no. Actually, many outside of the industry would say no. As the country continues forward on the federal goals set out in the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) things will need to change if we’re going …

Biodiesel, biofuels, Cellulosic, Ethanol

Growth Energy Responds to Cornell Paper

Joanna Schroeder

The debate rages on regarding ethanol’s greenhouse gas emission reductions (GHGs) as compared to conventional gasoline. Today, Growth Energy came out against two Cornell University professors’ recent paper that criticizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s calculations that grain ethanol boasts a lower GHG than gas. Harry de Gorter and David R. Just, professors of Applied Economics and Management, will have their …

corn, Ethanol, Growth Energy

Waste Management Inks Deal with Enerkem

Joanna Schroeder

Waste Management Inc. has inked yet another deal to produce biofuels from waste. Today, they announced an investment in Montreal-based Enerkem Inc., as part of their new financing round. A portion of the CDN $53.8 million raised will be used by Enerkem to support the construction of its second waste-to-biofuels plant in conjunction with the City of Edmonton and Alberta …

biofuels, Ethanol, Waste-to-Energy

Book Review – Future Scenarios

Joanna Schroeder

I read in interesting book this week called “Future Scenarios, How Communities Can Adapt to Peak Oil and Climate Change,” by David Holmgren. The book focuses on the inevitable “energy descent” that the world is facing and outlines four likely scenarios that include the cultural, political, agricultural and economic implications of peak oil and climate change. Holmgren is best known …

book reviews

American Process Begins Cellulosic Testing in Georgia

Joanna Schroeder

American Process had a ribbon cutting ceremony today celebrating its first cellulosic ethanol production at its pilot plant in Thomaston, GA. The plant was designed to test its proprietary technology, AVAP, American Value Added Pulping. This process co-produces pulp and ethanol from wood in an integrated biorefinery application. The wood is also used to provide energy for the plant. According …

Cellulosic, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Butalco Set to Produce Cellulosic Ethanol

Joanna Schroeder

German-based Butalco has announced that it will begin producing biofuel from agricultural waste this summer using its proprietary new yeast technology. The pilot plant is located in Southern Germany and the company’s new microbial catalysts will enable up to a 30 percent increase in yields during cellulosic ethanol production. As explained by the company, cellulosic biomass, like plant waste materials, …

Cellulosic, Ethanol, Ethanol News

3TIER REmaps the World

Joanna Schroeder

The REmapping World Initiative that was launched in March of 2008 is finially complete, this according to 3TIER. The goal of the program was to address the biggest barrier to global renewable energy adoption, which is the lack of reliable information regarding resource potential. Today, the company released the global solar map and dataset and has already released a 5 …

Company Announcement, Energy, Solar, Wind

CleanFUEL & Ferrellgas Partner on Propane Stations

Joanna Schroeder

CleanFUEL USA announced today during a propane education and ride and drive event its partnership with Ferrellgas Partners L.P. to install propane fueling stations across the U.S. Part of the Clean Start initiative, the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded CleanFUEL USA $12.9 million to construct the nation’s first and largest propane refueling network. Ferrellgas will support the station rollouts in …

Company Announcement, News, Propane

170 MPG Concept Car Revealed

Joanna Schroeder

Wisconsin-based Valentin Technologies has revealed its 170 miles per gallon (mpg) concept car called the IngoCar. Currently under development, initial sketches indicate the car will be a mid-sized four door sportswagen passenger car. Styling for the car was provided by Davide Tonizzo, of designD. Company founder, Ingo Valentin, said in a press release, “Finally outstanding performance and extremely high mileage …

Car Makers, Miscellaneous, News