The oil loving Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published an article today about the “peak of gasoline”. Many analysts are predicting that with the rise in biofuels production, fuel economy and gasoline prices (although they are holding steady around $2.00 per gallon on average) and the current depressed state of the economy, we’ve seen “peak” gasoline use, at least in the …
Verenium Introduces Veretase
Verenium Corporation today announced a new enzyme for the food and beverage industry called Veretase. This enzyme was developed for the liquefaction of starch-based mashes and slurries specifically for use in food and beverage applications. The enzyme improves saccharification and fermentation efficiency and consistency. “Verenium is pleased to introduce this unique enzyme specifically designed to improve the economics and efficiency …
Valero Invests in Biofuels Company Terrabon
BP has been marketing itself as “Beyond Petroleum” for several years now but it appears that Valero is vying for the top spot in “green energy”. Valero has now invested in Terrabon, a company that is developing technology to produce “green” gasoline through the conversion of trash from landfills to energy. Terrabon’s main technology for biofuels is MixAlco, an advanced …
Global Wind Systems in Michigan
Michigan is ramping up to be a leader in green jobs. Global Wind Systems, Inc. recently announced that it would build a full-scale wind turbine assembly plant in Novi, Michigan. Founded in September of 2008, Global Wind Systems will hire 250 people, most of whom had previously worked in come capacity in the failing auto industry. Interviews are scheduled to …
Aventine Claims “Extra RINS” Cause for Bankruptcy
While most ethanol companies blame financial troubles on high commodity and energy prices, Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings, Inc. has thrown a new reason into the ring — blaming its bankruptcy on the availability of excessive Renewable Identification Number credits or RIN. RINS are used by the EPA to track how much ethanol is being blended into the the fuel supply. …
Book Review – Freedom From Oil
Just when I thought there was no creative way to present a plan to address America’s energy issues, I read “Freedom From Oil,” by David Sandalow. Two words immediately come to mind to sum up the book. Clever. Brilliant. It is no surprise that Sandalow has recently been nominated by President Obama to serve as DOE assistant secretary for Policy …
Wine & Shine 2009
There are many creative and fun events on the horizon as we approach Earth Day. Those of you in California may want to check out Wine and Shine 2009, a solar tour and wine tasting that features local wines and three innovative solar energy systems that are helping three featured wineries save hundreds of dollars in energy costs. The event …
VIASPACE Increases Production of Giant King Grass
Amid concerns and criticisms of the near-term viability of cellulosic ethanol, VIASPACE Inc. has announced plans to expand production of its proprietary grass feedstock Giant King Grass. The Company’s goal is to supply nonfood feedstocks for the production of cellulosic ethanol, methanol and “green gasoline.” The first major Giant King Grass crop was planted in October 2008 in Guangdong Province …
ICM Tapped to Manage AgStar Ethanol Plants
ICM has been tapped by AgStar Financial Services to oversee plant operations and maintenance for the six plants it acquired as part of the VeraSun Energy bankruptcy. AgStar is not allowed to operate the plants due to federal regulations. The Company plans on selling the plants, located in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Michigan to other buyers over the …
Verenium Announces Organizational Changes
Changes are afoot at the Verenium Corporation due to its commercial joint venture with BP. The two companies are consolidating their research and development departments which includes the demonstration-scale biofuels facility located in Jennings, Louisiana. Gregory Powers, Ph.D., Executive Vice President R&D, will be the new head of this consolidated team. Verenium is working to develop and bring to market …