USDA has released a new report, “Federal Activities Report on the Bioeconomy.” According to Dr. Catherine Woteki, the report was developed to create awareness of federal agency activities that are helping to develop and support the bioeconomy. The “bioeconomy” is an emerging part of the U.S. economy, says Woteki, that utilizes renewable biological resources to produce fuels, power and biobased …
White Mountain Biodiesel Expands
White Mountain Biodiesel, located in North Haverhill, New Hampshire, has announced it has begun a plant expansion. Once completed, in about two years, the plant will have been expanded by 10,000 square foot and added 1,186,000 gallons of additional processing and storage tanks. When the expansion goes online, the biodiesel production will increase from 3,000,000 gallons per year to more …
BioEnergy Bytes
Loyola University Chicago is hosting a free Collegiate Biodiesel Workshop March 17-19, 2016. The workshop will bring together students, staff, faculty and members of the biodiesel community to discuss biodiesel efforts on college campuses as well as discuss best practices and lessons learned along with sharing resources and network. Click here for more information. Gevo, Inc. has announced that it …
U of Illinois Miscanthus Research Breakthrough
University of Illinois researchers have studied genetic markers of miscanthus to identify early developmental traits that will improve yield. According to the researchers, “this study begins to establish links between reproducible genetic markers and a number of key agronomic traits in Miscanthus sinensis.” The research paper was published in GCB Bioenergy, “Mapping the genome of Miscanthus sinensis for QTL associated …
Platt’s & DOC Partner on Trade Opps for Ethanol
Platts has entered into a strategic agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) International Trade Administration (ITA) to provide fundamental forecasting data and in-depth analysis for ethanol producers looking for export opportunities. Sarah Cottle, Platts global content director of agriculture, said of the announcement, “We’re pleased to be recognized by the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration as a …
Research Looks Into Gas Prices
As I pulled into a gas station in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee last week I couldn’t believe the price per gallon of fuel with ethanol. After nearly $5.00 per gallon of gas a few years ago in states such as California, I never thought I’d see prices drop below $2.00. But they have and continue to stay. While this is great …
API Continues to Lambaste #RFS
The American Petroleum Institute (API) continues to lambaste the Renewable Fuel Standard (#RFS) as the energy policy draws criticism from all sides. Cited as the most effective energy policy ever enacted in the U.S. by supporters, API remains steadfast in its efforts to get the legislation repealed. Shortly before a Senate committee oversight hearing on Wednesday, API’s Downstream Group Director …
UNCTAD Report: Advanced Biofuels Here Now
Second generation biofuels made from non-food biomass are here right now according to a new report from UNCTAD. “Second-Generation Biofuel Markets: State of Play, Trade and Developing Country Perspectives,” finds these biofuels are a commercial reality in the context of advanced technologies, economic pressures and a political will to act on climate change. The report focuses on the role advanced …
New BioJet Program Collaboration in Mexico
The Mexico’s Sector Fund for Energy Sustainability (SENER-CONACYT) is supporting a new biojet collaboration with Boeing, Aeromexico and Mexico’s Airports and Auxiliary Services (ASA). The goal of the program is to advance research and development of sustainable aviation biofuel in Mexico. The Mexican government and participating institutions will fund the effort for four years, aiming to develop a self-sustaining business …
Senate Holds #RFS Oversight Hearing
The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held an oversight hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard (#RFS). The legislation has been under fire for several years and there are currently several lawsuits surrounding the program: the biofuels industry is suing because the required volumes (RVOs) for 2014, 2015 and 2016 are below what the legislation requires, and Big …