Cornell University and McGill University tied for first place in the 17th Annual Chem-E-Car competition. The collegiate event features cars ranging in size from shoeboxes to fire hydrants powered by alternative fuels. The competition is sponsored by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and its goal is to teach chemical engineering students to think creatively about alternative fuels. Cornell’s …
BioEnergy Bytes
According to a new report released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Germany is on track to realising its 2030 renewable energy targets. To meet even higher shares of renewables, the deployment of renewable heating and transport technologies needs to be accelerated. Renewable Energy Prospects Germany finds Germany has the potential to further increase the amount of renewable power …
ARF Releases 2016 Prez Candidate Midterm Report
America’s Renewable Future (ARF) released a 2016 Presidential Candidate midterm report card today during a press call putting candidates into three categories: good, needs work and bad. Scores were based on the candidates’ support of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and ethanol in particular. Candidates who received good grades included Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump (who is visiting an ethanol plant …
DuPont to Buy Dyadic Enzyme Business
DuPont’s Industrial Biosciences is purchasing Dyadic International’s Industrial Technology business. The two companies have entered into a definitive agreement that will sell Dyadic’s enzyme business to DuPont for $75 million in cash. Once the transaction is complete, Dyadic plans to focus solely on its biopharmaceutical business. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2015 pending approval by …
BioEnergy Bytes
Ahead of tonight’s Republican presidential debate, NextGen Climate launched an ad campaign calling on the Republican presidential candidates to make clean energy central to their economic growth strategy and lay out a plan to achieve more than 50 percent clean energy by 2030. The TV ad, “Who We Are,” will air on Fox Business as part of a six-figure national ad buy …
Ethanol Industry Takes Clean Energy Mission to India
A team from the U.S. including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Growth Energy, U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) recently returned from a clean energy mission to India. Led by USDA Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Micheal Scuse, the group met to discuss opportunities for developing clean energy solutions, technologies and policies. An …
Researchers Develop New Offshore Wind Prototype
Two researchers from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya’s (UPC) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have developed a new model for floating structures designed for offshore wind turbines anchored in deep, deep waters. Climent Molins’ and Alexis Campos’ prototype, WindCrete, is a cylindrical structure with a large float and ballast base that enables the platforms to be self-stabilizing. The researchers …
IRFA Updates Look, Website
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has updated their brand look including a enhance logo and website with additional features that includes more consumer-friendly information about biofuels. Some of the key website updates include: Enhanced Homepage: Sleek, responsive web design with larger images, a comprehensive menu option, and quick links to take you to the latest and greatest on renewable …
NCGA Disappointed in Congress’ Lack of RFS Support
The National Corn Growers Association is “deeply disappointed” that Members of Congress who represent corn-producing states have sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting a reduction in the volume of corn-ethanol blended into the fuel supply as required by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The letter was signed by 184 Members of Congress and according to Open …
BioEnergy Bytes
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has announced online registration is now open for the 10th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit, taking place January 19, 2016 at The Meadows Conference Center at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa. The Summit is free to attend and open to the public. Gevo has announced that it has entered into a license agreement and …