Provider of sugars for biofuels Renmatix teams up with European pulp and paper giant UPM in an agreement to develop biochemicals. This Renmatix news release says the companies will use Renmatix’s water-based Plantrose™ process to convert woody biomass into low-cost sugar intermediates for subsequent downstream processing into biochemicals. “We are very excited about this truly collaborative endeavor. It combines UPM’s …
Biodiesel-Ready Cruze Delivers Muscle Car Power
Previously, we told you about how fuel efficient the biodiesel-capatible 2014 Chevy Cruze is. Now, Chevy is reminding us that the little car with the big green heart in the form of a Clean Turbo Diesel also packs a pretty powerful wallop under the hood using what the company calls “overboost,” while still maintaining that great MPG: Cruze Diesel’s turbocharged …
Biodiesel Board Taking Renewable Diesel Members
In a reflection of how really closely related the two industries are, the National Biodiesel Board opens up its membership to qualified renewable diesel producers. This NBB news release says the move is expected to unite the advanced biofuels industry in the diesel sector under one tent and creating a stronger and more effective voice for both. “We are excited …
Colombians Find Algae with Biodiesel Potential
Researchers in Colombia have found a couple of strains of freshwater algae that could be good for biodiesel. FIS.com reports that the scientists at the National University of Colombia (UNC) believe Scenedesmus ovalternus and Chlorella vulgaris will produce biodiesel with less impact on the environment. Luis Miguel Serrano Bermudez, Master in Chemical Engineering at the UNC and one of the …
Court Ruling Not Expected to Impact Biodiesel Much
A recent ruling from a court in California is not expected to have much of an impact on biodiesel. California’s Fifth District Court of Appeal ruled provisionally that Poet LLC’s lawsuit against the California Air Resources Board (CARB) about the state’s low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) program can continue to operate. This article from Biodiesel Magazine says the set aside …
Genscape Adds to Biofuels Info with Landviewer Buy
Provider of energy information for commodity and financial markets Genscape has bought LandViewer to expand its technology footprint in the biofuels industry. Genscape says, using NASA satellite data to get daily updates of corn vegetation progress, the LandViewer platform gives corn traders and buyers land use and crop progress information on a sub-regional level so they know where to source …
Biodiesel Advocates Descend on DC
Backers of one of our favorite green fuels, biodiesel, have headed to Capitol Hill. This news release from the National Biodiesel Board says the group of biodiesel producers, distributors and feedstock suppliers representing more than two dozen states, including the delegation from Iowa we previously told you about, are making their case for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): “The …
USDA: $98.6 Mil Available for Advanced Biofuels
The USDA is making available up to $98.6 million to support the production of advanced biofuels. This news release from the agency says it will be an opportunity for eligible producers to submit applications and strengthen the rural economy: “The United States is on the path to a cleaner, more secure energy future,” [Agriculture Secretary Tom] Vilsack said. “By helping …
Northcore Intends to Buy Renewable Diesel Plant
An asset management and social commerce company intends to get into the renewable diesel business. This company news release says Northcore Technologies Inc. has signed a letter of intent with Cielo Gold Corp. to buy the Alberta, Canada-based Blue Horizon Bio-Diesel demonstration plant that produces renewable green diesel fuel from municipal solid waste: Under terms of the LOI, Northcore will …
Biomass Diesel Imports: Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Recently, we told you about how the amount of biomass-based diesel imports had jumped dramatically. Part of the reason for the jump in imports was seen as Argentina and Indonesia being shut out of selling their biodiesel to the European Union, due to a trade dispute. While some people might be concerned that importing biodiesel would hurt the domestic market …