Researchers at Iowa State University are developing polymers made from vegetable oils that repair themselves. This press release from the school says Michael Kessler, an Iowa State University professor and an associate of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory, is working on the technology: “If successful, the results of this research will provide biorenewable alternatives to petroleum-based resins,” says …
Biofuels Key to US Winning Alt Fuel Race with China
As Chinese President Hu Jintao wraps up his visit to the United States, a new report details how America can use biofuels to compete in the alternative energy field for vehicles. This article on CNET.com says the Accenture report, entitled “The US and China: The Race to Disruptive Transport Technologies,” says the Chinese have a decided edge in government commitment …
Biodiesel Helps Melt the Snow in Minneapolis
From what I’m hearing from my friends back up north, it’s been a particularly tough winter, especially in Minneapolis, where snowfall has been plentiful this year. Remember the collapse of the Metrodome? (By the way, to my friends shivering their way through another below-zero, snowy night, a balmy 70 degrees in south Texas today). But Corn & Soybean Digest reports …
Biodiesel Conference Registration Extended
Recognizing just how important the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo is to everyone with ties to the industry, our friends at the National Biodiesel Board have extended the deadline to register for the Feb. 6-9 event in Phoenix, Arizona to Feb. 1. NBB CEO Joe Jobe says: The uncertainty surrounding the biodiesel tax credit and the implementation of the Renewable …
New Product Reduces Methanol for Biodiesel Production
A new product from a Florida biodiesel technology developer could cut down on the amount of methanol to brew biodiesel by up to 5 percent. Biodiesel Magazine reports that Florida Biodiesel Inc. has developed the Cyclonic Mixer: “The Mixer is a device that is made to shear the catalyst and the feedstock,” said Bill Gehrs, president of Florida Biodiesel, “giving …
Mercedes-Benz Calls for More Hydrogen Infrastructure
German auto maker Mercedes-Benz says governments and utility companies need to invest more in hydrogen infrastructure in order to help get use of fuel cells in cars. The Detroit News says the company made the pitch during the North American International Auto Show and said it soon put 70 fuel-cell powered B-class vehicles on the road soon in California and …
Energy Innovation to Open Toronto Biodiesel Plant
A Canadian company has plans to open a biodiesel plant in Toronto. This article from TheProvince.com says Energy Innovation Corp. will make the fuel, as well as animal feed and human food from flax seed without creating any waste: “The demand is actually 10 times more than we think we’ll be able to supply over the next 16 to 18 …
LA Water & Power Gets 20% of Power from Alternatives
Los Angeles, California officials have announced the city’s Department of Water and Power has generated 20 percent of its power from wind, solar and geothermal sources. This story from the LA Daily News says it put the city well ahead of its and state renewable energy goals: “This is a big deal,” Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said at a City Hall …
American Idol Kicks Off 10th Season with Biodiesel Bus
The wildly popular American Idol TV show will kick off its 10th season on FOX-TV by launching a month-long, 16-city tour dubbed the “Idol Across America Mobile Experience,” powered by a bus running on biodiesel. The Diesel Technology Forum says the tour will feature Idol memorabilia, including framed platinum records, a Ryan Seacrest suit, Carrie Underwood’s finale dress and David …
Biodiesel Processor in 50th School
The maker of a biodiesel processor intended to turn waste grease and other feedstocks into the green fuel has announced one of its processor is now in its 50th school. This press release from California-based Springboard Biodiesel says that Arkansas State University is the latest college and school system in the U.S. that has installed one of their systems … …