A U. S. Environmental Protection Agency researcher says that biodiesel can be made from municipal sewage sludge that would cost about the same as diesel made from non-renewable petroleum. In the latest episode of the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) podcast series, “Global Challenges/Chemistry Solutions,” the EPA’s David M. Kargbo says sewage treatment plants could use microorganisms that produce higher amounts …
Yeast Breakthrough Made for Cellulosic Ethanol
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have made a breakthrough that has some awfully big implications for cellulosic ethanol. They’ve been able to put genes from grass-eating fungi into yeast and created strains that produce alcohol from tough plant material: “By adding these genes to yeast, we have created strains that grow better on plant material than does wild …
USDA to Fund Rural Renewable Energy Studies
The USDA is providing funding to look at the feasibility of renewable energy systems for agriculture producers and rural small businesses. Grants of up to $50,000 each for a total of $3 million will be made available under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): “Renewable energy production represents a promising revenue source for America’s producers while meeting the nation’s …
Fed Grant to Help Turn Montana Biomass into Energy
A Montana company has picked up a $350,000 federal grant to build a plant that will turn wood chips and algae into energy. Algae Aqua-Culture Technology will use a proprietary process uses a greenhouse-based algae growth system and an anaerobic biodigester to transform a blend of the wood waste and algae into high-value methane for power generation: “Algae’s amazing productivity …
Blue Dog Dem Unhappy with Obama’s Ethanol, Biodiesel Efforts
The leader of the Blue-Dog Democrats, the bloc of House Democratic centrists, says President Obama’s efforts on ethanol and biodiesel are dragging his overall grade for his first year and a half in office down to just average. The Hill reports that while Rep. Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin (D-S.D.), believes the President has done a good job on some economic issues, she’s …
Biodiesel Board Honors Bond with Lifetime Achievement
He’s been a big advocate for biodiesel for quite some time, so it’s only fitting that the National Biodiesel Board has honored retiring U.S. Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) today with its Lifetime Achievement Award. “America is striving for energy security and clean air, and Senator Bond deserves our thanks for helping to make biodiesel viable,” said NBB CEO Joe Jobe. …
Ethanol Plant Receives Grant to Use Biomass for Power
An ethanol plant in Iowa has received a nearly $2 million federal grant to use renewable biomass to replace the fossil fuels needed to run the biorefinery. The USDA announced that the award comes from the Repowering Assistance Program, part of the 2008 Farm Bill: Lincolnway Energy, LLC, based in Nevada, Iowa, has been selected to receive a $1.9 million …
Montana Grant Funds Train’s Biodiesel Test
A $125,000 grant will help fund a project that studies biodiesel in train engines. Biodiesel Magazine reports the Montana Department of Environmental Quality award for Opportunity Link, a Havre, Mont.-based economic development agency, includes the evaluation of B20 in a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway engine: “We are supportive of environmental initiatives to identify alternative fuel sources and opportunities to …
Clemson Mobile Facility Spreads Word of Biodiesel
Researchers at Clemson University have a new mobile biofuels processing plant that will help do new research on new biomass feedstocks, like algae and fungio, while spreading the word of what biodiesel can do. This press release from the school says its $125,000 piece of equipment from Piedmont Biofuels in North Carolina will provide the research platform and take the …
Ferry Could Use Biodiesel Instead of Shutting Down
Some new clean air regulations in California could lead to a popular ferry shutting down. But it might not have to if the vessel uses biodiesel. This article from the Daily Pilot says the Catalina Flyer, a 500-passenger catamaran that runs between the mainland and Santa Catalina Island could have to shut down while the owners buy and install a …