Purdue to Test Biofuels for Aircraft

John Davis

U.S. Air Force planes could soon be flying on biofuels, and that fuel will be tested at one of the Midwest’s premier universities. This press release from Purdue University says the school’s National Test Facility for Fuels and Propulsion is getting a $1.35 million grant from the U.S. Air Force. The facility at will be located at the Niswonger Aviation …

biofuels, Research

Next By-product for Biodiesel Plants: Cosmetics

John Davis

The next great by-product that could help biodiesel plants stay profitable could be put right on the tip of your shiny nose. Elevance Renewable Sciences, with backing from Cargill, Dow Corning and the $45 billion Texas Pacific Group investment fund, is working with Iowa-based Renewable Energy Group to put technology in REG’s Newton, Iowa biodiesel plant to use biodiesel and …

Biodiesel

New Report Analyzes Biodiesel Feedstocks & Fuel

John Davis

Iowa-based biodiesel producer Renewable Energy Group has released a report that looks at a wide variety of biodiesel feedstocks and the characteristics of both that feedstock and the fuel produced from it. In the “Feedstock and Biodiesel Characteristics Report,” a first-of-its-kind of publication, REG, in cooperation with the Iowa Power Fund Board and the Iowa Office of Energy Independence, evaluated …

Biodiesel

DF Cast: Crunching the Renewable Identification Numbers

John Davis

A big issue in the current Renewable Fuels Standard … as well as the new RFS2 under consideration by the EPA … is the Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). In this edition of the Domestic Fuel Cast, we listen in on the conversation from the recent 2nd Annual RINWorld Summit held in Dallas, TX where the EPA’s John Wienrauch, Office of …

Audio, Biodiesel, Domestic Fuel Cast, E85, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government

Solar, Wind Latest Additions to Green Education

John Davis

There’s an old saying that goes, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” While it might be true that college does cost, there are some cheaper options out there. And more of those options are including solar and wind degrees from the less expensive community college route. This article from CNN Money says that more of the more-affordable two-year …

Solar, Wind

Biofuel Jet Fuel Picked as One of Pop Sci’s 100 Best

John Davis

The world’s first jet fuel made from 100 percent renewable canola and soybean oil that has pushed a rocket to 20,000 feet has been picked as one of the top 100 innovations of the year. This press release from the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Advanced …

biofuels

RFS2 Confusion Clouds Mass. Biodiesel Mandate

John Davis

A 2 percent biodiesel mandate beginning next year and increasing to 5 percent in 2013 in Massachusetts has hit some glitches … thanks to confusion over what the next Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) might bring …. but it could now be moving forward. Biodiesel Magazine reports the measure has come under fire because it only allows waste-derived biodiesel, a provision …

Biodiesel, Government

Biodiesel Board Selects Leadership

John Davis

Members of the National Biodiesel have chosen who will represent the trade association on its governing board and leadership committee. In this NBB press release, NBB vice chair Gary Haer of Iowa-based Renewable Energy Group said the green fuel “is one of our nation’s valuable tools to fight greenhouse gas and enhance energy security,” and the the board’s leadership reflects …

Biodiesel, NBB

Biodiesel Board Asks Congress to Extend Tax Incentive

John Davis

An important tax incentive on biodiesel is about to expire, and the National Biodiesel Board is scrambling to get it renewed. Biodiesel Magazine reports that the NBB is lobbying lawmakers to renew the $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax incentive, which encourages biodiesel use by making it competitive with petroleum diesel fuel. NBB argues that if the incentive is allowed to expire on …

Biodiesel, Government, Legislation, NBB

Hydrogen Company Offers $1 Mil Scholarship Program

John Davis

High school seniors who are looking to further their education in the fields of science or technology will get some help from a world leader in hydrogen energy. Proton Energy Systems has announced the $1 million Proton Energy Scholarship program aimed at recognizing outstanding achievement, excellence and promise in science or technology: The scholarship program is supported and funded by …

Hydrogen