While I know we’ve talked about the promise of algae-based biofuels, especially biodiesel, many of you have pointed in derision to the seemingly always present caveat: in about five years… the amount of time the ideas seem to take until they’re ready for the street. But there are some companies that are not still five years away from making algae …
IEA: Global Biofuel Production to Rise Big by 2012
Biodiesel production worldwide has risen by 10 times over the last eight years and could double again in just two more years, while global ethanol production has more than tripled over the same time period and could jump by another 50 percent by the year 2012. Farmers Weekly Interactive reports a new report from the International Energy Agency says biodiesel …
Grape & Almond Waste Being Turned into Biodiesel
A California company that makes biofuels out of several sources has received a state grant to work on turning the waste from grapes and almonds into biodiesel. This story in the San Diego Business Journal says local contractor Menon & Associates picked up the $800,000 from the California Energy Commission to convert grape pulp and almond husks into the green …
Sustainable Biodiesel Mythbuster Recognized for Efforts
A man who recycles restaurant grease into biodiesel while busting the myths the green fuel’s opponents have been spreading is being recognized by a network dedicated to sustainability issues. Biodiesel Magazine reports that Brent Baker, the CEO of Tri-State Biodiesel LLC will receive the Social Venture Network’s 2009 Innovation Award at the group’s fall conference, starting October 22 in La …
USDA Loan to Help Green Rebuilding Greensburg, KS
Greensburg, Kansas, literally destroyed by a tornado in May, 2007, is getting some help from the government to have a green energy source supply the power for the town as it continues to rebuild. The USDA has announced a $17.4 million loan to Greensburg Wind Farm, LLC, to provide financing for the 10 wind turbine project that will supply power …
Algae to be Focus of BIO’s Pacific Rim Summit
Leading researchers and companies looking to turn algae into biofuels will meet in Hawaii next month to talk about progress and challenges with the green-slime-into-green-fuel process. The Biotechnology Industry Organization’s (BIO) 2009 Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy will be held Nov. 8-11, 2009 in Honolulu: Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO’s Industrial and Environmental Section, said, …
Cold Vermont Warms Up to Biodiesel Heating Oil
It won’t be long before the snow starts to seriously fly in Vermont (if it isn’t already!), and the heating oil dealers in that state are encouraging those Green Mountain Boys… and Girls… to use a biodiesel blend to heat their homes when they come in from shoveling. This article in the Barre Montpelier Times Argus says Matt Cota of …
Chief of United Says Airlines Open to Alternatives
The head of United Airlines says commercial airlines and military aircraft in the U.S. are ready to make a long-term commitment to alternative fuels. Reuters reports that Glenn Tilton, the chief executive officer of UAL Corp and its United Airlines unit, says because of the tight economic times the industry is facing, the commitment would have to come after the …
Coal Mines Could Become Next Source for Biodiesel
Coal mines could be the next place to grow a feedstock for biodiesel. Researchers in Missouri are looking at feeding the carbon dioxide that is plentiful in coal mines to algae, which can be turned into biodiesel. Biodiesel Magazine reports that the work of David Summers, professor of Mining Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, could prove that …
Duke (Energy) & North Carolina Team Up for Wind
You don’t expect Duke and the University of North Carolina to be together on too many things, especially when it comes to items on the basketball court. But in this case, it’s Duke Energy teaming up with the Tarheels on a wind energy project. The Triangle Business Journal reports that the two are partnering to put up three wind turbines …