As some segments of the economy continue to take a downturn, much of the renewable energy sector is still experiencing an uptick. In fact, for some areas, they can’t get enough of qualified workers. That has prompted more and more technical training colleges to turn their efforts to teaching the skills becoming more and more in demand. This story from …
Saltwater Could Make Algae-Biodiesel Profitable
While algae-based biodiesel continues to grow in interest, producers of the REALLY green fuel are trying to find ways to make sure they can turn a profit… just like any biodiesel producer. Being able to grow algae in the more plentiful saltwater could be key to making the process profitable. This story from the gas2.0 Web site says California-based Aurora …
Study Shows Biodiesel Reduces CO2 Emissions
Just in case you need more evidence of the clean-burning nature of biodiesel, a new study once again confirms the fuel’s green nature. A six-month demonstration by California-based fleet States Logistics’ saw carbon dioxide reduction of 72.9 tons compared to straight petroleum diesel. This National Biodisel Board press release says the company will be able to use the information to …
Myrtle Beach Area to Get Biodiesel Plant
A new biodiesel plant is set to open in the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. This story from WCBD-TV in Charleston says Coastal Biodiesel Group, Inc. is opening a $4.5 million facility in Horry County that will employ 50 people making the green fuel from used cooking oils: “We are pleased to begin operations in South Carolina with our …
Defense Department Looking for Alt Fuels for Alaska
Airmen and soldiers in Alaska could one day be using alternative fuels for their operations. The Alaska Journal of Commerce reports the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency has announced it wants contractors to bid on a long-term deal to supply for those Air Force and Army cold weather warriors: Mark Iden, deputy operations director of the Defense Energy Support Center, a …
Manitoba Opens First Biodiesel Plant
An American biodiesel maker has headed north of the border, but its product will come back to the U.S. This story from the Winnipeg Free Press says North Carolina-based Greenway Biodiesel is opening a approximately 5 million-gallon-a-year refinery in St. Boniface, Manitoba… the first for the Canadian province. While the green fuel will be headed for sale in Minnesota, it …
Verenium, Alfa Laval Ink Biodiesel Deal
Massachusetts-based Verenium Corporation, a developer of next-generation cellulosic ethanol, has signed a deal with Swedish provider of heat transfer, separation and fluid handling technologies Alfa Laval to market processes that degums vegetable oils, making them better for biodiesel production. This Verenium press release says they’ll use Verenium’s Purifine PLC enzyme and Alfa Laval’s engineering services and equipment. “Verenium is pleased …
Illinois Offering Bioenergy Masters Degree
Knowledge is power, and the folks at the University of Illinois are giving a new crop of students the power they’ll need in the fields of bioenergy… biodiesel and ethanol. The Center for Advanced BioEnergy Research (CABER) on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus is offering the first new master’s degree in bioenergy approved by Illinois Board of Higher …
BIO Accepting Applications for Carver Award
The award is named for a true pioneer in the biotechnology field, and it will be handed out by a group touted to be the “champion of biotechnology” to someone who makes the most significant contribution in the field of biotechnology. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is now accepting nominations for the annual George Washington Carver Award and will present …
Farm Foundation Conference to Help Bioeconomy Discussion
Domestic Fuel will be there as the Farm Foundation hosts the next in its series of meetings to talk about what needs to be done for this country… and the world, for that matter… transition to a bioeconomy. In the fourth in the series of “Transition to a Bioeconomy” conferences, our friends at Farm Foundation will facilitate conversation focusing on …