Researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago have figured out how to produce biodiesel without making the by-product glycerol. This article from Chemistry World says the scientists, led by Tobin Marks, developed the method. The process uses a tandem catalytic system, consisting of metal triflate and supported palladium catalysts, to selectively break down triglyceride esters into carboxylic acids, which can be …
Seattle Airport Inks Deal for Aviation Biofuels
Officials at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are partnering with Alaska Airlines and Boeing to aim to have all flights out of the hub use sustainable aviation biofuel. This news release from the port authority says Sea-Tac is the first U.S. airport to lay out a long-term roadmap to incorporate aviation biofuel into its infrastructure in a cost-effective, efficient manner. At …
Talking Politics at National Ethanol Conference
Some world class political discussion should be expected at the National Ethanol Conference (NEC), Feb. 15-17, 2016, in New Orleans. Political experts Mike Murphy and Paul Begala will get together for a point-counterpoint luncheon discussion on the 2016 election. Mike Murphy – Political Strategist, Political Analyst for NBC News and Contributing Editor, TIME Murphy is one of the Republican Party’s …
Biodiesel Catalyst Plant Soon to Open in Iowa
It’s taken about a year and a half, but an Iowa plant that will make a key biodiesel production catalyst is about to open. This article from the Mason City Globe Gazette says the New Heaven Chemicals plant will start producing sodium methylate by Feb. 1, and be able to produce 24,000 metric tons of the liquid chemical per year. …
Grain Growers, Biofuelers to Meet at Export Exchange
Two industries that go hand-in-glove will meet next fall in Detroit. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) says it is joining with the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) for Export Exchange 2016, scheduled for Oct. 24–27, 2016. “We are expecting more than 200 international buyers of coarse grains, co-products and ethanol to attend Export Exchange 2016 along with an estimated 300 producers …
Mass. to Get First Community-Owned Biodiesel Plant
Massachusetts is on the verge of getting its first community-owned biodiesel plant. This article from Public News Service says the Northeast Biodiesel plant in Greenfield will open in early 2016. Co-op Power CEO Lynn Benander says the plant will take cooking oil waste from restaurants, schools and institutions in the area and convert it into millions of gallons of a …
USDA Gives $70 Mil Loan Guarantee for Biofuel Plant
A cellulosic biofuel plant in Georgia will get built, thanks in part to a $70 million U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan guarantee. This news release from USDA says the money is being made available through the agency’s Biorefinery Assistance Program. “There is a clear consumer demand for clean, American-made, renewable fuels, which our rural communities stand ready to meet,” …
San Fran Change to Renewable Diesel Complete
San Francisco’s city fleet is off of petroleum. This news release from Mayor Edwin M. Lee says the City and County of San Francisco has completely replaced it with renewable diesel, a change that will achieve a significant 50 percent greenhouse gas emissions reduction. “As the global climate negotiations conclude, San Francisco and cities worldwide must continue to lead by …
Biodiesel Board Applauds Ore. Clean Fuel Program
Oregon has joined a pair of its West Coast neighbors to finalize its Clean Fuels Program (CFP), gaining praise from the National Biodiesel Board, who points out how biodiesel can help the state reduce greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent by 2025. “Biodiesel is the most sustainable fuel on the planet,” said Don Scott, National Biodiesel Board director of sustainability. “We …
School Teaches Farmers to Brew Own Biodiesel
Farmers are known to be a pretty independent breed, and a school is teaching them to be energy independent by brewing their own biodiesel. This story from RFD-TV says Tennessee State University’s Agricultural Research and Education Center has a unique outreach program that teaches farmers about making their own on-farm biodiesel. “This is something where they can grow it, and …