Researchers at several universities are looking at the potential camelina has as a feedstock for biodiesel or even using the oil as a straight drop-in fuel. This news release from Kansas State University says Timothy Durrett, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics at KSU, has joined researchers from Colorado State University, the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and the University …
New Leaders for Next Gen. Scientists for Biodiesel
New leadership for the Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel have been chosen. This National Biodiesel Board program aims to educate young scientists with factual information about biodiesel. Selected through a competitive application process, the new co-chairs are: • James Anderson, Southern Illinois University, a PhD student in Agricultural Science • Katie Heil, University of Colorado – Boulder, an undergraduate in …
Sales Up But Revenues Down for Biodiesel’s REG
Biodiesel behemoth Renewable Energy Group (REG) says while sales of its biomass-based diesel are up, revenues have fallen. The company released its second quarter 2014 financial results, showing REG sold 11 percent more biodiesel than the same time a year earlier. But revenues of $332.9 million are a decrease of 13 percent and an adjusted EBITDA decreased by 86 percent. …
PERC Consolidates Propane Info on One Website
Users of propane will now be able to find information on the clean fuel consolidated on one website. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) announced it is combining information that used to be available on several sites, including autogasusa.org, agpropane.com, poweredbypropane.com, and usepropane.com, into one place Propane.com, where customers can find information on propane’s many uses in transportation, commercial …
Pacific Ethanol Gets $3 Mil Grant for Sorghum
California-based Pacific Ethanol, Inc. received a $3 million grant from the California Energy Commission to develop sorghum as a feedstock for ethanol. This company news release says it will work with Chromatin, Inc., CSU Fresno’s Center for Irrigation Technology and the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center. This undertaking also includes the California In-State Sorghum Program to support a lasting …
Murphy USA Expands E15, E85 and Biodiesel Iowa Offerings
Fuels retailer Murphy USA expands its list of stations offering E15, E85 and biodiesel in Iowa. The move to convert stations in Fort Dodge, Mason City, Clinton and Davenport, along with the previously converted Indianola location, won praise from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). “It’s exciting to welcome four more Murphy USA fueling sites to the growing list of …
China Solar Panel Maker to Install Panels in Malaysia
One of the world’s biggest makers of solar panels will work to power rural schools and villages in Malaysia. China-based Wuxi Suntech will put in photovoltaic (PV) panels that will generate 7.5 MW of power under the Rural Solar Hybrid Electricity Project for Villages and Schools in the Interior. The project was launched recently and is set to be completed …
DF Cast: Syngenta Helps Ethanol Infrastructure Efforts
A company that is getting more ethanol out of corn is trying to get more infrastructure for higher blends of ethanol. Recently, Syngenta announced a new fund to help fuel retailers put in infrastructure to handle higher blends of ethanol from E15 to E85. The announcement was made at a NASCAR event, where fans have been able to witness just …
Grassley Adds Biodiesel, Wind Amendments to Jobs Bill
A U.S. senator has filed amendments to a jobs bill that would renew the expired wind energy and biodiesel tax incentives… although he admits it could be just political posturing. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) wants to add the renewals to the Bring Jobs Home Act, which he says really is just political messaging and not a serious jobs bill. “I …
New England Biodiesel Maker Turns to Crowd for Improvements
A biodiesel maker in New England is turning to the crowd to get a little help with its next upgrade and expansion. New Hampshire-based Granite State Biofuels has set up a crowdsourcing website to solicit money for a new piece of equipment with a goal of raising $50,000 total. We need to purchase analytical equipment which will help us to …