Biodiesel Becomes Key Part of Mechanic Training

Joanna Schroeder

It won’t be long before mechanics across the U.S. know all about biodiesel. The National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) has awarded the Automotive Service Excellence accreditation to NBB Biodiesel for Diesel Technicians curriculum. The curriculum was created to provide technically sound information to mechanics about biodiesel and eliminate misperceptions. “We are delighted to have the National Biodiesel Board as …

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, biofuels

Ethanol and Environmental Groups Unite for RFS

Cindy Zimmerman

Ethanol, environmental, science and advanced biofuels groups jointly signed a letter to Congressional leaders this week asking them to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and extend expiring tax incentives for cellulosic biofuels. The letter was signed by the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), the Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC), the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), the Natural Resources Defense Council …

ACE, advanced biofuels, AEC, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government

The Future for Corn Stover in Biofuels

Cindy Zimmerman

The future of using corn stover for advanced biofuels was one of the discussion topics at last week’s Corn Utilization Technology Conference in Indianapolis. Nathan Mosier with the Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering at Purdue University, told the conference that the corn refining industry has done a great job of using the corn kernel to create various value-added products. …

advanced biofuels, Audio, corn, CUTC, NCGA

UnicaData Goes Live Providing Cane Industry Data

Joanna Schroeder

The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) has unveiled new industry data and statistics. UnicaData is a customizable tool designed to provide detailed industry information focused on the cane industry in Brazil. The free data is derived from third party institutions and features information on areas such as:   Sugarcane harvest Quality of harvested cane Harvest projections Sugarcane production and processing …

advanced biofuels, biofuels, Brazil, Ethanol, UNICA

Biofuels Take to the Skies in Brazil

Joanna Schroeder

Renewable jet fuel will be taking flight during the upcoming Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Brazil on June 19, 2012. Azul Airlines, powered with renewable fuel produced from sugarcane by Amyris, has scheduled a demonstration flight on an Azul E195 aircraft powered by GE’s CF34-10E engines. The flight is being coined “Azul+Verde,” which means “a greener blue”. Amyris’s renewable …

advanced biofuels, aviation biofuels, biojet fuel

“Proud History, Bright Future” Theme for Ethanol Event

Joanna Schroeder

“Proud History, Bright Future” is the theme for the upcoming 25th annual ACE Ethanol Conference to be held August 8-10th in Omaha, Nebraska. The conference will cover topics such as an outlook on markets and policies that will impact ethanol plant profitability; the role octane and vehicle technology innovations will play for ethanol demand; an update on E15 implementation; product …

ACE, advanced biofuels, biofuels, Cellulosic, conferences, Ethanol

LS9 Announces Grand Opening Ceremony

Joanna Schroeder

The Florida Opportunity Fund’s (FOF) Clean Energy Investment Program has awarded funds to LS9 to aid in the company’s grand opening plans for its biorefinery in Okeechobee, Florida. Earlier this year, FOF awarded LS9 $4.5 million to help fund the retrofit of their demonstration facility that when in operation will produce biodiesel and renewable chemical products. With the retrofit complete, …

advanced biofuels, biochemicals, Biodiesel, biomaterials

Vote to Cut Military Biofuels Disappoints Ag Secretary

Cindy Zimmerman

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is “disappointed” in recent Congressional action that would cut the use of biofuels by the military. “We are extremely disappointed in that vote because I think it fails to recognize and appreciate the enormous potential of this industry to revitalize the rural economy,” said Vilsack during a conference call today when asked specifically about a …

advanced biofuels, Audio, biojet fuel, Government, USDA

Novozymes Nebraska Enzyme Plant Opens

Cindy Zimmerman

Advanced biofuels took a $200 million step forward on the march toward commercialization Wednesday with the official opening of Novozymes’ enzyme plant in Blair, Nebraska. The inauguration of Novozymes’ new Blair facility was celebrated with employees, customers, community leaders and government officials, including the governor of Nebraska, Dave Heineman, U.S. Department of Energy Senior Advisor Jason Walsh and Blair Mayor …

advanced biofuels, Audio, Biotech, Ethanol, Ethanol News, USDA

Senator Visits Michigan Cellulosic Ethanol Facility

Cindy Zimmerman

Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) highlighted the benefits of next-generation biofuels during a tour of the Alpena Biorefinery in the northern part of her state. “This innovative partnership is producing Michigan-grown fuel that has the potential to spur new job growth and help reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said Stabenow, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee which just sent a …

advanced biofuels, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government