Bill Zurn is a farmer from Minnesota who grows soybeans, corns and sugar beets. Last fall he had a chance to go out to the bioheat tour in New York City where they explained why they use Bioheat, a biodiesel blended oil commonly used for heating homes and buildings in the northeast. He said the port authority is also a …
Scottish Scientists Identify Algae Best for Biofuels
Scientists in Scotland have identified which algae are the best for biofuels. This article from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) says the researchers used a new technique to figure out which ocean-based strains had the highest oil content. The screening revealed two marine strains, Nannochloropis oceanica and Chlorella vulgaris, which had a dry-weight oil content of more than …
What Iowa Legislators Support the RFS?
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), America’s Renewable Future (ARF) has published a list of which legislators support the RFS in Iowa. Iowa is the top producing biodiesel and ethanol state and is also a leading cellulosic ethanol producing state. The bipartisan list includes city, county and state government officials who publicly support the …
Time to Learn More about Biodiesel & Bioheat
Next week I’ll be attending the Biodiesel and Bioheat Forum, sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. Want to join me? Get registered now. Home heating oil and biodiesel leaders will discuss a biodiesel blend with significant environmental and economic benefits and the role Minnesota soybean farmers can play in meeting the demand of this market. “The Midwest …
MN Soy Growers to Hold Biodiesel & Bioheat Forum
It’s a hot August, but the folks in Minnesota are well aware the winter chill is not that far away. That’s why the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) is holding a Biodiesel and Bioheat forum Aug. 19 in Mankato to talk about how the green fuel can help keep you warm when the winter winds return (and make …
Biodiesel Helps Boost Europe’s Biofuels Use
Transportation biofuels use in Europe is up again, thanks in large part to biodiesel. This article from the Brussels Times says biofuels for transport increased by 6.1 percent in 2014 in Europe, following a decrease in the previous year. It still remains lower than in 2012. Consumption of sustainable biofuels reached its highest level with 12.5 million tep (Mtep – …
REG Expands Biodiesel Giant’s Iowa Headquarters
Iowa-based Renewable Energy Group, Inc. is expanding its Ames headquarters complex. This company news release says REG marked the ocassion with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony. The 12,000-square foot space at 215 Alexander Avenue is just a short walk from REG’s main headquarters building at 416 S. Bell Avenue, which the Company has occupied since moving its business operations from Ralston …
REG to Acquire Imperium Renewables
Biodiesel giant Renewable Energy Group (REG), based in Iowa, will acquire Seattle-area Imperium Renewables. REG says the deal includes a 100-million gallon nameplate capacity biomass-based diesel refinery and deepwater port terminal at the Port of Grays Harbor, Washington. Under the terms of the agreement, REG will pay Imperium $15 million in cash and issue 1.5 million shares of REG common …
#Biodiesel Supports #AgMedia
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) was proud to once again be a part of the Ag Media Summit last week and share their positive message about the biodiesel industry. “AMS is really a great gathering of a wide variety of publications across the ag industry,” said Jessica Robinson of NBB. “It’s a good opportunity to talk with people and let …
ASA Wants RFS Biodiesel Goals to be Realistic
Goals for biodiesel in the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) recently announced by the government could be a bit better and should be realistic, as the green fuel benefits everyone and gains some unlikely allies. Cindy caught up with Wade Cowan, Texas farmer and president of the American Soybean Association (ASA) during the Ag Media Summit and got his thoughts on …