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. …
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 …
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 …
New Leaders Found for NE Biodiesel Plant Readying to Open
A Nebraska biodiesel plant completed in 2007 but never opened has received new leadership as company officials prepare to open the refinery. This article from the Beatrice (NE) Daily Sun says Flint Hills Resources named Russell Leighton as plant manager and Jeremy Morse as production manager as Flint Hills and Benefuel eye next year’s opening of their joint Duonix biodiesel …
Oily Palms
According to Americans United for Change (AUC), Iowa Republican U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst has attracted national attention with her stance on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) – that she is not supportive of subsidies. This before the news broke last week that the billionaire oil baron Koch brothers maxed out their contributions to Ernst’s campaign on top of the over …
Grease Still Hot Item in Biodiesel Feedstock Thefts
We’re still seeing stories pop up about how thieves are targeting the used grease from restaurants for biodiesel production. The latest story comes from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch where police broke up a mutli-state ring of stolen used grease and cooking oil from O’Fallon, Ill. and the surrounding area. The suspects — Bo Lin, 32, of Fairview Heights; Tuo Li, …
Kansas Ethanol Plant to Add Renewable Diesel Ops
A Kansas ethanol maker is going to integrate a renewable diesel operation into its facility. East Kansas Agri-Energy LLC (EKAE) says it will soon start building and hopes to complete construction within about a year of the 3 million gallon per year facility at its ethanol plant in Garnett, Kansas that will make renewable diesel from the corn distillers oil …