Researchers at the University of Alabama in Huntsville have found a strain of bacteria that could turn glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production, into another alternative fuel … butanol. This story from the school’s news website says the research is being done by a graduate student with funding from the National Science Foundation: Disposing of glycerol has been a problem …
Biofuels Key to US Winning Alt Fuel Race with China
As Chinese President Hu Jintao wraps up his visit to the United States, a new report details how America can use biofuels to compete in the alternative energy field for vehicles. This article on CNET.com says the Accenture report, entitled “The US and China: The Race to Disruptive Transport Technologies,” says the Chinese have a decided edge in government commitment …
Adminstration Offers Boost for Advanced Biofuels
In addition to loan guarantees for biorefineries in the southeast, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Energy (DOE) announced other steps today designed to give the advanced biofuels industry a much-needed boost. “With the renewable fuels standard goal, there’s going to be a need for additional biofuels and it must be met in large part by advanced biofuels,” said …
USDA Announces Funding for Biorefinery Projects
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $405 million in guarantee loans for three biorefinery projects in the southeast under the Biorefinery Assistance Program. The three projects are located in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. “We believe it’s critical and crucial to develop a biofuel industry powered by feedstocks produced in every corner of the country,” said Vilsack during a conference call …
Biodiesel Helps Melt the Snow in Minneapolis
From what I’m hearing from my friends back up north, it’s been a particularly tough winter, especially in Minneapolis, where snowfall has been plentiful this year. Remember the collapse of the Metrodome? (By the way, to my friends shivering their way through another below-zero, snowy night, a balmy 70 degrees in south Texas today). But Corn & Soybean Digest reports …
Biodiesel Conference Registration Extended
Recognizing just how important the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo is to everyone with ties to the industry, our friends at the National Biodiesel Board have extended the deadline to register for the Feb. 6-9 event in Phoenix, Arizona to Feb. 1. NBB CEO Joe Jobe says: The uncertainty surrounding the biodiesel tax credit and the implementation of the Renewable …
New Product Reduces Methanol for Biodiesel Production
A new product from a Florida biodiesel technology developer could cut down on the amount of methanol to brew biodiesel by up to 5 percent. Biodiesel Magazine reports that Florida Biodiesel Inc. has developed the Cyclonic Mixer: “The Mixer is a device that is made to shear the catalyst and the feedstock,” said Bill Gehrs, president of Florida Biodiesel, “giving …
Iowa Summit to Focus on Future for Ethanol and Biodiesel
The fifth annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Summit has an amazing line-up of speakers who will focus on the future of ethanol and biodiesel, both in the state and the nation. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will kick off the one-day event on January 25 by talking about Growing Iowa’s BioEconomy. Key Iowa biodiesel leaders will then detail biodiesel’s 2011 …
Energy Innovation to Open Toronto Biodiesel Plant
A Canadian company has plans to open a biodiesel plant in Toronto. This article from TheProvince.com says Energy Innovation Corp. will make the fuel, as well as animal feed and human food from flax seed without creating any waste: “The demand is actually 10 times more than we think we’ll be able to supply over the next 16 to 18 …
American Idol Kicks Off 10th Season with Biodiesel Bus
The wildly popular American Idol TV show will kick off its 10th season on FOX-TV by launching a month-long, 16-city tour dubbed the “Idol Across America Mobile Experience,” powered by a bus running on biodiesel. The Diesel Technology Forum says the tour will feature Idol memorabilia, including framed platinum records, a Ryan Seacrest suit, Carrie Underwood’s finale dress and David …