Things are getting a bit tough in the fight to get a biodiesel mandate implemented in Iowa. This post from the Des Moines Register says a letter that Decker Trucking of Fort Dodge sent to the legislature outlining the company’s two million mile biodiesel study that hurts biodiesel’s case is being refuted by the Iowa Biodiesel Board. The letter says …
Researcher to Genetically Modify Algae for Biodiesel
A researcher at Iowa State University is genetically modifying algae to make it a better feedstock for biodiesel. This article from Biodiesel Magazine says Martin Spalding, ISU professor of genetics, development and cell biology,has received a $4.37 million grant U.S. Department of Energy to stack traits in algae, specifically, one type of alga, Chlamydomonas, whose genome has already been mapped …
The Mcgyan Process
As we’ve reported before, Biodiesel Analytical Solutions is teaming up with Mcgyan Biodiesel. I learned more about this at the recent National Biodiesel Conference when I spoke with David Wendorf, Mcgyan Director of Marketing. He’s seen here in their booth. David says Mcgyan was formed about 6 months ago as the company to license their new biodiesel technology. It’s a …
Rate Increase to Pay for Biodiesel Plant, Future
Some electricity customers in Hawaii will have to pay a little more for power from a biodiesel-powered generating plant now, but utility officials believe it will save those same customers in the long run. This article from the Honolulu Star Bulletin says the state’s Public Utilities Commission approved a 1 percent increase to help pay for a new $142.3 million, …
SG Biofuels Doubles Jatropha Output, Triples Profits
SG Biofuels, a company that specializes in developing jatropha for use in alternative fuels, such as biodiesel, has announced a new variety of the tropical plant that has double the oil output of normal jatropha and is best for the tropics where it is grown. This company press release says the new variety is named JMax 100, a proprietary cultivar …
Grassley: Jobs Bill Forgot 23,000 Biodiesel Jobs
The latest jobs bill seems to be forgetting the 23,000 workers in the biodiesel industry who are at risk since the provision renewing the federal $1-a-gallon tax incentive was removed. That’s the opinion of Sen. Charles Grassley, a Republican from Iowa who saw his version of the jobs bill with the biodiesel provisions get scrapped for a pared down version …
New Holland Commitment to Biodiesel
When it comes to approval of biodiesel in farm machinery, New Holland is outstanding in the field. In both North America and Europe, New Holland has been a leader in recognizing the importance of biodiesel as a fuel source for agricultural equipment. The company was first to approve the use of biodiesel blends back in 2006 and has since moved …
Algae Association to Hold Workshop on Wastewater Use
The National Algae Association’s Mid-South Chapter will be holding a workshop on how to best use wastewater to grow algae, especially algae for use in biodiesel. The workshop, entitled “Algae: Mining Wastewater for Nutrients, Fuel, and Fertilizer,” will be held in Huntsville, Alabama on Friday, March 26, 2010: With US fresh water supplies slowly dwindling and algae culture quickly becoming …
Squeezing More Oil from Crops for Biodiesel
The name of the game in the biodiesel biz is getting the most out of your feedstocks. Some researchers at the University of California-Davis have found a way to squeeze another 24 percent out of oilseeds such as safflower. This press release from the school says the new process converts both plant oils and carbohydrates into biodiesel in a single …
Biodiesel Grants Go to Iowa Schools
Two schools in the Hawkeye State have picked up Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Awards of $2,500 each. This press release from the association says Clay Central-Everly and Galva-Holstein Schools were awarded the Biodiesel Backer Award Program grants to educate their students and communities about biodiesel and incorporate biodiesel into their school programming: “IRFA congratulates Clay-Central Everly and Galva-Holstein on their …