REG Holds Ribbon Cutting for Wisconsin Plant

Joanna Schroeder

The Renewable Energy Group (REG) recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the formal opening of its biodiesel plant in Madison Wisconsin. The facility, REG Madison, received upgrades prior to its reopening. The facility was formerly owned by Sanimax Energy. “We are dedicated to producing cleaner, lower carbon intensity products and this celebration is another example of our commitment …

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel

Pacific Biodiesel Receives Sustainable Biodiesel Cert

Joanna Schroeder

Pacific Biodiesel has received a sustainable biodiesel production and distribution certification from the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance (SBA). The Hawaii-based biodiesel producer is the first in the state to receive the designation for its Big Island Biodiesel Plant as well as the first plant in the U.S. to earn the certification. The certification process evaluates a variety of production and distribution …

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel

Make Biofuels Part of Paris Agreement Implementation

Joanna Schroeder

History was made this week with the signing of the Paris Agreement climate accord by 130 countries at the UN Headquarters in New York. The governments now have one year to ratify the accord. The Paris Agreement will enter into force on the 30th day after the date on which at least 55 Parties to the Convention accounting in total …

Biodiesel, biofuels, Climate Change, Environment, Ethanol, RFA, RFS

Iowa Extends State Biodiesel Incentives

Joanna Schroeder

Iowa lawmakers have spent some time this week voting on renewable energy programs in the state. Earlier this week a resolution was passed in support of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) staying on track and now the Iowa House passed legislation that extends tax credits to biodiesel producers. One enables biodiesel facilities to remain competitive on a national scale and …

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, Legislation

Iowa Senate Passes RFS Resolution

Joanna Schroeder

The Iowa Senate has passed a bipartisan resolution in support of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) through 2022. The resolution calls on Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), President Obama, and the next president to support the policy as passed by Congress in 2005. Senate Resolution 118 names the RFS as one of the single most successful energy policies …

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, Growth Energy, RFS

Producing Biodiesel Using Cooking Oil & Microwave

Joanna Schroeder

Researchers have discovered a way to produce biodiesel using used cooking oil and a microwave. Scientists have developed a process of using a microwave and catalyst-coasted beads to produce the renewable fuel. The research, with funding from the Israeli Ministry of Science, Technology and Space, was recently published in ACS’ journal Energy & Fuels. One of the challenges of biodiesel …

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, Research

EIA Reports Biodiesel Production on the Rise

Joanna Schroeder

According to a recent Today in Energy, published by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), biodiesel production is back on the growth track. In 2014 amid concerns over the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the expiration of the biodiesel blender’s tax credit, biodiesel production dropped after reaching record production levels in 2013. However, as biodiesel blends were increased for 2015 under …

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, RFS

Biodiesel in MN Has Big Effect on Lowering Emissions

Joanna Schroeder

According to a new analysis from the American Lung Association of Minnesota, using biodiesel has had a dramatic effect on lowering harmful tailpipe emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cites mobile transportation accounts for more than half of all air pollution in the U.S. However, in Minnesota, they represent the largest single source. To …

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel

B11 Iowa Average Biodiesel Blend

Joanna Schroeder

More Iowa consumers are choosing biodiesel at the pump according to a new report from the Iowa Department of Revenue. The report finds that the average biodiesel blend purchased in the state reached 11 percent, an increase from 9.4 percent average blend in 2014. The data showed that Iowans also purchased a record amount of E85 and mid-level ethanol blends …

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

New Leaf Biofuel Celebrates 10 Years

Joanna Schroeder

San Diego, California-based biodiesel company New Leaf Biofuel is celebrating its 10th anniversary. In tandem with the milestone, the company has also received a new recognition as a BQ-9000 producer. The company started in 2006 and produces biodiesel using used cooking oil recycled from area restaurants. “New Leaf Biofuel is thrilled to provide cleaner-burning Advanced Biofuels to the marketplace to …

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel