New energy department research is aiming to increase the use of plant oils as renewable resource by optimize the production of oil in the seeds. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a computational model for analyzing the metabolic processes in rapeseed plants — particularly those related to the production of oils in their …
Recruiting for Biofuels Careers
Development of next generation biofuels means companies like Novozymes are growing and creating jobs at a rapid pace. The key is finding qualified people to fill those roles. Novozymes was one of the companies that participated in the AgCareers.com 2011 North American Ag HR Roundtable held this week at Purdue University. Novozymes Recruitment and Employer Branding Manager Darlene Godsey says …
Peter Matrai Joins Butamax as COO
Peter Matrai has joined Butamax Advanced Biofuels as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO). He will be responsible for the development and implementation of Butamax strategy and business plan. He will also be in charge of leading the company’s global commercial team which is currently engaged in activities in the U.S., Brazil, Europe and Asia. Prior to joining Butamax, …
The Simpson’s Go Off-Grid
It seems like I just don’t have enough time to watch TV, unless of course I’m holed up in a hotel room as I am tonight. I just happen to be flipping channels when I stopped on a rerun of the Simpson’s, “The Squirt and the Whale.” This episode was created in honor of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day …
How Do Coffee & Biodiesel Mix? Besspresso.
Raise your mug if you love coffee. For you coffee lovers in Iowa, you can now get your fix from Dave Bess and Anna Erickson’s mobile coffee shop that is fueled by biodiesel. The Iowa City couple has been traveling around the country to public events this summer including the world famous Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) sponsored by …
Propel Offers San Francisco Drivers B20
As diesel vehicles become more popular in the U.S., especially in states such as California, Propel Fuels has been offering biodiesel blends to fuel drivers’ commutes. Today, Propel began selling B20 (20 percent biodiesel, 80 percent low-sulfur diesel) at three of its stations located in the Bay Area (San Francisco). The company plans to add B20 blends to several stations …
U.S. Auto Club Endorses Ethanol
The U.S. Auto Club (USAC) made a surprise announcement at the Lucas Oil Raceway last week when they announced they are switching to “Ignite High Performance Ethanol,” an ethanol racing blend distributed by National Biofuels Distribution (NBD). USAC President & CEO Kevin Miller said during his presentation that his organization is “excited to take this direction toward environmentally-friendly fuel usage.” …
New Catalyst For Biomass Production
A new catalyst for biomass production has been developed by researchers from the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Washington State University (WSU). These catalysts could turn ethanol into other products by converting it into a chemical called isobutene. This feat can be accomplished in one step, and the process can use water-diluted ethanol rather than purifying …
Big Green Bus Rolls Across the U.S.
The Big Green Bus rolled into Dallas last week and subliminally, the people in its wake couldn’t help but think about french fries. Okay, so I’m exaggerating a bit but 13 students from Darmouth College converted a Greyhound bus that runs on biodiesel and vegetable oil derived from used cooking grease. According to an article in the Dallas Morning News, …
CAFE Standards Hiked to 54.5 MPG
The U.S. government may not be able to figure out how to save our country from it’s multi-trillion dollar debt, but for the second time during his administration, President Obama has increased CAFE standards or the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards. The goal for all new cars and light duty trucks manufactured in 2025 and beyond must be at least …