The “Domestic Fuel for Enhancing National Security Act” has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) introduced the bill which would authorize the Department of Defense to continue its leading role in helping to commercialize next generation biofuels by extending the multi-year contracting authority for advanced biofuels from 5 years to 15 years. In his …
Stability Returns to Global R&D Funding
According to an analysis performed by Battelle Memorial Institute and R&D Magazine, the global research and development (R&D) outlook for 2011 will be more stable and positive and is emerging from one of the worst recession eras in recent times. With this in mind, R&D managers are prepared to see moderate, but sustainable growth and more global competition for resources …
The Hail Storm Against the Tax Package Intensifies
While many in the domestic U.S. energy industry were giving sighs of relief yesterday after the Senate passed the one-year extension of the tax package, others were not so calm. Two organizations in particular that are not happy with the renewal of the biofuel portion of the tax package were the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) and Friends of the …
Air Force Aims High on Alternative Fuels
The men and women who wear U.S. Air Force blue are looking to help preserve your freedoms, while gaining their own freedom from non-renewable petroleum. This article from National Defense Magazine says the service wants the biofuels industry to step up its game to provide the millions of gallons the Air Force will need when it converts to 50-50 blends …
DOE Offers Funding for Next Generation Biofuels
The U.S. Department of Energy is now accepting applications for up to $30 million in total funding for small-scale process integration projects that support the development of advanced biofuels that will be able to replace gasoline or diesel without requiring special upgrades or changes to the vehicle or fueling infrastructure. “Developing the next generation of American biofuels will enhance our …
New Land Use Change Report Released
According to CABI and Hart Energy Consulting, while there has been much attention given to the idea that biofuel development will change land use around the world, there are still many gaps in knowledge about how much and in what ways those changes will manifest. To determine where more information about land use change is needed, the two organizations worked …
Top 50 Hottest Companies in Bioenergy
Biofuels Digest has announced its “Top 50 Hottest Companies in Bioenergy” and this year’s top spot goes to Amyris, a renewable fuels and chemicals developer based in Florida. The rankings recognize innovation and achievement in bioenergy development and are determined by 50 percent of votes from a 75-member panel of international selectors, and 50 percent of votes from subscribers of …
Thank You EPA!
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is celebrating 40 years on December 2, 2010. To commemorate their anniversary, Green For All, a national organization dedicated to building a green economy, launched ThankYouEPA.com. The site lists several of EPA’s more important accomplishments and encourages Americans to share those successes through social media tools like Facebook and Twitter. EPA’s actions have…. • …
Monsanto Ups Investment in Oilseed Canola
Seed giant Monsanto is upping the amount of money it is investing in the oilseed canola, which can be turned into biodiesel. This Reuters article says Monsanto is raising its spending on canola research and development to between about $20 million and $30 million, about the same amount the company puts into wheat, and will open a $12 million canola …
Lufthansa to Start Commercial Flights on Biofuel
Last May, I told you how Lufthansa was going to start flying some of its commercial flights on a biofuel mix sometime in 2011. Now, Biofuels Digest reports the German airliner will start a six-month trial of a 50-50 mix of biofuel and traditional kerosene in one of the aircraft’s engines on its regular Hamburg-Frankfurt-Hamburg route: During the six months …