In New Jersey, CleanTech Biofuels has acquired a 99 percent membership interest in 25 Van Keuren, LLC. CleanTech Biofuels is focused on producing combined heat and power and advanced biofuels and biochemicals from municipal solid waste (MSW). The two companies, in partnership, will now move forward on the building of a transfer station and materials recovery facility that includes CleanTech …
Gaz Métro Converts Forest Waste to Natural Gas
Gaz Métro has announced that its pilot project – to convert forest waste into second generation renewable natural gas – was successful. The tests were conducted in collaboration with G4 Insights at the Natural Gas Technologies Centre in Boucherville. The demonstration process enabled Gaz Métro to develop a conversion process that they say is unique in the world. The company …
Brookhaven Nat’l Lab Engineers Plants with Less Lignin
Brookhaven National Laboratory is working on the challenge of converting lignin into biofuels and other bioproducts. A research team is looking at the possibility of engineering plants with less lignin. The idea is not new – other research teams have tried but their work resulted in weaker plants and stunted growth, reducing the plants ability to be used as a …
.@EthanolbyPOET Expands Cover Crop Research
POET is continuing its sustainability research as the need for biomass continues to grow as the company heads out of its start-up phase and into full production at its cellulosic ethanol biorefinery in Emmetsburg, Iowa. The company says the program is part of their ongoing commitment to assisting growers in making sound management decisions around harvesting crop residue for cellulosic …
Developing the Road to Faster Biomass Breakdown
A major challenge of using biomass for bioenergy is the breaking down of biomass into cellulose that can be used as the basis for biomaterials. One researcher is trying to overcome this barrier when using perennial plants for renewable energy. Feng Wang, associate professor of physical chemistry at University of Arkansas, has been awarded $400,000 from the National Science Foundation …
DOE Calls for Bioeconomy Vision Input
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is calling for input to achieve its Bioeconomy vision set forth in its “Growing the Billion-ton Bioeconomy” report. The DOE is seeking ideas from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies and other stakeholders that would enable the country to meet the goals of the report. In particular, they are looking for input about specific …
USDA Awards $8M for Advanced Biofuel Projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $8.8 million in funding to boost advanced biofuel production and assist in sustaining jobs at renewable energy facilities in 39 states. The funds, provided through USDA’s Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, tie in to several USDA programs also aimed at increasing advanced biofuel production including the Farm Bill’s bio-refinery program, the Green Fleet …
Trestle Energy & Larksen Partner on New Fuel Pathway
Trestle Energy and Larksen are partnering to commercialize a new Fuel Pathway Management Platform using biomass pellets. The platform would enable ethanol producers to reduce their fuel carbon intensity by powering their plant with biomass derived electricity. The biomass pellets would replace coal and provide emission reductions similar to wind energy according to Trestle. Trestle notes that while ethanol plants …
#USDA to Award $21M for Bioeconomy R&D
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made $21 million available to support the development of regional systems in sustainable bioenergy and biobased products. The funds will also be awarded to train the next generation of bio-scientists. The monies are offered through the AFRI Sustainable Bioenergy and Bioproducts challenge area designed to provide renewable energy, chemical, and product options, among …
Clariant-Scania Ethanol Trucks Project Successful
Last year, Clariant and Scania partnered to test ethanol fueled heavy-duty trucks. Clariant acquired three Scania P270 model 4×2 trucks, or Ecotrucks, that run on ethanol, and are the first of its kind to be sold by Scania in Latin America. The Ecotrucks transport ISO tanks with a 25,000-liter (6,604 gallon) capacity for chemical products from Clariant’s facility located in …