ExxonMobil, Wisc. Partner on Biomass-Biofuel Project

John Davis

Oil giant ExxonMobil has partnered with the University of Wisconsin–Madison on a project to turn biomass into biofuel. This article from Lab Manager says the two inked a two-year research agreement. UW–Madison long has been known for its expertise in biomass conversion, and the project leverages the university’s expertise alongside the resources and technology development of ExxonMobil. George Huber, the …

biofuels, biomass

Report: Renewables Fastest Growing US Power Source

Joanna Schroeder

According to GlobalData, non-hydro renewable energy will be the fastest growing power source in the U.S. through 2025. Installed capacity is expected to increase from 121.9 gigawatts (GW) in 2015 to 216 GW in 2025. “US Power Market Outlook to 2025, Update 2015 – Market Trends, Regulations, and Competitive Landscape,” finds the strong rate of growth suggests that the current …

biomass, Electricity, Renewable Energy, Research, Solar, Wind

Emerging Nations Hit Record Clean Energy Investments

Joanna Schroeder

According to the new report Climatescope, developing nations have surpassed the world’s wealthiest countries in securing more renewable energy investments. Climatescope is a clean energy country competitiveness index, interactive report and online tool supported by the U.S., U.K. and Inter-American Development Bank Group. The report unveils a portrait of clean energy activity in 55 emerging markets in Africa, Asia and …

biomass, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Geothermal, Hydro, Solar, Wind

PHG Energy Kicks of Waste-to-Energy Project

Joanna Schroeder

Construction of a new gasification plant at Lebanon, Tennessee’s waste water treatment facility is underway following a groundbreaking ceremony held last week. Tens of thousands of tons of sewer sludge, used tires and industrial wood waste will be processed to produce electricity to help power the plant.  PHG Energy of Nashville is designing and building the new facility, which will …

biomass, Electricity, Waste-to-Energy

BIO Applauds Renewable Chemicals Act Bill

Joanna Schroeder

Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Coon (D-DE) and Al Franken have introduced a new bill, S. 2271 the Renewable Chemicals Act of 2015. If passed, the legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide credits for the production of renewable chemicals and investments in renewable chemical production facilities. The companion bill in the House is H.R. 3390. …

BIO, biochemicals, biomass

Pacific Ag Harvests Record Wheat Straw Biomass

John Davis

Crop residue harvest company Pacific Ag set a record with its most recent wheat straw biomass harvest. This news release says the company worked with more than 200 growers across seven states to harvest moree than 100,000 acres of wheat straw for use in bioenergy, among other applications. “We’re able to aggregate more than 100,000 acres of wheat straw residue …

biomass

Court Upholds Massachusetts Biomass Plant

John Davis

The state Supreme Judicial Court in Massachusetts has upheld the legality of a proposed biomass plant. This article from MassLive.com said the decision is the third one in favor of the $150 million project in East Springfield, but opponents swear they’ll continue the fight. Palmer Renewable Energy, which has been pursuing the wood-to-energy plant at Cadwell Drive and Page Boulevard …

biomass

Genera Partners with Drone Company for Biomass

John Davis

Biomass energy company Genera has teamed up with a drone company to improve the efficiency and quality of sustainable biomass crop production and distribution. This news release from the company says it is working with PrecisionHawk to develop algorithms to assess crop health and productivity using aerial farm imagery collected by satellites and drones. “Working with PrecisionHawk to develop advanced …

biomass

Texas A&M Developing Biofuel, Forage Crop

John Davis

Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a crop that will double as a bioenergy and livestock forage source. This news release from the school says Dr. Russ Jessup, a Texas A&M AgriLife Research perennial grass breeder in College Station, is introducing a new biofuel-biomass feedstock hybrid that is a hybrid “similar to seedless watermelons, seedless grapes and other sterile …

bioenergy, biofuels, biomass, Research, University

Canadian Province Puts in More Biomass Burners

John Davis

The government of a Canadian province is putting in more biomass burners at government facilities. This article from The Guardian says Prince Edward Island will have seven more biomass installations to go along with the 13 already in place at government properties. “Biomass heat is a local, renewable, carbon neutral resource, and government is leading the way for biomass heat,” …

biomass