Biomass Feedstocks Research
USDA’s Agricultural Research Service is studying the use of plant residues for biofuels. At the University of Minnesota-Morris Biomass Gasification Facility, for example, gasification researcher Jim Barbour and ARS soil scientist Jane Johnson (pictured) are evaluating potential biomass feedstocks, including pressed corn stover. The Agricultural Research Service has scientists in 18 states involved in the Renewable Energy Assessment Project (REAP) …
Ethanol Issues Addressed at South Dakota Forum
Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) hosted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Monday for a Rural Issues Forum in Bath, South Dakota which was attended by an estimated 300 people who were able to ask questions about issues impacting the rural economy. South Dakota’s contribution to biofuels production was discussed during the forum. Rep. Herseth Sandlin joined 28 members of …
BIO to Congress: Don’t Put Biofuels in Double Jeopardy
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is trying to head off any possible efforts to subject biodiesel and ethanol to another set of greenhouse gas emission regulations that would effectively put the green fuels under a double jeopardy situation. Arguing that biofuels are already regulated under the Renewable Fuels Standard, BIO has sent a letter to Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), chair …
Study Finds Ethanol Enhances Vehicle Efficiency
A new University of Nebraska study finds that higher ethanol blends increase engine efficiency. The study, which was funded by the Nebraska Corn Board, found that high ethanol blends provide better energy conversion within an engine than other fuels, meaning less energy to travel further. The report says that e85 improved energy conversion by 13, 9 and 14 percent, respectively …
Verenium to Offer Shares of Common Stock
Verenium Corporation has announced a proposed public offering of common stock, subject to market and regulatory conditions. According to the company, the offering is expected to price before 9:30 am EDT on Tuesday, October 6. Lazard Capital Markets LLC is acting as the sole book-running manager for the offering. This action follows a 1:12 reverse stock split of the company’s …
Ethanol Production Up in July
U.S. ethanol producers continue to set new production records. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), American ethanol facilities produced 728,000 barrels per day in July 2009. That is up 114,000 barrels from a year ago. EIA also reports fuel ethanol imports of 42.4 million gallons in July. Ethanol demand, as calculated by the Renewable Fuels Association, continues to outpace …
Renewable Fuels Association Elects 2010 Officers
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) announced the officers and Board of Directors who will lead the association and the ethanol industry in 2010 during its annual meeting last week in Washington, DC. Chris Standlee, Executive Vice President of Abengoa Bioenergy, was reelected Chairman of the Board for a third term. Chris was first elected chair in October 2007. Joining Standlee …