The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has entered into partnership with ConocoPhillips and Iowa State University to identify promising cellulosic biomass conversion technologies for the future. The collaboration will bring three independently established programs together to help identify the most efficient and cost-effective methods for making liquid transportation fuels from plants. “Research cooperation among government, industry …
Albany Ethanol Plant Approved
The Albany Port District Commission has approved a proposal to build an ethanol plant on port property which officials say it the largest development project in the history of the port. According to the Albany Times-Union, the developer, Albany Renewable Energy LLC, would bring in 60 million bushels of corn annually — about what is produced in all of New …
Cellulosic Firm Surpasses $100 Million in Funding
Range Fuels has announced that it has received private financing totaling over $100 million to complete the construction of the first phase of its commercial cellulosic ethanol plant located near the town of Soperton, Georgia. The first phase of construction for the Soperton Plant is targeted to produce approximately 20 million gallons of ethanol and mixed alcohols per year and …
Latest Ethanol Podcast Features Industry Leaders
The latest “Ethanol Report” podcast from the Renewable Fuels Association features comments from four ethanol industry leaders about the future of the ethanol industry and what role the RFA will play in it. Featured are RFA Vice Chairman Tom Branhan of Glacial Lakes Energy in Watertown, South Dakota; Renewable Fuels Foundation chairman Bill Lee with Chippewa Valley Ethanol in Minnesota; …
Water Treatment Company Focuses on Ethanol Plant Needs
Fremont Industries has launched a new division to offer specialized water services to the biofuels industry. The new Biofuels Group division reportedly will help the ethanol industry become even better environmental stewards with a process that significantly reduces typical solid discharge levels from the water used during ethanol production. The innovative technology allows ethanol plants to recycle and reuse wastewater …
Corn Forecast Still Historically High
The first USDA forecast of corn acreage to be planted this year may be eight percent less than last year, but its still the second-highest acreage intention since 1949, according to the National Corn Growers Association. NCGA officials also point out that the anticipated 86 million acres of corn is still only an educated guess at this point, since almost …
EPIC Responds to Time Scam Story
The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) has responded to last week’s Time Magazine cover story “The Clean Energy Scam.” Executive director Toni Nuernberg sent the following letter to the editor of Time in response to the article: In Michael Grunwald’s March 27 article “The Clean Energy Scam,” corn-based ethanol is the scapegoat of the week. Though Grunwald draws attention …
VeraSun and US BioEnergy Complete Merger
The nuptials of VeraSun Energy and US BioEnergy are now complete, following the blessing of all the family members. VeraSun announced that the merger with US BioEnergy was approved by a majority vote of shareholders of both companies and is effective April 1, 2008. At the same time, VeraSun announced the startup of its 110 million gallon per year production …
Introducing Domestic Fuel Cast
Because we do lots of interviews and generate quite a bit of audio here at Domestic Fuel and because we are broadcasters by training, we thought it was about time we started our own podcast. The Domestic Fuel Cast will feature people and news of interest in the alternative fuels industry. Expect it to run about 5-10 minutes in length …
Corn Planting Prediction Lower
USDA’s highly anticipated prospective plantings report is predicting that farmers will plant eight percent less corn and 18 percent more soybeans. Growers intend to plant 86.0 million acres of corn and 74.8 million acres of soybeans in 2008. Expected acreage is down from last year in most states as favorable prices for other crops, high input costs for corn, and …