DuPont research scientists outlined the company’s biofuels strategy at the third annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing held in Toronto. According to a release, DuPont biofuels research manager William Provine said the three-part strategy entails: (1) improving existing ethanol production through differentiated agricultural seed products and crop protection chemicals; (2) developing and supplying new technologies to allow conversion …
Don’t Drink the Fuel
Here is a story from the Des Moines Register about a recovering alcoholic who tried to get unemployment benefits from the ethanol plant he worked for because he drank some 190-proof alcohol that spilled into a holding pond. At the hearing, the judge asked, “Why would you drink fuel?” “I don’t have a good explanation for that,” he replied. “Curiosity?” …
Bird Fueled
A British company is using poultry litter to fuel power plants in the US. Fibrowatt, based in Philadephia, has projects planned or under development in poultry-growing states across the country, including Minnesota, Maryland, Mississippi and North Carolina. According to the company’s website, Fibrowatt Ltd built the world’s first three poultry litter fueled power plants and has licensed its technology to …
Made in the USA
2006 may someday be known as the year our nation made a Declaration of Energy Indepedence. When we declared our independence 230 years ago, there were many difficulties and hardships for the people of the new nation to face – not the least of which was a war. By cutting ourselves off from England we had to become more self-sufficient, …
Happy 4th
Have a very happy 4th of July celebration wherever you are.
Here in America’s heartland it was nice to see a little rain happen early. We needed it. Now hopefully it will clear up so we can get outside and relax a while.
Safe travel if you’re on the road today or anytime this week.
NEX Marks the Spot
Xethanol Corporation is parthering up Global Energy and Management, LLC to develop ethanol production in New England states. According to a press release, the new venture, known as NewEnglandXethanol LLC, or NEX, plans to open several ethanol plants throughout the region deploying Xethanol’s proprietary technologies. Additionally, Xethanol may co-locate biodiesel production in its facilities under Xethanol’s sub-license from H2Diesel, Inc.
Chevron Goes Bio
Chevron Corporation has formed a biofuels business unit to advance technology and pursue commercial opportunities related to the production and distribution of ethanol and biodiesel in the United States, according to a company release. Chevron officially announced the business unit at a groundbreaking ceremony in Galveston, Texas to inaugurate construction of one of the first large-scale biodiesel plants in the …
Kick It
Actor and environmentalist Robert Redford has a commentary today on cnn.com about kicking the oil habit. His main purpose appears to be the promotion of KickTheOilHabit.org, which is “based at the Center for American Progress and works with partners from the Natural Resources Defense Council to Consumers Union, MoveOn.org to the Apollo Alliance.” The classy site features ways you can …
Old Cartoon Fuel Ad
Times they are a changing. For example, look at the 1955 tv commercial for Speedway 79’s Powerfuel on Cartoon Modern. Why can’t we have fun commercials like this anymore? I wonder what an animated commercial for biodiesel or ethanol would look like done in this style.
Water Power
A friend of mine sent me this news video about running cars on water. Water Fuel (WMV file) It’s pretty amazing. This would be the ultimate domestic fuel. The company is Hydrogen Technology Applications and they call it the Hybrid Hydrogen Oxygen System (HHOS). Interesting.