Extreme Bentley to Run on Biofuels
British carmaker Bentley is known for its high-end, performance vehicles that will set you back some green. Now, the company is introducing a car that will run green. The photo above of the “extreme Bentley” is just a sneak peak at its latest speed demon… one that will run on ethanol. From the Bentley Web site: On March 3rd at …
Unlocking Genome Unlocks Sorghum’s Ethanol Potential
Scientists have mapped the genome of sorghum, and the discovery could open the door for even greater use of the crop in biofuel, especially ethanol, production. This story from the USDA’s Radio Newsline says since sorghum grows in drier climates and is more resistant to disease than corn, researchers are looking at ways to transfer some of sorghum’s traits over …
Stimulus Bill’s Alt Energy Provisions Survive House Vote, Need Senate Support
Pres. Obama’s economic stimulus bill passed the U.S. House, but its provisions that will help renewable energy, especially solar and wind power, are still in jeopardy unless lawmakers in the Senate and House can get together on their differences in their two versions of the bill. This story from Greentech Media says the biggest difference in the two bills deals …
Study: Biodiesel, Ethanol Key to Economic Recovery
A new study put out by a leading advocate of biofuels finds that green energy sources have been key to keeping the economy on a somewhat even keel and more production would help further economic recovery in at least one state… and you have to believe that it would apply to many more. At the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association meeting …
Ag Secretary Answers Ethanol Questions
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack got questions about ethanol during his first official press conference Monday. Vilsack says he favors improving efficiency in ethanol plants in order to ensure that the industry survives the economic downturn. “We need to make sure that the biofuels industry has the necessary support to survive the recent downturn,” Vilsack told reporters. “The USDA should research, …
President Promises Clean Energy Economy
Energy is one of the top priorities of the new administration, as outlined by President Obama in his first weekly address to the nation. Obama used the forum to explain how he believes his “American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan” will jump-start the economy. “This is not just a short-term program to boost employment,” he said. “It’s one that will invest …
Biodiesel Board, Others Welcome New EPA Chief
There’s a new person in charge of the federal agency in charge of keeping the environment clean, and thus, a friend to the clean, renewable energy field. The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved Pres. Barack Obama’s choice to head the Environmental Protection Agency, Lisa Jackson. Jackson’s home-state newspaper, New Jersey’s Star-Ledger, reported praise for Jackson from Assembly Enivronment Committee chair …
Michigan State Patents Cellulosic Ethanol Process
Michigan State University (MSU) has patented a process to pretreat agricultural waste products that would dramatically reduce the cost of making biofuels from cellulose. According to a university release, The AFEX (ammonia fiber expansion) pretreatment process, developed by MSU chemical engineering professor Bruce Dale, uses ammonia to make the breakdown of cellulose and hemicellulose in plants 75 percent more efficient …