The Department of Energy has awarded $10 million over five years for two university-led projects to advance the technological development of concentrating solar power (CSP). The award is part of two programs: SunShot Initiative, a federally funded program whose goal is to help solar energy become cost competitive with other energy sources by 2020; and the Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative, which …
New Study to Assess GHG Impact of Ethanol
A new study will come out this fall that found that supplementing cattle feed with corn stover decreases the amount of greenhouse gases created during corn ethanol production. The research was designed to assess the impact on the carbon intensity level of a corn ethanol pathway when factoring in the replacement portion of corn grain for feed with corn stover. …
World Ethanol Market Projected to Reach 27.7B Gallons
The world ethanol market is projected to reach 27.7 billion gallons by the end of 2012 according to a new report, “Biofuels – A Global Strategic Business Report,” conducted by Global Industry Analysts. The growth, says the report, is due to skyrocketing crude prices, continued concerns over environmental pollution and the switch to biofuels. In addition, worldwide emission standards, biofuels …
MU Grant Studies Biomass Growth on Marginal Lands
University of Missouri (MU) researchers have received a $5.4 million grant from the Department of Energy (DOE) to continue its studies on how non-food biofuel crops grow in marginal land along floodplains. This is an area where crops cannot typically thrive. he project is part of a $125 million international project to study how use marginal lands to to grow …
Fungus Could Be Key for Corn Stover Ethanol
Trying to get more ethanol out of every part of the corn is the goal for many alternative fuel producers. With demand for the actual grain of corn for food, scientists are looking at the rest of the plant to try to extract ethanol. This article from the American Chemical Society’s journal Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research says researchers have …
Adding Value To Ethanol Byproducts
Researchers are looking for ways to get more value out of the byproducts of ethanol production, and thus, making the production of the green fuel more efficient and cost effective. During the recent Corn Utilization Technology Conference, USDA’s Kurt Spokas presented his ideas of getting more value out of those ethanol byproducts. He’s been working with the Minnesota Corn Growers …
Cellulosic Ethanol From Corn Kernels
Researchers at the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) recently announced the successful production of ethanol from the cellulosic portion of the corn kernel. “This research is demonstrated proof of the viability of ‘generation 2.0 ethanol,’” NCERC Director John Caupert said. “By utilizing existing technologies readily available in the commercial marketplace, the Center was able to produce a biofuel that builds …
Corn Utilization Agenda Includes Biofuels and Refineries
Since it is an even-numbered year, that means the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Utilization and Technology Conference (CUTC) will be held this year. The 2012 CUTC agenda features cutting-edge technologies and new uses that are positioned change the corn industry. Among the session topics is Advance Biofuels, which will highlight some of the most recent research on advanced biofuels. …
U.S. Leads The Way in Ethanol Exports
The United States has taken the lead in ethanol exports over Brazil according to the new study, “U.S. & Brazil Ethanol Outlook to 2022,” published by Hart Energy. The report predicts that the U.S. will retain this position into 2022 and beyond. Another major finding is that Hart Energy does not believe the U.S. ethanol industry can meet two major …
Tracking Clean Energy Progress Report Released
Today, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released its Tracking Clean Energy Progress report and in response, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) said that it confirms government institutions are not doing enough to further the development of clean energy. The report states that biofuels for transport are not on track to meet their share of CO2 reduction required to meet …