The assumption is that algae-based biofuels are better for the environment. But, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. And researchers are all about proving things. This article from the Fort Collins (CO) Coloradoan says a pair of mechanical engineering professors from Colorado State are testing to see what gases come from burning algae oil: “What are the …
University of Florida Ethanol Plant Breaks Ground
Representatives from the University of Florida, Buckeye Technologies Inc. and the Florida Legislature broke ground for a new pilot plant to produce ethanol from cellulosic biomass. Funded by a $20 million appropriation from the Florida Legislature, the plant will be built at the Perry, Fla. facility of Buckeye Technologies Inc., a manufacturer and worldwide distributor of cellulose-based specialty products made …
Squeezing More Oil from Crops for Biodiesel
The name of the game in the biodiesel biz is getting the most out of your feedstocks. Some researchers at the University of California-Davis have found a way to squeeze another 24 percent out of oilseeds such as safflower. This press release from the school says the new process converts both plant oils and carbohydrates into biodiesel in a single …
UNL Begins Expansion for Algae Research
Algae research continues to get a lot of focus. University of Nebraska-Lincoln has announced that it will expand its algae research center this year, dedicating more space in the Beadle Center greenhouse for the work. As reported by Biomass Magazine, the university received $1.9 million in federal funding for it current research in alternative energy and is anticipating additional funds. …
Tobacco Tapped for Biodiesel
Researchers at a school in Philadelphia have figured out how to get more oil from a decidedly non-food source: tobacco leaves. Professors from the Biotechnology Foundation Laboratories at Thomas Jefferson University have found out how to increase the oil in tobacco plant leaves, and according to this school press release, that might just be the next step in using the …
Iowa State Gets $8 Mil for Advanced Biofuels Research
Iowa State University will get $8 million of a $78 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to research and develop advanced biofuels. This press release from the school says two teams will share the funds: Victor Lin – professor of chemistry, director of the Institute for Physical Research and Technology’s Center for Catalysis at Iowa State and chief technologist and …
Danforth Center Receives $44 Mil for Biofuels Research
The St. Louis-area Donald Danforth Plant Science Center will receive $44 million in stimulus bucks to conduct advanced biofuels research. This press release from the center says the money from the U.S. Department of Energy will go to helping the center to serve as the lead organization in a consortium: The National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts (NAABB) led …
New Enzyme Could Help Cellulosic Ethanol Production
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory have created a new enzyme that has the potential to create plants that are easier to convert into cellulosic ethanol. “Increasing the ‘digestibility’ of plant matter is one main approach to making plants a viable alternative energy source,” said Brookhaven biochemist Chang-Jun Liu. Plants with less lignin in their cell …
Clemson Gets $98 Mil for Wind Research
South Carolina’s Clemson University is getting $98 million in federal funds for wind energy research that is expected to create hundreds of wind energy jobs and make the area a center for wind research. This press release says the school’s Restoration Institute and its partners have received a $45 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as …
Purdue to Test Biofuels for Aircraft
U.S. Air Force planes could soon be flying on biofuels, and that fuel will be tested at one of the Midwest’s premier universities. This press release from Purdue University says the school’s National Test Facility for Fuels and Propulsion is getting a $1.35 million grant from the U.S. Air Force. The facility at will be located at the Niswonger Aviation …