Two leading scientific and biotechnology companies have joined forces to create what they are calling a “world leading cellulosic ethanol company.”
DuPont and Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S, have formed DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC to develop and commercialize technology for low-cost production of cellulosic ethanol.
The partners plan an initial three-year investment of $140 million, which will initially target corn stover and sugar cane bagasse. Future targets include multiple ligno-cellulosic feedstocks including wheat straw, a variety of energy crops and other biomass sources.
DuPont CEO Chad Holliday says the venture is a critical step toward cellulosic technology commercialization. “There is a compelling opportunity here for truly sustainable alternative energy,” he said. “I am extremely pleased with the partnership between Danisco and DuPont, two leaders in the biofuels industry.” Both companies have been working on cellulosic technologies for over five years.
Danisco CEO Tom Knutzen says the timing is perfect for the partnership to deliver a low-cost solution for advance biofuels production. “Danisco through its Genecor division is a pioneer in cellulosic ethanol,” he said. “In fact, we paved the way for commercializing enzymes which convert biomass into fermentable sugars for ethanol.”
The new company plans to have an initial pilot plant operational by the end of 2009 and a commercial scale demonstration facility in production by 2012. The joint venture will be headquartered in the United States and intends to license its technology package directly to ethanol producers as either a “bolt-on” to an existing ethanol plant or as the design basis for a stand-alone cellulosic ethanol facility.
This week was the 14th annual Alternative Fuels and Vehicles conference and expo, featuring alternative fuels and advanced transportation technologies.
In about a week, I’ll be heading to Indianapolis for the 
“The Indianapolis 500 is one of the great sports traditions in our country,” said Marc Morgenstern, executive director of Declare Yourself. “Millions of young people are fans of the IndyCar Series, and we couldn’t have a bigger platform than this exciting race to get our message out. The recent presidential primary in Indiana brought out an unprecedented number of young voters, and we believe our Indy PSAs will keep young fans engaged as we race toward the election.”
Biodiesel production is going from large-scale to small-scale. 
Back in March John posted info that the shipping giant 
FCCC is the first manufacturer in the industry to introduce hybrid commercial vehicles into fleet operations, with over 160 HEVs in service since 2004, in addition to over 1,000 CNG-fueled chassis in service since 2000.
In a move to expand its renewable wind energy development, while reducing carbon emissions, Minnesota Power has announced a plan to buy a North Dakota power line and use that infrastructure to move wind-generated electricity.
One of the fixtures of Boston Harbor are the World War II-era amphibious landing vehicles, affectionately known as “ducks.” Those tourist-carrying ducks are going to have more than water rolling off their backs… they’ll have carbon emissions rolling away as they switch to cleaner burning biodiesel.
The $300,000 vehicles initially will run on a B5 biodiesel fuel blend that’s 5 percent vegetable oil, according to director of vehicle maintenance Tony Cerulle. The vehicles’ manufacturer will only cover the one-year warranty for their diesel engines if that mix is used.
A Colorado biodiesel producer is following its commitment to making the green fuel by moving its headquarters into a green building. Blue Sun Biodiesel has moved into one of just 26 Leadership and Energy and Environmentalism Design (LEED)-certified buildings in the world. 
IEA estimates that biofuels will account for nearly two-thirds of the non-OPEC oil supply growth this year, or more than 1.5 million gallons per day.