A joint project between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and NASA is aiming to determine whether aircraft pollutant emissions are reduced by using biofuels. In addition, the pioneering new study aims to determine the effects alternative aviation fuels have on the formation of contrails. With additional participation from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and the... [Read More]

New research from AA Cars, the AA’s used car website, reveals that 26% of Britons are making carbon footprint a top priority when buying a new car. Surveying over 17,000 drivers in the UK, the AA-Populous poll found that after comfort and safety, low CO2 emissions was the most important consideration for consumers looking for a new car. Low toxic commissions falling... [Read More]

Green nano-chemistry company Sylvatex and Valicor, a specialist in advanced separations and recovery, have announced a new joint development agreement (JDA). The JDA will see the development, construction and commercialisation of Sylvatex’s MicroX technology, which can convert distillers corn oil (DCO) and other plant-based oil feedstocks into the company’s... [Read More]

The US National Biodiesel Foundation is offering a $2,000 grant for student scientists interested in researching biodiesel sustainability. Dubbed the Beth Calabotta Sustainable Education Grant, the award is named after a chemical engineer at Monsanto who had a tenure as Director & Fellow of the company's Bioenergy Development Program. According to a statement, Calabotta’s... [Read More]

After a failed push in December to get tax credits for biofuels retroactively extended, 2017 tax credits for the biofuels and nuclear energy sectors came through with Congress’ 9 February deal to keep the government open. According to Bloomberg, the tax credits include a $1-a-gallon credit for mixing biofuel with and a $1.01 credit for the production of cellulosic... [Read More]

Foam Lake, Saskatchewan based Milligan Biofuels has entered receivership, according to local media. The biofuels producer was known for taking oilseeds destined for local farm pits and converting them into bioproducts, including biodiesel. Feedstocks included green, frost damaged and lower quality canola, according to 620ckrm. Last week, an Alberta court granted an application... [Read More]

A controversial study is claiming that the European Commission has wasted around €2 billion in ‘failed’ advanced biofuel plants. Conducted by Ethanol Europe Renewables (EERL), the operator of Europe’s ‘largest’ ethanol production facility - the Pannonia plant in Hungary, the research argues that “Less than 1% of announced advanced... [Read More]

Agrisoma Biosciences and Nuseed are in discussions over a distribution agreement for carinata seed, a biofuel feedstock that seems to be taking on an increasingly important role in the industry. A non-food grade mustard seed, carinata is believed to be well suited to being grown in Australia. It’s also playing a key role in developing a sustainable aviation industry.... [Read More]

The US National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has been boosted by two new members: renewable energy consultants EcoEngineers, and logistics company Eagle Transport. “I’m very excited to have both EcoEngineers and Eagle Transport Corp. join our membership,” said Brad Shimmens, director of operations and membership at NBB, in a statement. “These two unique... [Read More]

Next generation biofuels producer Gevo has signed an exclusive right to sell agreement with national fuel distributor Musket Corporation. Amending an existing supply agreement, the deal will see Musket sell Gevo’s renewable isobutanol within a 300 mile radius of Houston, Texas. According to Gevo, the agreement establishes a market region for its isobutanol that encompasses... [Read More]

Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), a major Indian oil company, has given a letter of acceptance of Praj Industries for its proprietary technology, basic engineering and design package. According to Praj, a process and project engineering company, the agreement is a major milestone towards commencement of work on a second generation ethanol biorefinery with a 100kilolitre... [Read More]

Waste-to-biofuels and chemicals producer Enerkem has announced the completion of a CAN$280 million (€181 million) investment round – the company’s largest to date. "We are very pleased to welcome new investors along with the support of our longstanding existing investors," said Enerkem's president and CEO, Vincent Chornet. "This new and significant financing... [Read More]

A team of scientists have produced paint primer on the basis of lignin – a plant residue and waste product from the production of bioethanol. The research, from the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) in Bremen, could be a step towards reducing the dependence on fossil fuel resources, and adding a new value stream to bioethanol... [Read More]

Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels (LSB), a coalition of 12 advanced biofuels producers and technology developers, is calling on EU institutions to set its new advanced biofuels mandate to begin in 2021. According to the coalition, chaired by UPM’s Public Affairs director Marko Janhunen, this move would ensure investor confidence in the sector. Annex IX part A of the... [Read More]

Novozymes has unveiled its new yeast platform for starch-based ethanol, designed to help ethanol producers ‘get more’ from their raw materials. The first product in the new yeast platform is Innova Drive, a new yeast strain designed to reduce fermentation time by up to two hours compared to current yeasts, according to Novozymes. Yeast is a vital component... [Read More]

Finnish forest industry company and biofuel producer UPM has started an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for a possible biorefinery in Mussalo, Kotka, in the southeast of Finland. The proposed site is in the area of a dismantled power plant formerly run by the Pohjolan Voima energy company. According to UPM, the study for the possible Kotka Biorefinery is in the very... [Read More]