Other News

Pioneering research has confirmed that a diverse mix of algal species in biofuel systems will significantly improve production. Scientists from the University of Michigan (UM) grew various combinations of freshwater algal species in 80 artificial ponds to test the effects of biodiversity on biofuel production. According to a press release, it was the ‘first’ large scale, controlled…
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Gevo and Avfuel have entered into a long-term renewable jet fuel supply agreement. The new contract will see Gevo supply its renewable alcohol-to-jet fuel (ATJ) to Avfuel. Avfuel is a global supplier of aviation fuel and services, servicing more than 3,000 locations worldwide. "We are pleased to have a customer and partner like Avfuel. Avfuel has tremendous reach with more than 650 Avfuel-branded…
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The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard programme for cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel for 2019. Biomass-based diesel volume standards have also been proposed for 2020. The biomass-based diesel standard for 2019 was set at 2.1 billion gallons in 2018 The proposed volume requirements…
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A study led by Professor John McGeehan from the University of Portsmouth has discovered a type of enzyme with the unique ability to break down lignin – a key component in plants. The discovery paves the way for plant waste to be recycled in such a way to produce products including nylon, chemicals, plastics and fuels. Detailing the study, Professor McGeehan explains: “we have…
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UPM has joined Together for Sustainability, a chemical industry initiative designed to promote and improve sustainability practises within supply chains. TfS has set up a standard approach to evaluate and improve the sustainability performance of suppliers. These evaluations cover areas such as environmental impact, health and safety, labour and human rights, and governance and management. "We…
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SCG Chemicals, an integrated petrochemical company in Thailand, has entered into a memorandum of understanding for research and development collaboration on the CAT-REAC Industrial Project with Chulalongkorn University and the Thailand Research Fund (TRF), a state-sponsored fund that offers research grants and research management assistance. The MoU was also signed by founding partners from five…
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Edmonton International Airport (EIA) and NextStep Renewable Energy (NSRE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to bring low-carbon renewable fuels into the aviation and airport sectors. The pair hopes to create jobs, diversify the economy and encourage economic growth. “We look forward to working with NSRE as we take the Edmonton Metro Region and Alberta forward in developing…
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A problem facing biorefinery operations is the flow of biomass into and throughout facilities. Lignocellulosic biomass, often made up of post-harvest agricultural materials such as corn stover and soybean hulls, often accumulates and compacts while moving through augers, forcing shutdowns for maintenance. A team led by Purdue University scientists is to receive a $1.8 million grant from…
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Scientists use technique to automatically predict the amount of biofuel produced by microbes. Scientists from the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory say they have developed a way to use machine learning to dramatically accelerate the design of microbes that produce biofuel. Their computer algorithm starts with data about the proteins and metabolites in a…
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Preem and RenFuel, in collaboration with Rottneros, are constructing what they say is the world's first lignin plant for biofuels. The plant is to produce 25-30,000 tonnes of lignin each year and is expected to be completed by 2021. The pair is acting through their co-owned company, called Lignolproduktion, to reach the plant’s goal of a production capacity of 300-500,000 tonnes of…
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Shell Aviation and SkyNRG have announced a long term strategic collaboration aimed at promoting and developing the use of sustainable fuel in aviation supply chains. In the agreement, Shell Aviation and SkyNRG will work to develop ‘long-term opportunities for low-carbon solutions.’ These efforts will, according to a statement announcing the new collaboration, be supported by funding…
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LanzaTech and Shougang Group have announced the successful start-up of what they claim to be the world’s first commercial facility converting industrial emissions to sustainable ethanol. Carbon recycling company Lanzatech and Chinese iron and still producer Shougang created the facility in a joint venture. The facility is located at the Jingtang Steel Mill in Caofeidian, Hebei Province.…
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A series of engineered proteins could improve biomanufacturing processes for the production of biofuels and other products including pharmaceuticals and commodity chemicals, according to researchers. Kevin Solomon, an assistant professor in Purdue University’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, and colleagues have developed a series of engineered proteins derived from…
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