... "Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have found a way to boost biofuel production from tobacco leaves. If the research pans out, tobacco could prove extremely useful since it’s not a food crop. " ...Via Medill Reports: http://bit.ly/cpNJGn
... "According to Vyacheslav Andrianov, Ph.D., assistant professor of Cancer Biology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, tobacco can generate biofuelVia TJU: Engineered Tobacco Plants Have More Potential as a Biofuelmore efficiently than other agricultural crops. " ...
Scientist have long suspected they could modify an existing microbe to produce biofuel from plant products. They may now be one step closer with a strain of e. coli.
"Scientists with the Department of Energy's Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) recently published a paper in the journal Nature explaining how they engineered the e. coli strain to spit out fatty esters (basically biodiesel) ... tweaked the e. coli so that it produces more fat than it normally would in a form it normally wouldn't, and they also made sure the bugs didn't eat their own fatty production. ..."
"Ideally ... would lead to a tiny, self-contained oil well: In comes plants, out comes fuels or chemicals. ..."
"... biofuels breakthroughs are published with some regularity. But no one has been able yet to turn these breakthroughs into industrial processes that can produce something useful on a large scale at reasonable cost. ..."
Via: Forbes LINK
... "he uses wastewater to feed algae, pumping carbon dioxide emissions through them to make them grow faster, then harvesting them for biofuel. " ...Via New York Times: Santa Fe, NM
... "On Tuesday, we announced that we are collaborating with Mitsubishi Corporation to explore the possibilities of a strategic solid biofuel venture. Catchlight Energy, our joint venture with Chevron to develop liquid fuel from biomass remains on track. " ...Via Seeking Alpha: Weyerhaeuser Q4 2009 Earnings Call
Continue reading "Weyerhaeuser Biomass Strategic Ventures" »
" ... Prince Charles, the U.K.'s version of Al Gore, has taken another step in a green direction: his 1970 Aston Martin DB6 has been converted to run entirely on bioethanol ... fuel ... made from a white wine produced near the prince's Highgrove Estate, itself a showcase for organic farming ..."
" ... goal of reducing emissions from his planes, trains, and automobiles 25% by 2018 ... European Union limits annual wine production, so any leftovers from England's current vintage can be converted to bioethanol by Green Fuels Ltd.... company has previously provided bioethanol to power the royal train. The prince's other vehicles, which include a smattering of Jaguars, a Range Rover, and an Audi, have been converted to run on bioethanol made from cooking oil...."
Via: RiverWired LINK
Green Fuels Ltd makes it possible to produce your own biodiesel ... with one of their FuelPod products ...
They are the " ... world leading biodiesel equipment supplier, ... design and manufacture ... affordable biodiesel processing equipment ... for small-scale, domestic usage - right up to commercial production. ... currently more than 6,500 Green Fuels and Green Fuels America processors world wide. Between them they produce more than 350 million litres of biodiesel every year"
"If you want ... ‘green’ biodiesel, but don’t want to produce it yourself, you can buy high quality fuel from one of our Green Fuels approved dealers nationwide ...you will always save money compared with standard garage fuels ... "
"Biodiesel is a clean-burning biofuel produced from domestic renewable resources such as used cooking oil, oil seed crops such as rapeseed, or unused vegetable oil. It is biodegradeable, non-toxic and carbon neutral ... has 80% lower emissions than mineral diesel, it dramatically reduces pollution. It is inexpensive and easy to produce at home and is safe to use in any diesel vehicle without any modifications to your engine."
" ... two models in the Fuelpod range by Green Fuels - the safest way to produce high quality biodiesel at home. Both are supplied as complete systems and have minimal operating costs, with exceptionally low electricity consumption."
Via: Green Fuels Ltd. LINK
... "In a new approach, researchers from the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science have genetically modified a cyanobacterium to consume carbon dioxide and produce the liquid fuel isobutanol, which holds great potential as a gasoline alternative. " ...Via UCLA: Bacteria to liquid fuel
... "algae feedstocks can be grown with low greenhouse-gas emissions and without competing for arable land and water that might otherwise be used to grow food crops. Bioalgae also is efficient. ... " ...Via William & Mary: ChAP algal biofuel
Andy Pag has set off on a trip around the world - but with a low carbon twist. He is travelling on a "budget" of 2 tonnes of carbon per person per year. You can follow his progress and story on his blog 2tonnesofcarbon 
and see some of the technology he is using as well as ways to cut your carbon footprint.
"The Biotruck Expedition is a 12 month expedition to drive around the world to discover how people are using and generating energy, and their attitudes t0wards carbon emissions."
" ... I'll be trying to conduct the whole project with a carbon emissions budget of 2 tonnes per person ... doing this because I'm curious about energy use around the world, and I want to see if I can travel on a sustainable carbon budget myself."
"Over the next 10 years, I predict recreational travel will either change dramatically, or become as socially unacceptable as drink driving or smoking is today."
Bio fuel from Sugar Cane is a good source of renewable energy. Claren Power, Srlington, Virginia, works with nations rich in sugar cane to develop renewable power using bagasse - the waste material from sugar cane after the sugar has been extracted.
" ... Sugar cane bagasse, the waste pulp that remains after raw cane has been processed, has been a fuel source for decades ... much of the energy is lost to ... inefficient and unproductive technology and suboptimal operating practices ... effectively using bagasse as a fuel source, Claren is helping to unlock the massive potential for clean and renewable power, creating huge benefits for individual mills,investors, and citizens of the developing world."
"... capitalizing on new regulations that open up national electricity markets as well as the exploding world-wide demand for certified carbon credits, Claren is able to generate tremendous returns for our clients and institutional investment partners."
Via: Claren Power LINK
... "Development of a model of the biofuel supply chain, tracking biomass from tree to the plant gate. Lead researcher is David Watkins, Civil and Environmental Engineering at Michigan Tech. " ...Via Michigan Tech University: Biofuel Research Contract
... "The project essentially uses the cyanobacteria as biocatalysts for generating the fatty acids which, in turn, are secreted by the cyanobacteria. Fatty acids, a biofuel feedstock, then are used for producing jet fuel, gasoline, even green diesel fuel, said lead researcher Wim Vermaas, a professor in ASU’s School of Life Sciences and the Center for Bioenergy and Photosynthesis. The advantage of the new process is getting the cyanobacteria to secrete the fatty acids, Vermaas said. " ...Via Arizona State: Renewable Energy Grants
... "Rather, Fish envisions mobile breweries that go from farm to farm. " ...Via National Geographic: Watermelon Juice Fuel
Imagine a toilet that uses no energy and turns waste into compost.
Virginia Gardiner is doing just that ... check out the VIDEO of this interesting GREEN device.
" ...working on a new waterless toilet system ... create a toilet for city dwellers that uses no energy, and turns waste "into a commodity.""
" ... portable, low-tech LooWatt effectively captures odor and allows human waste (... to be turned into a source of energy via anaerobic digestion. With 40 percent of people globally in need of sanitary facilities, it's well worth imagining a solution that doesn't flush drinking water down the toilet."
Via: SustainLane LINK
... "The new facility will focus on pilot- and commercial-scale development of algae biodiesel (a type of biofuel) that is cost-competitive with existing petroleum- and vegetable-based fuels, with improved performance characteristics. The planned biorefinery is proposed for construction on five acres of land on the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) in Bourne, Massachusetts, supported by the Massachusetts National Guard pending legal and regulatory reviews. The pilot facility will provide the required infrastructure for testing commercial scale-up of a breakthrough algae-growth technology resulting from 20 years of cold saltwater species research and production. The biodiesel from Plankton Power algae is a drop-in replacement for home heating oil and petroleum diesel and will be produced for commercial distribution. " ...Via Plankton Power: Algae-to-Biofuels Pilot Facility on Cape Cod (PDF)
Continue reading "Cape Cod Bioreactor Will Use Algae to Convert CO2 to Biodiesel Fuel" »
New Belgium Brewing is a green brewer ... read about some of their efforts and innovations in green brewing ... there are many many more on their web site.
Green building ... " ... using UV blocking windows, sun-tubes, and light shelves. .. evaporative coolers, we can condition our 55,000 square foot packaging hall with no compressors, using much less energy ... "
Green energy ... " ... methane produced by process water treatment is used to fuel a ... co-gen—which creates electricity and heat for the brewery. ... co-gen ... full-time, it can supply 15% of our electrical needs ... In 1999, New Belgium became the first wind-powered brewery ..."
Walk the Talk ... " .... members of 1% For The Planet ... through donations and fund-raisers, 1% of our revenue goes to environmental non-profits ... encourage sustainable transportation, every employee gets a custom cruiser bike after one-year of employment."
... "On the appointment of Bill Sims, as president and CEO: In addition to his proven leadership and record of operational excellence, Bill has direct experience bringing new technologies to market against long-established incumbents --- in Joule’s case, fossil fuels. We’re thrilled to see the company emerge and build a successful path to energy independence under his guidance. " ...Via Joule Biotechnologies: Solar Startup
Continue reading "Liquid Fuel from Solar Energy and CO2 using Biotech Process" »
Most of the bio fuel processes are require significant amounts of petroleum energy (i.e. to grow the basic crop like corn) or to power the process. Algenol is totally different ... it does not compete in a food vs/ biofuel stock like corn.
"...introducing its DIRECT TO ETHANOL™ technology ... an innovative algae to ethanol compa
ny ... advanced 3rd generation biofuels technology producing ethanol from algae through a process powered by the sun ... industrial-scale, low-cost ethanol using algae, sunlight, CO2, and seawater.... does not use food, farmland, or fresh water."
Some of the advantages of the Algenol process are" ... [can] use desert land and marginal land ... make fresh water from seawater during the process. ... an energy balance over 8 : 1 (energy output : fossil fuel input) ...".
Via: Algenol Biofuels Link
... "In addition, the study showed the Bio-SPK fuel blends used in the test flight program met or exceeded all technical parameters for commercial jet aviation fuel. Those standards include freezing point, flash point, fuel density and viscosity, among others. The tests revealed that using the Bio-SPK fuel blends had no adverse effects on the engines or their components. They also showed that the fuels have greater energy content by mass than typical petroleum-derived jet fuel - which potentially could lower fuel consumption per mile. Renewable jet fuels from bio-derived sources are being considered because of their ability to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. " ...Via Boeing: Biofuels Perform Effectively as Jet Fuel
... "Binder came up with a two-step chemical process to turn raw biomass into the promising biofuel 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF). To make it work, Binder developed a unique solvent system with an extraordinary capacity to dissolve cellulose. The solvent system is considered green because it's a nonhazardous alternative to existing solvents. " ...Via University of Wisconsin-Madison: Graduate student recognition
Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson has introduced legislation to produce energy from bio-waste. Nebraska has the potential to make great use of this given the large number of cattle in the state ...using what is today a waste products to generate power serves to reduce waste disposal costs, help keep water sources clean and reduce consumption of oil ... as animal waste is likely to be a renewable fuel source for t he near if not long term.
"... already have the technology to break down these wastes to create biogas but it needs encouragement from the federal government to become a commercially-viable alternative to natural gas. ... would benefit rural communities and the environment while lessening our dependence on fossil fuels ...We shouldn't waste the waste; we should promote biogas development."
" ... produced through technologies such as anaerobic digestion (AD) that can convert animal wastes and other agricultural or organic wastes into at least 50% methane (the principal ingredient of natural gas). Biogas can be used as is on the farm or co-located with another facility such as an ethanol plant, or as a renewable substitute for natural gas, propane or other fossil fuels. "
"... would encourage greater production of biogas for energy purposes by providing ... a tax credit of $4.27 for every million British thermal units (mmBtu) of biogas produced. This could mean more jobs and a boon for rural communities. ... offers environmental benefits such as a reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions of both carbon dioxide and methane and improved water quality through better manure management."
Via: BenNelson.senate.gov LINK
... "The Center for Lignocellulose Structure and Formation will be one of few places where research is truly focused on unraveling the secrets of lignocellulose. We believe we can answer the basic questions that to date no one has been able to answer, Catchmark explained. " ...Via Penn State University: Mysteries of plant cellulose
... "ENER-G’s CHP systems create electricity and heat simultaneously and reduce carbon emissions by around 20% while cutting electricity costs by approximately one third. They can be powered by natural gas or renewable biogases and ENER-G has installed and operates in excess of 120MW of biogas generation, primarily from landfill gas. " ...Via Energ-E: Manufacturing Capacity Expansion
Many crops have been considered / experimented with as a source of bio fuel or bio diesel. Some carry risks of causing unintended consequences as land is cleared for farming -- Now the mushroom is looming large!
" ... biofuels from corn and soy ... destructive to the planet in certain ways as farmers in developing nations slash and burn forests to grow new crops. ... alternative: a ... genetically-modified mushroom that yields a large biomass which can be converted into a first-rate biofuel."
" ... genetically-engineered them to be ... more sustainable in culture during fermentation, and have both enhanced growth rate and spore production...."
Via: TreeHugger LINK
I was in Washington DC this past weekend and saw some small buses with the Smithsonian log on the side - promoting them as green hybrids. This prompted me to see what else our nations museum is up too in the green space.
Turns out quite a bit ... Read on for more >>>
" ... in 2008, 3.7 percent of our electricity came from renewable energy sources. ... reducing our carbon footprint [by]... 4.2 metric tons of greenhouse gases..."
" ... Smithsonian manages a fleet of over 700 vehicles ... As we finished 2008, over 76 percent of that fleet is now either hybrid electric or capable of working off of alternative fuels."
" ... have several people on staff who are LEED accredited professionals, ... design managers, architects and some engineers and are there to assist Smithsonian in seeking these LEED certifications."
Via: Smithsonianmag.com LINK
... "The national survey showed that 67 percent of respondents were interested in learning more about renewable biofuels. On the positive side, a majority of respondents perceive some clear benefits of biofuels, with 66 percent agreeing that using them can help the United States reduce reliance on foreign oil. " ...Via University of Wisconsin-Madison: Interest in Biofuels
Clemson University and the US DOE Savannah River National Lab are working together on the South Carolina BioEnergy Research Collaborative. The expectation is to advance the development and use of biofuels in agriculturally rich S.C. 
Read on for more info >>>
" ... Clemson University Restoration Institute and the ... Savannah River National Laboratory are founding members of the S.C. BioEnergy Research Collaborative, ... will enhance the exchange of ideas and the development and use of new technologies. ... the agreement, the Restoration Institute and the laboratory will ... Research crop development and harvesting, including switchgrass, sweet sorghum and pine ... Study emerging energy alternatives, such as algae; and ... Research crop-processing techniques to yield viable energy and chemical products, including ethanol, biodiesel and energy briquettes.
The project has the potential not only to enhance South Carolina's reputation as a leading alternative-energy researcher, but also boost Palmetto State agriculture, said Karl Kelly, director of corporate operations at the Restoration Institute.
The pilot plant will allow researchers to "scale up" new biofuel technologies, a crucial step between small laboratory experiments and full-scale production, he said.
"It's a project that addresses the entire process, from the field to the production of ethanol," Kelly said. "We'll look for gaps in the technology and fill them."
Initial funding was provided by a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The collaborative is actively seeking funding for construction of the plant, which will take about 12 months to build.
Via: Clemson University LINK
Baylor chemistry professor Kevin Chambliss discusses the university's research efforts to improve the conversion of biomass into ethanol. Current investigations are funded by grants from the USDA and NREL. ...
... "These compounds could have two potential roles in the whole biomass to bio-fuel conversion. One is they could be inhibitors to enzymes or microbes that ultimately help us get to ethanol. If we could identify them and subsequently understand their role in inhibition and you could get around it, you could improve efficiency. " ...Via Baylor University: Bio-fuel Research
... "This includes its expertise in microbial and enzyme technologies to break down chemical compounds. The laboratory is playing a lead role in research into the pretreatment of plant matter prior to fermentation and in the discovery of effective new cellulose enzymes. The entire senior class of Clemson chemical engineering professor Charles Gooding is working on a project to design a switchgrass-to-ethanol plant. Thirty-four students are looking at alternatives to the process, which could prove useful to the plant design, Gooding said. " ...Via Clemson University: Collaboration to develop bioenergy
"Royal Dutch Shell plc and Codexis, Inc. today [10-March-09] announced an expanded agreement to develop better enzymes that could accelerate commercialisation of next generation biofuels. ...Shell also increased its equity stake in Codexis ..."
" ... enhance the efficiency of enzymes used in the Iogen cellulosic ethanol production process. The world-leading Iogen demonstration plant in Ottawa, Canada currently produces hundreds of thousands of litres of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residue, such as wheat straw. "
" ... aims to enhance the Iogen process and shorten the timeline to its full-scale commercial deployment. ..."
Via: Shell Link
"British adventurer and pilot Neil Laughton poses in his Parajet Skycar ... on Wednesday kicking off a 3,600-mile journey from London to Timbuktu ... essentially a dune buggy with a fan motor and paragliding wing attached. Creators call it the "world's first bio-fuelled flying car.""
" ... travel by land and air through France, Spain, Morocco, the Western Sahara, Mauritania, and Mali, returning home via Senegal. Joining Laughton for part of the trip will be engineer Gilo Cardozo, the brain behind the Parajet Skycar. The pair has participated in past flying expeditions to the Himalayas, Alps, and Venezuela."
Via: ZDNet.com Link
" ... uniquely interactive format and high caliber of participants, ECO:nomics debuted last year as the premier forum for CEOs and entrepreneurs driving growth at the intersection of business and the environment...."
Snippets of the Program ... "... Green People - What do consumers want, and what will they pay for it? ... Power Play - What will keep the lights on: nuclear energy or "clean coal"? ... Fresh Juice - Can wind and solar grow big enough to matter? ... The Future of Coal ... The Future of Biofuels ... The Future of Solar ..."
Via: eco-nomics LINK
Here is an idea that is slightly out of the ordinary ... and a bit "unique". A Beverly Hills surgeon is suspected of using the lipoosuctioned fat from patients to make biofuel to power his car. Since being investigated the practice has closed ..
Read on for more ...
" ... Beverly Hills doctor Craig Alan Bittner turned the fat he removed from patients into biodiesel that fueled his Ford SUV and his girlfriend's Lincoln Navigator ... Fat--whether animal or vegetable--contains triglycerides that can be extracted and turned into diesel. ... Bittner's lipodiesel Web site is no longer online."
" ... it's definitely illegal in California to use human medical waste to power vehicles, and Bittner is being investigated by the state's public health department."
Via: Forbes.Com LINK
... "The airline has said it plans to eventually power its entire fleet of domestic and international aircraft on 100 per cent biofuel. " ...Via Stuff.co.nz: Jetropha flight
Air New Zealand and Boeing are targeting the 3rd of December for a 747 flight using jatropha-based biofuel. One of Rolls-Royce engines will be powered by the bio-based fuel. ...
... "Boeing, Air New Zealand and UOP have worked diligently with growers and project developer Terasol Energy to identify sustainable jatropha in adequate quantities to conduct thorough preflight testing. Using proprietary UOP fuel processing technology, the jatropha crude oil was successfully converted to biojet fuel, marking the world's first large-scale production run of a commercially viable and sustainable biofuel for aviation use. As part of the fuel verification process, UK-based engine maker Rolls-Royce's technical team conducted extensive laboratory testing to ensure compatibility with today's jet engine components and to validate the fuel meets stringent performance criteria for aviation fuel. To process the jatropha crude, the team relied on UOP's green jet fuel processing technology based on hydroprocessing methodologies that are commonly used to produce transportation fuels. During processing, hydrogen is added to remove oxygen from the biomass, resulting in a bio-derived jet fuel that can be used as a petroleum replacement for commercial aviation. " ...Via Boeing: December Date for Sustainable Biofuels Test Flight
AMERIgreen provides biofuels in the western suburbs of Philadelphia.
"... Biofuels are alternative fuels as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. ... burn cleane
r than gasoline and standard home heating oil. ... completely renewable, domestic, environmentally friendly fuels that enhance the nation's economy and energy independence."
" ... is a national leader in distributing branded and unbranded Ethanol, Biodiesel, Bioheating Oil, and Biokerosene! ... provide Blended Biodiesel at our two blending terminals in Highspire and Sinking Springs. PA...."
View their 30 second commercial Link
Via: AMERIgreen Link
Read on for more >>>
"Exelon continues to be a major voluntary user of B20 biodiesel ... the main source of fuel for more than 2,500 of the company's vehicles—or 65 percent of its fleet. ... Exelon uses in excess of 2 million gallons per year. ... In 2005, Exelon purchased 50 Ford Escape Hybrids, the first production hybrid sport-utility vehicle (SUV). ... about 25 percent of the company’s overall SUV fleet. ... expects to procure 50 hybrid SUVs and 10 compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles each year and to use biodiesel for all diesel vehicles by the end of 2006."
"... Eco-Sol provides a unique integrated approach to renew
able energy and sustainable agriculture while emphasizing solutions that are truly environmentally friendly when compared to current “Green” industry practices."
" ... eliminating unnecessary processing, transportation, and chemicals, but to minimize our environmental impact and carbon footprint as well. ... careful selection of oilseed feedstocks from area and climate suitable ecosystems, with an eye to reducing the water and energy used in all aspects of production. ... will provide a value added, locally grown, low maintenance/low input source of raw material for biodiesel production while driving agricultural economic development."
Via: Eco-Sol, LLC Link
... "Algal jet fuel also has its fans in civil aviation, including Virgin and Boeing, which is no surprise since it seems to offer the best bet in a gamble where the stakes are literally sky-high: nothing less than the survival of aviation as we know it. " ...Via David Strahan: Airline industry
... "AXI is developing algal strains that will bridge the gap between the promise of clean energy generation and the reality of economical biofuel production systems. Of the many feedstocks that can be used for biodiesel, algae are emerging as the clear winner because significant biomass can be produced on non-arable lands (thus avoiding the food vs. fuel debate) and CO2 (a greenhouse gas) supports their growth. " ...Via AXI: University of Washington Algal Biofuel Technology
Continue reading "Algae Biofuel Technology Will Be Commercialized" »
fryOdiesel takes a waste produict - one that restauratns and other inductries have to PAY TO get ride of and turns it in to a profitable fuels ... reducing wates and turning trash into cash.
"PFoD has developed patent-pending technology for the production of high quality diesel fuel from fats, oils, and greases. ... produce ASTM-grade biodiesel from sewer trap grease and other waste greases."
" ...fats, oils, and grease in the wastewater system is a costly problem ... causi
ng sewer backups and resulting in millions of dollars of fines and billions of dollars of forced infrastructure upgrades."
"PFoD solves the problem of grease in the sewers by providing a beneficial reuse of what is now a costly pollutant."
fryOdiesel is based in Philadelphia, Pa.
Via: fryOdiesel Link
Here is an interesting product ... plastic bottles made from Corn ... bottles that are made from a renewable resource ... 
"Primo is the first nationally available bottled water whose bottle is made from plants, not crude oil! ... a bottle that's friendly to the environment."
" ... Ingeotm, the world's first and only performance plastic made from 100% annually renewable plants. ..."
Disposal options include traditional recycling as well as incineration for power and composting ...
Click HERE to see the 1st of several You Tube Video with details ...
Via: Primo Link
Continue reading "Water Bottles Made from Corn based Plastic..." »
... "The plant will utilize high-yield oil-rich algae strains that Seambiotic has developed and grown in its open pond system coupled with Inventure's patent-pending conversion processes to produce ethanol, biodiesel and other value-added chemicals. " ...Via Inventure: Inventure Chemical and Seambiotic Enter Joint Venture to Build Commercial Algae to Biofuel Plant
... "Algae are an ideal low cost, renewable and environmentally progressive raw material that can be converted into biofuels. They can grow rapidly (doubling in biomass in as little as a few hours), require limited nutrients, and can annually deliver up to 2,000-5,000 gallons of fuel per acre of non-arable land. Algae do not require fresh water to thrive and so they will not compete for limited supplies of fresh water. In addition, they can also be used to clean wastewater and to recycle greenhouse gases such as CO2, NOx and SOx. " ...Via Algal Biomass Organization: ALGAE TO ADDRESS GLOBAL ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & ECONOMIC PRIORITIES
... "The effort will focus on developing and testing renewable energy technology to convert biofeedstocks to commercial aviation fuels, with specific focus on "second-generation" feedstocks such as algae which do not compete with food or water resources. " ...Via Honeywell: Honeywell, Airbus, JetBlue Airways And International Aero Engines To Study Biofuels Use For Commercial Aircraft
Delaware based DuPont and Copenhagen based Danisco announced a 50/50 JV to produce ethanol from the non food parts of plants - IE corn cobs and not corn.
May 14, 2008 - " ... DuPont and Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S,... an agreement to form DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC, ... to develop and commercialize the leading, low-cost technology solution for the production of cellulosic ethanol -...biofuel produced from non-food sources –..." 
" ... 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."
" ... goal is to maximize efficiency and lower the overall system cost to produce a gallon of ethanol from cellulosic materials ...""... The global joint venture expects its first pilot plant to be operational in the United States in 2009, and its first commercial-scale demonstration facility to be operational within the next three years. ..."
... "The first product, a renewable diesel that works in today's engines, is targeted for commercialization in 2010. Scale-up and testing work to date indicate that this fuel scales more quickly and economically than currently available biofuels, and reduces emissions by 80 percent over petroleum diesel. Using Amyris' breakthrough technology platform, the new joint venture, Amyris-Crystalsev Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Biocombustiveis Ltda, will work with Brazilian sugarcane mills and fuel producers to quickly scale production of the Amyris renewable diesel fuel. Amyris will hold the majority stake in the Amyris-Crystalsev venture, and Crystalsev will hold the remaining stake and contribute commercialization expertise. " ...Via Amyris Biotechnologies: Innovative Renewable Diesel from Sugarcane by 2010
... "In the future, perennial crops, such as switchgrass, as well as crop residues and forestry biomass could be developed as major cellulosic ethanol sources that could potentially displace 30 percent of current U.S. petroleum consumption, Vogel said. Technology to convert biomass into cellulosic ethanol is being developed and is now at the development stage where small commercial scale biorefineries are beginning to be built with scale-up support from the U.S. Department of Energy. " ...Via University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Major Net Energy Gain from Switchgrass-based Ethanol
... "Virgin Atlantic spokesman Paul Charles predicted this biofuel would produce much less CO2 than regular jet fuel ... " ...Via New York Times: Virgin Jet Uses Biofuel
Biofuel cars? Seen that.
Biofuel Ferrari? A biofuel Ferrari Spyder 430? Really?
Take a look! This is a 4.3 liter V-8 with close to 500 horsepower so this is certainly not your average green car ...
http://web18.streamhoster.com/pentonmedia/ETV/2008/02/Download/080211d.zip
Via: EngineeringTV.com Link
Green Fuel for airplanes!
Green Flight International has made history buy having "... completed the world's first Jet aircraft flight powered by 100% biofuel ..."
They are planning an around the world approx. 22,000 nautical mile flight to further demonstrate their capabilities. The date has not yet been set but he flight will "... set an example to the International community that it is possible to implement Alternative energy into mainstream transportation sources."
Green Flight International is based in Apopka, Florida.
Via: Green Flight International Link
"... Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept demonstrates the potential ... a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine optimized for bioethanol (E85) fuel to give 300 hp and 400 Nm (295 ft.lbs.) of torque - ..." 
"... Its current BioPower models are the top-selling flex-fuel vehicles in Europe, ... offering both more power and producing less CO2 emissions when operating on E85 fuel compared to when fueled by only gasoline. ..."
"... engine is optimized for E85 fuel (85% bioethanol, 15% gasoline) ..."
"Engine efficiency is also improved by the use of direct injection (DI) and continuously variable valve timing (VVT) on both the inlet and exhaust sides. ..."
Via: SaabUSA.com Link
Bio-Diesel is an alternative fuel used in lqwn movers and cars. But what about airplanes?
Read on to learn about a bio-diesel jet ...>>>
"Biodiesel ... recently power a 1968 L-29 Czechoslovakian jet—dubbed BioJet 1—up to 17,000 feet (5,180 meters) over 37 minutes. A three minute, 15-second test the day before was the world's first flight entirely fueled by cooking oil."
"... the fuel for the historic October flight: fresh canola oil refined into biodiesel. ...""
"As little as 20 percent biodiesel in petroleum diesel fuel will reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent,... "
"... plans to fly the experimental jet from Reno, Nev., to Orlando, Fla.—the first transcontinental biodiesel flight, in eight stops. And, eventually, he hopes to fly a similarly fuelled plane around the world. ...""
Via: Scientific American Link
jet fuels are beginning to reach minimum freeze requirements. ...
... "The major challenges of using pure biofuels in a commercial aircraft are its propensity to freeze at normal operating cruising temperatures, its poorer high temperature thermal stability characteristics in the engine, and its storage stability over time. " ...Via Boeing: Alternative Aircraft Fuels (PDF)
The New Belgium Brewery has many green aspects to their business ... In addition to their own waste water treatment plant ... they product their own methane!
"... installation of its own process water treatment facility. ... allows us to clean our process waters ... without burdening the municipal system.... "
" ... byproduct of this process is the production of methane. ... capture this methane and pipe it back into ... a combined heat and power engine that produces both electrical and thermal energy. ... power about 10% of the brewery with this byproduct ..."
Via: New Belgium Beer Link
... "The WHE is a self-starting, external combustion engine that operates in a low pressure, low temperature range. This feature allows the engine to run on waste heat emanating from an external source, such as the exhaust from an internal (or external) combustion engine, or the direct burning of biomass (i.e., processing garbage into methane is not required). The WHE is also designed to run efficiently on solar heat without the installation of costly photovoltaic panels. " ...
... "The project, which Venter has been working on for five years along with a team of researchers, has been partially financed by the US Department of Energy in the hopes that it could lead to the creation of a new environmentally friendly fuel. " ...
Via Yahoo! News: Artificial life
Ethanol ... Alcohol made from ... Corn!
Ethanol ... Alcohol made from ... Milk?
Read on to learn more ...
"Fonterra, a New Zealand dairy cooperative, has started producing 30,000 liters of ethanol a day, which are being sold in Gull petrol stations around the country."
"New Zealand has had quite a few successful eco-initiatives in the past, ... plan to be the first carbon-neutral country ...".
"They also set a national target of 3.4% biofuel content for gas and diesel by 2012."
... "To date, the upgrading of bio-oil has been achieved using either hydrotreating, which is not economical, or cracking, which is not currently feasible on a production scale. Therefore, a low severity method for bio-oil deoxygenation is needed. We are examining two alternative concepts aimed at catalytic deoxygenation of bio-oil to a stabilized product, utilizing mild cracking over base catalysts and metal-catalyzed deoxygenation. " ...
Via College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky: Energy Projects
... "As an example of such alternatives are sorghum cultivars that have been bred to produce either a high tonnage of biomass or high sugar content, McCutchen said. One sorghum, developed by Dr. Bill Rooney, Experiment Station plant breeder, can produce from 15 to 20 dry tons of biomass per acre, McCutchen said. " ...
Via Texas A&M University: Research in Review (PDF)
... "The Biogas Energy Project is the first large-scale demonstration in the UnitedStates of a new technology developed in the past eight years by Ruihong Zhang, a UC Davis professor of biological and agricultural engineering. The technology, called an anaerobic phased solids digester, has been licensed from the university and adapted for commercial use by Onsite Power Systems Inc. The goal of this innovative public-private alliance is to divert organic matter -- stuff made from plants and animals, such as food waste and yard clippings -- away from landfills and into the energy grid. That reduces greenhouse gas emissions from landfills and turns trash into a substantial source of clean energy. " ...
Via UC-Davis: Food Into Electricity
ethanol. ... ... "Tiller will serve as director of external operations. Her duties will include general oversight of the Tennessee Biofuels Initiative and managing development of the pilot biorefinery as well as managing relationships with external partners interested in collaborative projects associated with the plant or working to develop a bioenergy industry in the state. Rials will serve as director of research for bioenergy initiatives. He will oversee activities associated with refining the biomass conversion process and the development of co-products - valuable commercial products expected to result as part of the biomass-to-ethanol conversion process. Rials will also continue in his role as director of the federally funded Sun Grant Southeastern Regional Center, which coordinates some $7 million in federal research allocations for alternative energy research throughout the region. " ...
Via The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture: Researchers Appointed Directors for Tennessee Biofuels Initiative
with biodiesel and petroleum-derived diesel to power conventional engines. ... ... "Here's how the process works: Wood chips and pellets - roughly a quarter inch in diameter and six-tenths of an inch long - are heated in the absence of oxygen at a high temperature, a process known as pyrolysis. Up to a third of the dry weight of the wood becomes charcoal, while the rest becomes a gas. Most of this gas is condensed into a liquid bio-oil and chemically treated. When the process is complete, about 34 percent of the bio-oil (or 15 to 17 percent of the dry weight of the wood) can be used to power engines. The researchers are currently working to improve the process to derive even more oil from the wood. " ...
Via University of Georgia: New biofuel from trees, Dr Tom Adams (picture below), Engineering
Via ACS: Pyrolysis of Wood/Biomass for Bio-oil Research 
Via ERIC: Wood pyrolysis is a process that burns wood without air, producing gas and oil that are then burned for heat.
... "If oil prices are permanently $10-per-barrel higher than assumed in the baseline projections, U.S. ethanol will expand significantly. The magnitude of the expansion will depend on the future makeup of the U.S. automobile fleet. If sufficient demand for E-85 from flex-fuel vehicles is available, corn-based ethanol production is projected to increase to over 30 billion gallons per year with the higher oil prices. " ...
Via CARD, The Center for Agricultural and Rural Development: Emerging Biofuels: Outlook of Effects on U.S. Grain, Oilseed, and Livestock Markets
See this PBS segment featuring Willie Nelson on biofuel. ...
... "Funded by a $1.5 million research grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the three-year project will determine if energy crops planted for cellulosic ethanol could simultaneously produce methacrylate monomers, a key raw material used inthe manufacture of many products including paint and coatings, building materials, and acrylic sheet and resins. The economics are attractive. More than 1.5 billion pounds of methacrylate monomers are produced annually in the United States, a market worth $780 million. Though in its early stages, the science looks promising. Molecular biologists and biochemistry experts at Ceres say that some plants naturally produce compounds similar to methacrylate monomers, but do not necessarily accumulate them in extractable forms or quantities. They believe it may be feasible to alter the way plants produce these compounds so that they can be extracted from the dried stalks, stems and leaves before these are fed into biorefineries producing ethanol from cellulose. " ...
Via Rohm and Haas: Bio-Products Research
Virgin Air's Sir Richard Branson wants to become green by taking into account the energy use and corresponding carbon output from air travel.
"... we must rapidly wean ourselves off our dependence on coal and fossil fuels. Our generation has the knowledge and the financial resources and, as importantly, the willpower to do so."
from: Richard Branson, Clinton Global Initiative, September 2006.
"Virgin Fuels has been created to invest in new products and technologies that will help reduce CO2 emissions and slow global warming. Our aim is to become a leading player in the global renewable energy sector."
To halp achieve this ... Virgin has stakes in 4 bio-fuels companies:
Via: Virgin Fuels.Com Link
... "But researchers are still trying to figure out the best way to economically transport the stover and store it so that it doesn't decay. " ...
Via DesMoines Register: Challenges Associated with Biofuel Production
... "For cellulosic ethanol production, one major detour has being addressed with the characterization of the genetic blueprint of the fungus Pichia stipitis, by the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI) and collaborators at the U.S. Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL). The research, entailing the identification of numerous genes in P. stipitis responsible for its fermenting and cellulose-bioconverting prowess, and an analysis of these metabolic pathways ... " ...
Via DOE Joint Genome Institute: Genome Sequenced For Biofuel Production
... "He added that the introduction of biofuels would benefit developed countries through increasing energy security by reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions. For developing countries, greater use of biofuels would significantly reduce dependence on imported oil, redressing trade imbalances and freeing up income for investments in health, education and social programmes. " ...
Via United Nations: INTERNATIONAL BIOFUELS FORUM
Avoiding the Unmanageable and Managing the Unavoidable. ... "It also recommends expanding the use of biofuels through energy portfolio standards and incentives to growers and consumers. The report outlines a role for the international community, through the UN and related multilateral institutions, including helping countries in need to finance and deploy energy efficient and new energy technologies while accelerating negotiations to develop a new international framework for addressing climate change and sustainable development. " ...
Via UN: United Nations on Climate Change
ethanol bio-refinery to transform citrus waste, abundant in Florida's agriculture, into a clean biofuel. ... ... "Through the 2006 Florida Energy Act, the Florida Legislature appropriated $15 million for renewable energy technologies grants to stimulate capital investment in the state and promote and enhance the statewide utilization of renewable energy technologies, including ethanol and bioenergy. The funding was awarded to eight organizations with at least $5 million to support bioenergy projects and $10 million for projects that generate or utilize other renewable energy resources, including hydrogen, biomass and solar energy. " ...
Via Florida Governor Charlie Crist: State Awards Grants for Renewable Energy Technologies
... "At the Piper Jaffray Alternative Energy Symposium which focused on industry and investment trends in solar, cleantech and biofuels, Ranieri reviewed global biofuels
opportunities, the future of cellulosic ethanol and next generation biofuels, such as biobutanol, as replacements for gasoline transportation fuels.
Sample of Dupont's progress in biofuels:
DuPont had more than $300 million in revenues in 2006 and growing at greater than 20 percent per year from seed and crop protection solutions that increase yield per acre and enhance ethanol yield of grain through biotechnology.
DuPont and the U.S. Department of Energy are jointly funding a research program to develop technology to convert corn stover into ethanol.
DuPont's partnership with BP to develop biobutanol is based on its strategy to bring advanced biofuels to market to expand the use of biofuels in gasoline. Biobutanol will be the first product available and offers improved performance. " ...
Via Dupont: DuPont Biofuels Leader Provides Business Update at Alternative Energy Symposium
President Bush views demonstration of plug-in hybrid automobile technology as he strives to confirm if his Twenty in Ten vision is achievable. ...
... "I also met with people that are working to help us develop a fuel industry that will
be able to have ethanol derived from produce other than corn. In other words, I'm talking with people on the leading edge of change. And the reason why I've asked them to come in to see me is because I want to make sure that the goal I set by reducing gasoline usage by 20 percent over a 10-year period is a realistic goal. I know it's a necessary goal: it's necessary for national security purposes; it's necessary for economic security purposes; and it's necessary in order to be good stewards of the environment. My question is, is a practical goal, can we achieve that goal. And the answer is, absolutely. Now, it's going to require continued federal research dollars, and I call upon the Congress to fully fund my request for alternative sources of energy. " ...
Via White House: President Bush Alternative Fuel Automobile Demonstration
... "Although ethanol can be produced from virtually any plant substance, more intensive chemical processes are required to make the fuel from fibrous materials like grass or wood than from starch materials like corn or sugar cane ... " ...
Via Arizona Daily Star: Bioethanol Challenges
Innovation program funded the research project with a $600,000 grant. Corn's role in the alternative fuel economy would range from bioethanol production from corn kernels and natural-gas tanks from corncobs. ... ... "The carbon briquettes contain networks of pores and channels that can hold methane at a high density without the cost of extreme compression, ultimately storing the fuel at a pressure of only 500 pounds per square inch, the pressure found in natural gas pipelines.
In addition to efforts to commercialize the technology, the researchers are now focusing on the next generation briquette, one that will store more natural gas and cost less to produce. Pfeifer believes this next generation of briquette might even hold promise for storing hydrogen. " ...
Via US National Science Foundation, NSF: Farm Waste to Fuel Tanks
Convert your car to use vegetable oil as fuel. Via Lovecraft Biofuels, see video ...
... "The combined company will be the first within the cellulosic ethanol industry to possess integrated end-to-end capabilities in pre-treatment, novel enzymedevelopment, fermentation, engineering, and project development. It will seek to build a global enterprise as a leading producer of cellulosic ethanol and as a strategic partner in bio-refineries around the world. At the same time, the company will continue to pursue broad market opportunities for specialty industrial enzymes within the areas of alternative fuels, specialty industrial processes, and health and nutrition, with a primary focus on enzymes for the production of biofuels. The combined company will be headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts and have research and operations facilities in San Diego, California; Jennings, Louisiana; and Gainesville, Florida. Celunol has recently commenced operations of the nation's first cellulosic ethanol pilot facility in Jennings, Louisiana and expects to complete a 1.4 million gallons-per-year, demonstration-scale facility to produce cellulosic ethanol from sugarcane bagasse and specially-bred energy cane by the end of 2007. " ...
Via Diversa Corporation: Diversa and Celunol Announce Merger to Create a New Biofuels Industry Leader ...
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 8, 2007
Almost live from the Philadelphia Auto Show at the Philadelphia Convention Center ...
Along with the expected Hybrid cars offered by Honda, Toyota, Ford and Saturn was a unique vehicle ... The "World's First Hybrid Supercar".
The Hybrid Attack was developed and built by students from the Academy for Automotive & Mechanical Engineering at West Philadelphia High School.
Specs:
Fuel: 100 % Biodiesel
Performance: 0 - 6- in less than 4 seconds
Economy: 50+ MPG
Power: Modified VW 105 HP TDi and AC motor
Weight: 2290 pounds
The car won t he 2006 Tour De Sol.
According to students and booth attendees the total cost of the car was approx. $100,000. Components were donated by Toyota and Suburu via dealers and board members.
Still ... Quite amazing for students ... a challenge for Detroit and the rest of the auto industry????
Via: The Green Dude Link
... "As part of the EBI, some 340 acres of farmland at the Urbana campus will be devoted to the study and production of feedstock for biofuel production. Researchers will explore the potential benefits of using corn crop residues, switchgrass, Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganticus: a hybrid grass that can grow 13 feet tall), and other herbaceous perennials as fuel sources. The initiative will explore how adequate supplies of high quality plant biomass can be sustainably produced and utilized in facilities that convert the biomass to fuels. " ...
Via University of Illinois: Initiative will put Illinois at forefront of farm bioenergy production
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
E85 flex fuel is a blend of 85% ethanol (derived from corn or soy) and 15% gasoline. Only E85 capable cars can use this fuel.
B20 is a of 20% biodiesel and 80 % regular diesel fuel.
Fuel stations that carry E85 and / or B20 have been slow to emerge in the northeast part of the U.S.
>>>> Today, Feb 1st, 2007 at 1:30 pm EST, Philadelphia gets its first E85 / B20 Station. The Shell station is at 12th and Vine Sts in the Chinatown section of the city.
Via: Phillycleancities.org Link
Wisconsin to create declaration of energy independence. $30 million in funding, plus up-to-$300 million from private investors, is targeted for research into new technologies to increase renewable energy and accelerate commercialization of these innovations, enabling energy independence. In addition, tax credits are planned to support the creation of 400 new renewable fuel pumps, E85 
ethanol or biodiesel. ... ... "creation of the Governor’s Office on Energy Independence, which will coordinate the state’s efforts to grow Wisconsin’s bio and renewable economies and advise the Governor and cabinet agencies on ways to meet the goals of Wisconsin’s Declaration of Energy Independence. The office will be led by an Executive Director who will report directly to the Governor and include staff from the Departments of Administration Division of Energy (DOA-Energy), Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), Natural Resources (DNR), and the Public Service Commission. " ...
Via Wisconsin Office of the Governor: Major Investment to Achieve Energy Independence and Fight Global Warming
... "GBL and EKB have been awarded grant funding of GBP250,000 from the dti technology programme for collaborative R&D. This matched funding will enable GBL to speed up development of an advanced fermentation process for the production of butanol, a renewable liquid biofuel for transportation. " ...
Via Green Biologics: Grant funding awarded
... "The President toured DuPont’s biofuels research programs and met with scientists Bill Hitz, Mark Emptage, Lisa Laffend and Armando Byrne and business director Bill Frey. His tour spanned efforts to market seed that produces higher yields of ethanol to work underway to develop and integrate a BioRefinery that converts corn stover to biofuels and biobutanol - a next generation biofuel that has uncompromised performance attributes. " ...
Via DuPont: President Bush Visits Dupont; Discusses Biofuel Research
service stations by the end of 2007. ... ... "Svenska Statoil’s stations sold 19.5 million litres of E85 in 2006, and 170 of its sites currently offer the product. Another 90 outlets will be added over the coming year. A total of 36,711 of these environmental cars were purchased in Sweden during 2006, an increase of 156% from the year before and 13.5% of all newly-registered cars in the country. " ...
Via StatOil: Swedish record for biofuel
using perennial grasses and woody biomass as raw materials. Empire State Development is New York State's lead economic development agency. ... ... "The grant will be used to renovate laboratories in Riley Robb Hall and to purchase fermenters, incubators and state-of-the-art analytical equipment. It also will improve researchers' abilities to overcome the physical, chemical and biological barriers to liberating sugars from such energy crops as switchgrass, miscanthus and other perennial grasses as well as woody biomass, and to biologically convert these sugars into such biofuels as ethanol, butanol or hydrogen. " ...
Via Cornell Univ: $10 million for biofuel research
Cargill sees earnings accelerate, influenced by biofuels market. Cargill makes ethanol at two production facilities in Iowa and Nebraska and produces biodiesel from a new facility in Iowa. ... 
... "Cargill delivered outstanding results in the second quarter, said Warren Staley, Cargill chairman and chief executive officer. Similar to the first quarter, we experienced fast-changing markets in the second period, brought about by the interest in biofuels, investor flows into commodity futures and other markets offering diversification, and expansionary economies in many parts of the world. " ...
Via Cargill: Cargill reports second quarter fiscal 2007 earnings
... "Forming an essential part of China's alternate energy strategy, the development of forest bio-fuel offers enormous potential in the energy resources sphere and is a win-win solution in benefiting the growth of the industry and protection of ecological environment. Forest bio-fuel not only facilitates an improvement in peasant income and new rural construction in an effective way, but also alleviates the emission of greenhouse gases. It helps ease the shortage of energy supply and optimize the energy resources matrix, playing an important role in the sustainable development of society and economy. PetroChina and the SFA will work hand in hand in the cultivation and development of forest bio-fuel resources, cooperate in the area of carbon sequestration and bring into play the respective strengths of the government and the enterprise to accelerate the pace of integration of forests and fuel, with an aim to mutually promote the forest bio-fuel industry of China and contribute to the country’s energy and ecological development as well as efforts to mitigate greenhouse effects as a whole. " ...
Via Petrochina: Petrochina Enters into Framework Cooperation Agreement With The State Forestry Administration on Forest Bio-Fuel Development ...
... "This class will be serve as both an introduction to biodiesel and a hands-on experience for those interested in learning how to make biodiesel from used restaurant oil. " ...
Via BioLyle: Upcoming Class ...
... ... "The advantage of developing biofuel from halophytes as opposed to other types of biomass is that saltwater plants are not dependent on fresh water, which is in increasingly short supply ... " ...
Via Flight International: Fuel-yielding plants ...
Halophytes are ...
Via Wikipedia: Halophyte: A halophyte is a plant that naturally grows where it is affected by salinity in the root area or by salt spray. An example of a halophyte is the salt marsh grass. "
... "Sustainable Biodiesel Summit in San Antonio, TX this Feb. 4th, Theme: Sustainability is about reverence of interconnections " ...Via Sustainable Biodiesel Summit: Event Details ...
Colorado State and Solix are also collaborating to use excess carbon dioxide from a local brewery to pilot algae bioreactor to produce biodiesel. ... ... "The research is focused on developing the potential of growing algae as an oil-producing feedstock for biodiesel production. " ...
Via Las Cruces Sun: Algae route to biofuel
NMSU announcement on the research through the Agricultural Research Center at Arteisa. ...
... "The project is investigating the best ways to grow and harvest certain species of algae, which produce a much higher level of oil than more traditional crops like soybeans or canola. " ...
Via New Mexico State University: Biodiesel Research Announcement
... "Syngenta and Diversa Corporation announced a new 10-year research and development partnership focused on the discovery and development of a range of novel enzymes to convert pre-treated cellulosic biomass economically to mixedsugars - a critical step in the process of biofuel production. The new agreement allows Diversa to independently develop and commercialize fermentation-based enzyme combinations from its proprietary platform. Syngenta will have exclusive access to enzymes from Diversa's platform to express in plants for enhanced cost-effective production. Converting biomass to biofuels requires breakthrough developments in three areas: chemical preparation of the cellulosic biomass (pre-treatment), conversion of pre-treated cellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars by combinations of enzymes (saccharification), and the development of novel micro-organisms to ferment the sugars to ethanol or other fuels (fermentation). Developing cost-effective enzyme systems is essential to economically converting biomass to biofuels. " ...
Via Syngenta: Syngenta and Diversa agree on new R&D partnership to discover enzymes for biofuels ...
... "As meatpackers enter the field, they bring massive amounts of fuel stock that could make biodiesel cheaper and more plentiful. " ...Via Rockford Register Star: Read
Turbo. ... 
... "A compact and powerful two-cylinder 750-cc engine provides some 150 environmentally friendly horsepower for swift conveyance. Bioethanol that reduces CO2 emissions powers the tiny supercharged engine. With a projected vehicle weight of just 750 kilograms thanks to plastic lightweight construction each horsepower has to account for just five kilograms ... " ...
Via RinSpeed: RINSPEED EXASIS
VeraSun Erergy Corporation (NYSE: VSE) has a process to get more energy from each bushel of corn. They can make both ethanol and biodiesel from corn. VeraSun is "the nations second largest ethanol producer".
Here's the process. "VeraSun identified an opportunity to utilize oil extracted from distillers grains, undervalued as a feed component, as an excellent feedstock for biodiesel. Removing the oil from distillers grains both increases the value of the oil for fuel use, and enhances the resulting distillers grains as a livestock feed by concentrating protein and reducing fat content."
"Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum diesel to run in all existing diesel engines." Production has grown from "75 million gallons in 2005" and is expected to "more than one billion gallons by 2010 and double to two billion gallons by 2020."
... "By manipulating the yeast genome, the researchers have engineered a new strain of yeast that can tolerate elevated levels of both ethanol and glucose, while producing ethanol faster than un-engineered yeast. The key to the MIT strategy is manipulating the genes encoding proteins responsible for regulating gene transcription and, in turn, controlling the repertoire of genes expressed in a particular cell. These types of transcription factors bind to DNA and turn genes on or off, essentially controlling what traits a cell expresses. In this case, the researchers targeted two different transcription factors. They got their best results with a factor known as a TATA-binding protein, which when altered in three specific locations caused the over-expression overexpresion of at least a dozen genes, all of which were found to be necessary to elicit an improved ethanol tolerance, thus allowing that strain of yeast to survive high ethanol concentrations. " ...
Via MIT: Engineered yeast speeds ethanol production
... "Dyadic will use the proceeds from this private sale to fund its R&D obligations under the R&D agreement, which has as its objective the development of a cost-Via Dyadic: Dyadic Enters Into Research and Development Agreement with Abengoa Bioenergy in the Area of Cellulosic Ethanol Production ...effective enzyme production system for commercial application in Abengoa Bioenergy’s bioethanol (cellulosic ethanol) production process. The R&D agreement, which does not become effective until the private sale closes, calls upon Dyadic to use its proprietary technologies to develop one or more enzyme mixture manufacturing systems customized to ABRD’s proprietary biomass substrates. The R&D agreement contemplates that Dyadic will perform both foundational research of general application to the cellulosic ethanol field and specific applications research for the achievement of the goals of ABRD’s program. " ...
... "To advance production of non-fossil fuels, Chapple and Meilan are using genetic tools to modify the poplar and then study how the alterations changed the plants' cell walls. Meilan also is attempting to find ways to produce trees that are reproductively sterile so they are unable to transfer introduced traits to wild trees. Researchers believe that using the hybrid poplar in its present form could produce about 70 gallons of fuel per ton of wood. Approximately 10 tons of poplar could be grown per acre annually, representing 700 gallons of ethanol. Corn currently produces about 4.5 tons per acre per year with a yield of about 400 gallons of ethanol. Changing the lignin composition could increase the annual yield to 1,000 gallons of ethanol per acre, according to experts. Planted on 110 million acres of unused farmland, this could replace 80 percent of the transportation fossil fuel consumed in the United States each year. " ...Via Purdue: Fast-growing trees could take root as future energy source
Chevron's Energy Solutions subsidiary plans to leverage its engineering, procurement, and construction strengths to construct three high-efficiency ethanol production facilities for Ethanex Energy, a renewable energy company. ...
... "Under an agreement with Ethanex, CES will perform engineering, geotechnical studies, site and civil design work in order to prepare a detailed proposal for developing and building ethanol plants that use advanced technology to maximize the plants' efficiency. The proposal will include details necessary for CES to negotiate contracts to engineer, procure and construct for Ethanex at least three biofuel plants by 2008. The plants, to be located in Missouri, Illinois and Kansas, will each produce
about 132 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol annually. Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is a renewable biofuel produced from the starch and sugar in agricultural crops, primarily domestically-produced corn. Currently, the total production capacity of ethanol facilities in the United States is about 5 billion gallons per year. In moving ahead with this work, CES has determined that its experience in planning, project managing and constructing energy-efficient facilities is well-suited for building energy-efficient ethanol plants. In addition, this work is consistent with Chevron's support of biofuels development in its efforts to help expand and diversify the world's energy supply. Chevron is investing across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of today's alternative and renewable energy technologies. " ...
Via Chevron: Chevron Energy Solutions to Prepare Proposal to Develop High-Efficiency Ethanol Plants for Ethanex Energy
... "David Bransby, an Auburn University expert on alternative fuels, briefed President George W. Bush on Auburn's research and technology development that supports thePresident’s initiative to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Bransby is an AU professor, researcher and nationally-recognized expert in developing switchgrass as an alternative fuel source. He was among five Alabama leaders who met in Hoover with President Bush, who promoted the potential of switchgrass in his State of the Union address in January. AU President Ed Richardson earlier this year committed $3 million to a new AU alternative energy initiative, capitalizing on the university’s research expertise in forestry, engineering and agriculture and positioning AU as a national leader in converting natural resources into fuels. Biomass, technology for conversion, biofuel technology and switchgrass are key areas of that research, all of which complement Bush’s energy initiative. " ...
Via Auburn University: AUBURN EXPERT BRIEFS PRESIDENT BUSH ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS ...
Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, shares his thoughts on the bioenergy partnership to create biomass and biofuels markets. The G8 sponsored the Global BioEnergy Partnership to enable deployment of cost-effective biomass and biofuels. ... 
... "Biomass has the potential to supply a very large share of the world's energy needs – by one analysis, as much as 60 percent of total worldwide energy use. Renewable agricultural resources are readily available to meet this level of energy production. Biotech breakthroughs mean that agricultural fields could become the energy fields of the future. With the help of agricultural and industrial biotechnology, farmers can harvest two crops from every field—a food crop and a biomass crop for fuel production. The United Nations can do a great deal to promote biofuels development worldwide. " ...
Via Biotechnology Industry Organization: BIO Statement on the Launch of the Global Bioenergy Partnership ...
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.
Canadian biofuels initiative will help agricultural producers to develop viable business plans for projects that have significant producer ownership of biofuel production facilities. The goal of the initiative is to produce transportation fuels that are made from agricultural inputs, such as corn, wheat or other cereals for ethanol and vegetable oils or animal fat for biodiesel. ...
... "To help meet the 5% target, AAFC is making available funding of $10 million dollars in fiscal year 2006/2007 through the Biofuels Opportunities for Producers Initiative (BOPI). Greater involvement in biofuel production facilities will allow agricultural producers to become participants in the value chain and increase their share of the benefits from renewable fuels production beyond delivering feedstock. " ...
Via Saskatchewan Council for Community Development: Biofuels Opportunities for Producers Initiative (BOPI) ...
School makes smart energy choice by investing in an on-site biomass energy facility to reduce its carbon footprint. Nan Jenks-Jay, Director of Environmental Affairs, outlines Middlebury College's plan to construct a biomass plant, which will cost up to $11 million. The facility will generate power from wood chips rather than fuel oil, which is something that the surrounding forests have an abundance of. Construction is slated to begin in 2007 and start operations in late 2008. When placed into service, the biomass facility will cut the college’s greenhouse gas emissions by 12,500 metric tons annually. The school will leverage suppliers of wood chips that use sustainable practices. ...
... "Middlebury’s primary objective for the biomass facility is to provide a sustainable, local and renewable fuel source for heating, cooling and electricity for the campus. According to Jenks-Jay, the college’s long-range goal is to obtain wood chips harvested in an environmentally friendly manner from local sources. Our hope is that the college’s entry into biomass will greatly stimulate the growth of the local, sustainable wood chip market and bioenergy economy in Addison County and Vermont, she said. The college estimates that it will require 20,000 to 21,000 tons of chips per year.
The biomass plant will cut the college’s use of number six fuel oil in half, from about two million gallons to one million gallons a year. Increasing the diversity of Middlebury’s energy sources, the facility will leave the college less dependent on the global oil supply and subject to the fluctuating price of oil. Use of the plant will also make it unnecessary to pay for the transportation by ship and truck of one million gallons of oil a year from thousands of miles away to Middlebury. There will be a reduction of carbon emissions produced in the fuel delivery process as well. Most of the money previously spent on the oil and its transport will continue to be spent on energy costs, but now these dollars will remain in Vermont and New England. " ...
Via Middlebury College: New biomass facility to reduce greenhouse gases by almost 12,500 tons a year ...
Middlebury is one of the country's top liberal arts colleges. It offers its students a broad curriculum embracing the arts, humanities, literature, foreign languages, social sciences, and natural sciences. It is located in the Champlain Valley of central Vermont, with Vermont's Green Mountains to the east and New York's Adirondacks to the west.
Like the Honda and RITE collaboration, Chevron and UCDavis will collaborate on the cellulosic biomass approach to alternative fuels, from agricultural waste such as rice straw. The Chevron, UCDavis collaboration will research the current state of California biofuel feedstocks, identify and develop future feedstocks, design the production of cellulosic biofuels, and build a pilot facility to demonstrate the process design. ...
... "Chevron Corporation and the University of California, Davis have formed a strategic research collaboration to pursue advanced technology aimed at converting cellulosic biomass into transportation fuels. The joint research effort will coordinate with the California Biomass Collaborative to focus on renewable feedstocks available in California, including agricultural waste such as rice straw.
Chevron Technology Ventures LLC, a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, plans to support a broad range of UC Davis scientists and engineers with funding of up to $25 million over five years for research into and development of these emerging energy technologies. The objective of the Chevron-UC Davis research is to develop commercially viable processes for the production of transportation fuels from renewable resources such as new energy crops, forest and agricultural residues, and municipal solid waste. The collaboration calls for research in biochemical and thermochemical conversion, as well as a demonstration facility to test the commercial readiness of these technologies. " ...
Via Chevron: Chevron and UC Davis to Pursue Joint Research Into Next-Generation Biofuels ...
Interesting statistics, according to Chevron: Chevron is the largest renewable energy producer among global oil and gas companies, producing 1,152 megawatts of renewable energy, primarily from geothermal operations in Indonesia and the Philippines.
UC Davis is a global leader in solving problems related to air and water quality, water and land use, agricultural practices, endangered and invasive plants and animals, climate change, resource economics, information technology, and human society and culture.
The goal of the California Biomass Collaborative is to enhance the sustainable and effective use of biomass as an energy source in California.
Via UC Davis: Chevron to Fund Major Biofuel Research Projects at UC Davis: "UC Davis already has a lot going on in the field. Since 2005, the campus has received more than $7 million in funding and funding commitments for studies by the more than 100 scientists and administrators in seven major campus units that comprise the UC Davis Bioenergy Research Group. UC Davis professor Bryan Jenkins, an expert in converting biomass to energy, leads the Bioenergy Research Group. He also directs the California Biomass Collaborative. "
Upcoming conference this week on biomass and biofuels in Maine ...
Maine Association of Conservation Districts: Biomass Conference ...... "Maine Biomass and Biofuels Conference, Towards Energy Independence for Maine, September 20 - 22, Bangor Ramada Inn " ...
... "Diesel demonstrated his engine at the Exhibition Fair in Paris, France in 1898. This engine stood as an example of Diesel's vision because it was fueled by peanutVia Yokayo Biofuels: History of Diesel Engineoil - the original biodiesel. He thought that the utilization of a biomass fuel was the real future of his engine. He hoped that it would provide a way for the smaller industries, farmers, and commonfolk a means of competing with the monopolizing industries, which controlled all energy production at that time ... " ...
Rusty Wallace joins Earth Biofuels advisory board with Julia Roberts to promote the awareness of clean fuels, such as Biowillie B20 biodiesel. Star endorsements should go a long way to raising the profile of biofuels. ...
... "Earth Biofuels, Inc. announced that legendary NASCAR-driver Rusty Wallace has joined the company's Advisory Board and will also act as a spokesperson for the company. Mr. Wallace joins fellow advisory board member Julia Roberts and Board of Directors members country music legend Willie Nelson and actor Morgan Freeman in promoting the use of renewable fuels such as Earth Biofuels' biodiesel and ethanol. The Earth Biofuels Advisory Board, which is chaired by Julia Roberts, was recently formed to provide guidance to senior management on broadening biofuels awareness on a national scale.
Mr. Wallace is still active in the racing world. As a team owner, he has taken his knowledge and experience to his auto racing team that competes in the NASCAR Busch Series. The team is in its second full season of competition. Additionally, Mr. Wallace has taken his knowledge and his charismatic personality to the broadcasting booth as lead auto racing analyst for ESPN and ABC Sports. Biodiesel is refined from vegetable oils such as soy, canola, and recycled restaurant grease. Today, B20 is the most common and fastest growing biodiesel blend in the United States. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel certified by the Environmental Protection Agency that fulfills the requirements of Section 211 (B) of the Clean Air Act. Earth Biofuels is the
exclusive distributor of BioWillie, Willie Nelson's brand of premium B20 biodiesel. " ...
BioWillie B20-BioDiesel Rusty Supports: Via Earth Biofuels: Renowned NASCAR Driver Rusty Wallace Joins Earth Biofuels, Inc. as Advisory Board Member and Company Spokesperson ...
B20 Biodiesel is a mix of bio and petro fuels ...
Via Willie Nelson Biodiesel: Mixing Biodiesel with Petro-Diesel: "A blend of 20 percent by volume Biodiesel with 80 percent by volume petroleum diesel called B20, has demonstrated significant environmental benefits with a minimum increase in cost. "
Governor Jennifer Granholm invests in an increase of ethanol biofuel pumps throughout Michigan in order to reduce foreign oil dependency
... "Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced that the state of Michigan will work to have 1,000 biofuel pumps by 2008 to make ethanol and biodiesel fuel more accessible to Michigan motorists. To reach that goal, the governor announced a $250,000 grant program to help service station owners defray the costs of installing
or converting infrastructure at public service stations to provide ethanol and biodiesel fuel to Michigan consumers. This is the second round in a series of grants being made available by the state.
Five ethanol plants are already in production in Michigan, with two more under construction. Two biodiesel plants are also beginning production, with another plant in the works. In addition, the legislative package signed by the governor in July cut the gas tax by 36 percent for the purchase of ethanol and 20 percent for biodiesel. Granholm said that Michigan's investment in alternative energy production and use will benefit consumers in the long-run as increased use of ethanol and biodiesel helps reduce the demand for foreign oil. In the short-term, Granholm said the state is doing everything in its power to protect consumers at the pump, including doubling the number of inspections this year to ensure that consumers are receiving the quantity and quality of gasoline they are paying for. The governor said that President Bush could provide short-term relief, as well, by capping outrageous oil company profits. " ...
Via Michigan Office of the Governor: Granholm Announces Goal of 1,000 BioFuel Pumps by 2008; Announces $250,000 Grant Program ...
DuPont plans collaborative effort to explore the potential of soy for biodiesel production. ...
... "DuPont and Bunge yesterday announced the expansion of the companies' soy collaboration beyond food and nutrition products to include industrial applications, biofuels and other opportunities.
Carl Hausmann, president and CEO, Bunge North America: We are excited about the potential of new soy products that will build on this success in the food sector and enable us to better serve feed and industrial customers including the growing soy biodiesel industry.
DuPont has a significant effort to deliver new technologies to the growing biofuels market, which includes improving biofuel production through improved seed and crop protection products; developing new technologies to allow conversion of cellulose to biofuels; and developing next generation biofuels, including biobutanol. In addition to developing corn hybrids for ethanol, DuPont subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., is characterizing Pioneer brand soybean varieties for oil content to determine impact on biodiesel production. " ...
Soy Biodiesel DuPont Plans: Via DuPont: DuPont and Bunge Broaden Soy Collaboration to Industrial Applications, Biofuels
Via Agriculture Online: Soy biodiesel gives bigger energy bang than ethanol: "Jeff Stroburg quoted USDA statistics that say biodiesel has a stronger energy balance than either ethanol or straight petroleum fuel. "
American consumers are increasing their consumption of automobiles that leverage alternative-fuels, such as biodiesel and ethanol, according to latest industry trends. ...
... "The number of alternative fuel automobiles on U.S. roads has reached 9 million, according to new figures released by R.L. Polk & Co. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said that there were approximately 8.3 million alternative fuel autos on the road at the close of 2005, and over 700,000 hybrids, diesel and ethanol vehicles have been purchased in the first half of 2006, putting automakers on track to reach their goal of sales of a million. Automakers have set a goal of selling 1 million hybrids, diesel and ethanol vehicles in 2006, and 2 million by 2008.
Automakers are now selling 46 models of alternative fuel autos, including ethanol vehicles capable of running on 85 percent ethanol (or E85 vehicles), clean diesel autos and hybrid electric vehicles. Another 35 models of alternative fuel autos are in development for future introduction. " ...
Alternative Fuel Automobiles Increasing: Via Auto Alliance: 9 million Alternative Fuel Autos on US roads ...
Illinois Governor Blagojevich invests in biofuel production to lower state dependence on foreign oil and to spur economic growth through new plant construction, operations, and maintenance. A number of companies will benefit from this investment in biofuels: Central Illinois Energy, Illinois River Energy, Center Ethanol Co., Biofuels Company of America, and Stepan Company. The governor has demonstrated his committment to a sustainable future through his support for biodiesel tax exemptions. Illinois has established itself as a pacesetter in biofuel investments. ...
... "Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced more than $25 million in new Opportunity Returns grants and additional support to help build five new ethanol and biodiesel production facilities across Illinois. The new plants will spur about $334 million in private investment, produce 225 million gallons of biofuels each year, create almost 150 new jobs and reduce Illinois' dependence on foreign oil.
Central Illinois Energy (CIE) will build this 37 million gallon per year ethanol production facility and an associated coal-fired, combined heat and power plant (CHP). The plant will use about 13.1 million bushels of corn annually and produce about 111,000 tons of livestock feed (distillers dried grains) each year. Because the facility uses CHP technology, the plant will be very clean and energy efficient.
Gov. Blagojevich also announced today that Illinois River Energy LLC in Ogle County has received a $5.5 million Opportunity Returns grant to build its new 50 million gallon per year ethanol production facility on
an 81-acre site near Rochelle. This project will boost demand for Illinois corn by almost 18 million bushels a year, produce about 160,000 tons of livestock feed (distillers dried grains) each year and create about 45 new jobs. The total cost of the facility is approximately $80 million.
Center Ethanol Co., LLC in St. Clair County is receiving nearly $5.7 million in Opportunity Returns support to build a new $100 million ethanol production facility. The new biorefinery, which will be built near Sauget, will create about 35 new permanent jobs, as well as 250,000 worker-hours of construction jobs. The state's support is coming from a variety of DCEO's business development programs, including a Renewable Fuels Development Program grant, Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits (based on job creation projections over a ten-year period), Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) job training funds to help enhance the skills of its workforce, and additional financial benefits, such as sales tax exemptions and tax credits for job creation resulting from the company being located within an Enterprise Zone. The facility will produce a 54 million gallons of ethanol per year ethanol, use more than 19 million bushels of corn annually and produce about 160,000 tons of livestock feed (distillers dried grains) each year.
Gov. Blagojevich also announced today that Biofuels Company of America, LLC in Vermilion County is receiving about $4.8 million Opportunity Returns grants to construct a new $30 million biodiesel production facility in Danville. This project will create about 15 new jobs. Additionally, operation of this facility will help secure up to 100 existing jobs at an adjacent soybean crushing plant. This project is commonly known in the area by the name of one of its major investors, Bunge North America. This new plant, developed by Biofuels Company of America, LLC, as a partnership between Bunge North America and Biodiesel Investment Group, LLC, will be a 45 million gallon per year biodiesel production facility. In addition to the biodiesel fuel produced, the soybean oil the plant will use as feedstock is equivalent to about 30 million bushels of beans annually.
The Governor announced that the Stepan Company in Will County is a receiving a $3 million Opportunity Returns grant for a nearly $24 million expansion of its existing biodiesel production facility near Elwood. Current production at the facility is about 10 million gallons per year, and this expansion will more than quadruple production to 49 million gallons per year. This project will create six to eight new jobs. In addition to the biodiesel fuel produced, the plant will use about 35 million bushels of soybeans annually.
Gov. Blagojevich signed into law a complete state sales tax exemption for biodiesel blends of 11 percent or higher, as well as for the high-ethanol blend known as E-85. When diesel fuel costs $3 per gallon, the value of the exemption, at 6.25 percent, is 18.75 cents per gallon. Consumers have saved more than $200 million as a result of these exemptions on B-11 and E-85 since 2003. This valuable tax exemption has multiplied the size of the biodiesel market by 30 times since 2003 - making the biodiesel market 30 times larger than it was before. This demand is now creating the demand for new ethanol and biodiesel plants. " ...
Central Illinois Energy is a cooperative ethanol production facility located in the Buckheart township of Fulton County, Illinois. It processes approximately 13-million bushels of its members' corn annually, producing 37-million gallons of ethanol, 125,000 tons of distiller grains and other useful byproducts.
Illinois River Energy, LLC is building a dry mill, corn-based processing facility that will produce ethanol, three forms of distillers grains, and carbon dioxide (CO2). The ethanol plant is located in Rochelle, Illinois and will process in excess of 18 million bushels of corn per year. Upon completion, the ethanol plant will produce 50 million gallons per year of denatured fuel grade ethanol, 160,000 tons of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and 120,000 tons of CO2. Illinois River Energy, LLC was founded in 2002 by a group of farmers to develop a fuel grade ethanol facility utilizing Illinois corn in the production of ethanol. Sixteen sites were evaluated by IRE with Rochelle chosen as the site due to its' economic advantages and excellent infrastructure. The IRE facility will have a positive economic effect on the entire community due to the increased value of corn, real estate taxes, and 32 new jobs created with an annual payroll of approximately $1.5 million.
Stepan Company is a global manufacturer of specialty and intermediate chemicals used in consumer products and industrial application. Stepan is a leading merchant producer of surfactants, which are the key ingredients in consumer and industrial cleaning compounds. Manufacturers of detergents, shampoos, lotions, toothpastes and cosmetics depend on surfactants to achieve the foaming and cleaning qualities of their products.
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich was sworn in as the 40th Governor of Illinois on January 13, 2003. As Illinois' chief executive officer, Gov. Blagojevich is working aggressively to create jobs, build stronger communities, provide Illinois families the tools they need to improve their lives, and restore the people's confidence in state government.
New York legislation will enable gas stations to more easily offer alternative biofuels, such as E85, to their customers. The existence of exclusive contracts with distributors made it impossible for gas station owners to offer biofuels. Before long, owners of flex-fuel vehicles in New York will be able to fill up with E85 biofuel. ...
... "Governor George E. Pataki has signed legislation that will prohibit the use of exclusivity contracts between fuel distributors and gas stations that have limited the availability of renewable fuels for consumer use in their vehicles. The new law will exempt renewable fuels from the provisions of any future motor fuel franchise agreements between fuel providers and retail service stations. Under these
agreements, service stations are not allowed to purchase or sell fuels from a source other than the main distributor. Since most major petroleum fuel distributors do not offer E85 or other renewable fuels in New York State, many service stations are contractually prohibited from offering renewable fuels to their customers. With the Governor's signing of this bill into law, future contracts cannot prohibit or discourage a service station from selling alternative fuels.
The new law applies to E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline), biodiesel fuel, hydrogen, and compressed natural gas (CNG). Distributors who violate the law by entering into exclusivity contracts will be subject to a penalty of $1,000. If the distributor does offer renewable fuels, they are allowed, under franchise agreements, to require the stations to use their brands. The law takes effect immediately and applies to all subsequent franchise agreements. There are an estimated 200,000 flex fuel vehicles registered in New York State, and automakers have announced their intentions to dramatically increase their production of these vehicles, which can run on E85 or gasoline. However, at the present time there are only a few services stations in the State where drivers can purchase renewable fuels. " ...
E85 Biofuel Get Boost Through Legislation: Via NY Governor George Pataki: GOVERNOR SIGNS LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT EXCLUSIVITY FUEL CONTRACTS THAT PREVENT SERVICE STATIONS FROM SELLING RENEWABLE FUELS ...
