In Massachusetts, Amherst researchers have discovered a small molecule, called α-cyclodextrin, that behaves the same as cellulose when it is converted to biofuel. Studying this ‘mini-cellulose’ molecule reveals for the first time the chemical reactions that take place in wood and prairie grasses during high-temperature conversion to biofuel. Using the faster computer simulations, they can […]
In Washington, BIO wrote the EPA, requesting they reject retroactive changes to the RFS. Brent Erickson, executive vice president for BIO’s Industrial & Environmental Section, said, “The Renewable Fuel Standard is the key policy supporting rapid commercial development of advanced biofuels. Companies have made measurable progress in moving from concept to demonstration scale in their […]
The Biofuels Digest Index™ (BDI), a basket of public biofuels stocks, gained 1.23 percent to 74.25 as advanced biofuels rallied. For the day, BP jumped 1.50 percent to $46.65, while Solazyme (SZYM) soared 5.36 percent to $12.18. Among other equities, Codexis (CDXS) recovered 2.20 percent to $4.65. Overall, advances led declines 3 to 1 for […]
As President’s Day weekend approaches and people flee from the north towards sunnier climates, biofuels researchers are exploring the potential of heat-loving bacteria and fungi found in and around volcano country. It’s two days before February’s long weekend here in the US, and already the airport at the Digest’s home in Miami is swamped with […]
In Washington, BP Biofuels North America President Sue Ellerbusch, interviewed in the Biofuel STAT online series produced by the Advanced Biofuels Association, rejected recent headlines describing the industry as “pixie dust” by declaring “the technology works.” The next ah-ha moment for the industry? “It’s going to be less of an ah-ha and more of an […]
In Florida, among the upcoming events of interest at next week’s National Ethanol Conference, the Consulate General of Canada will host “Leveraging Strategic Partnering for Biorefinery Commercialization” at a “Canada Sunrise Session”. The event is Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 7-8 am at the Gaylord Palms Resort in the Gainesville Room. The Digest will be […]
In Minnesota, RTP Company has expanded their bioplastic products to include impact-modified PLA compounds. The new materials, available in both injection and extrusion grades, expand RTP Company’s PLA-based product line — which includes PLA alloyed with traditional thermoplastic resins and glass fiber reinforced PLA compounds — to also include impact modified, nucleated, and mineral reinforced […]
In Washington, the DOE has halted a research project at Iowa State University funded by ARPA-E to develop biofuel feedstock from an aquatic micro-organism for failing to reach research milestones. About 56% of the $4.4 million grant was used. Politicians against increasing APRA-E funding as proposed by President Obama’s new budget are using it and […]
In Washington, the Advanced Ethanol Council urged Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-KS) to include two key tax extensions for advanced and cellulosic ethanol producers. In a letter to the committee leaders, AEC Executive Director Brooke Coleman highlighted four areas in which the Farm Bill could help accelerate […]
The Biofuels Digest Index™ (BDI), a basket of public biofuels stocks, slipped 0.26 percent to 73.35 as Mission NewEnergy (MNEL) continued to be volatile. For the day, ADM recovered 0.36 percent to $31.04, while Syntroleum (SYNM) jumped 18.18 percent to $1.31. Among other equities, Mission New Energy (MNEL) dumped off 27.51 percent to close at […]
