In Mexico, researchers at the University of Puebla (BUAP) have begun experimenting with biodiesel production from castor oil, fuel that will later be used to run the university’s transport system. The pilot plant under development, which should see its first production this month, will produce up to 72,000 liters of biodiesel daily and will process […]
In Brazil, the country’s energy regulator ANP has opened a public consultation, available on its website through Feb. 8, to help it establish future rules for biodiesel. A public hearing will also be held with the industry to gather their views on proposals. The ANP wants to increase the number of feedstocks used for biodiesel […]
The Biofuels Digest Index™ (BDI), a basket of public biofuels stocks, edged up 0.09 percent to 70.47 despite an advanced biofuels drop. For the day, BP was flat at $44.07, while OriginOil (OOIL.OB) fell 11.58 percent to $1.68. Among other equities, Gevo (GEVO) dropped 4.98 percent to $5.53. Overall, advances led declines 7 to 6 […]
ZeaChem launches its 250,000 gallon per year core process. How could this possibly matter, in the context of a 500 million gallon cellulosic biofuels target for 2012, that was waived down to 10 million? As it turns out, a lot. The RFS is in much better shape than its critics advertise. Here’s why. In […]
In Florida, Biofuels Digest launched its SuperContent site, offering: * 100+ free downloads of key industry reports, studies, statistics, databases and policy papers. * Free download of the Advanced Biofuels Project Database (release 2.04), tracking 207 advanced biofuels projects currently under development around the globe, including capacity, construction timelines, feedstocks, processing technologies and products, plus […]
In North Carolina, Applied Combustion Technologies announced the completion of a DOE grant to build and test a prototype crude glycerol burner. The 20 kW burner utilizes a novel spray atomization, high swirl burner approach in a specially designed chamber to safely burn 100% crude glycerol (the raw byproduct of biodiesel production before any cleaning). […]
In Texas, the oil and gas daily, Downstream Today, in an article about combating high oil prices, wrote: “The need, therefore, is for car makers to develop vehicles that can carry and use multiple fuels at the same time…These trends, summarized below, indicate that the auto industry can make flex fuel cars a reality. “Once […]
In Canada, Cowichan Energy Alternatives has started a residential used cooking oil collection program in the community of Duncan, on Vancouver Island. At a cost of $2,500, a metal bin was placed close to Duncan’s city hall, allowing residents to drop off their used cooking oil and grease, with is then converted to biodiesel. Cowichan […]
In California, Verenium announced the introduction of VEREFLOW alpha-amylase, a unique enzyme for the removal of filter cake in drilling operations. Effective over a wide temperature and pH range and with a safer environmental footprint compared to traditional chemicals often used in the process, Vereflow alpha-amylase provides the oilfield services industry greater operational flexibility. Verenium […]
In Nevada, the University of Nevada at Reno will offer an online graduate certificate in renewable energy that provides an opportunity to study the policies and practices in the diverse alternative energy fields, beginning in the spring 2012 semester. The online, 12-credit certificate is designed for professionals, including business staff and managers, practicing engineers, government […]
