Author Archive: Jim Lane

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US Energy Secretary Rick Perry to step down

US Energy Secretary Rick Perry to step down

October 17, 2019 |

In Washington, President Trump revealed that US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry will leave his post before the end of the year. In recent weeks, Secretary Perry had been subpoenaed by the US House of Representatives investigating US-Ukrainian ties. Deputy Secretary Dan Brouillette, who has been subbing for Secretary Perry at several high-profile events, is […]

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The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to breakthroughs at the Bioenergy Research Centers

The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to breakthroughs at the Bioenergy Research Centers

October 17, 2019 |

Over 10 years (2007–2017), three Bioenergy Research Centers produced multiple breakthroughs in the form of deepened understanding of sustainable biomass production practices, targeted re-engineering of biomass feedstocks, development of new methods for deconstructing feedstocks, and engineering of microbes for more effective production of a diverse range of biofuels. These successes are being leveraged in the […]

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Paper beer bottles, 3D printed boats, hydrogen-powered rescues; the new Mirai, plastics from potato, Hallowe’en biobased coffins, The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the week of October 18th

Paper beer bottles, 3D printed boats, hydrogen-powered rescues; the new Mirai, plastics from potato, Hallowe’en biobased coffins, The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the week of October 18th

October 17, 2019 |

This week there’s Hallowe’en around the corner and we’ll point to the very latest in biobased DIY coffins, but leading this week is the unexpected ways to make the ordinary stuff we know — like, the paper beer bottle, a 3d printed boat, and pallets made from coconut husks. And, some more exotic inventions, too […]

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The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to the Agile BioFoundry and the transformation of markets through genetic innovation

The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to the Agile BioFoundry and the transformation of markets through genetic innovation

October 16, 2019 |

The Agile BioFoundry brings together a specialist team of scientists, engineers, and technical staff from eight of the U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories, with the aim that their collective skills, expertise, and experience lead to rapid innovation and growth in the biomanufacturing sector. The Vision? To unite and expand the capabilities of the national […]

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Puget Sound unveils new regional Low Carbon Fuel Standard

Puget Sound unveils new regional Low Carbon Fuel Standard

October 16, 2019 |

From Washington state we have news that the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued its Low Carbon Fuel Standard rule for consideration.   This is the first economic region to attempt a Low Carbon Fuel Standard, and follows on from the failure of the Washington State Legislature to complete passage of all the elements in […]

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Nouryon unveils revolutionary path to more sustainable ethylene amines

Nouryon unveils revolutionary path to more sustainable ethylene amines

October 16, 2019 |

Looks like we were a day early on our story about the revolutionary pace of activity in the production of biobased amines, when we looked at the topic yesterday in “Amination Studios” here. Ethylene amines from ethylene oxide Today, Nouryon inaugurated a demonstration plant in Stenungsund, Sweden to showcase a new technology platform to produce […]

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The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Beyond Meat and alternatives to traditional meat products

The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Beyond Meat and alternatives to traditional meat products

October 15, 2019 |

The Beyond Burger recently arrived as the world’s first plant-based burger that looks, cooks, and satisfies like beef, without GMOs, soy, or gluten, and has become a global sensation. Overall the company aims to “create The Future of Protein® – delicious plant-based burgers, sausage, crumbles, and more– made directly from simple plant-based ingredients. By shifting […]

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“EPA Reneges on Trump’s Biofuels Deal”: Shocker details emerge on US oil industry waivers

“EPA Reneges on Trump’s Biofuels Deal”: Shocker details emerge on US oil industry waivers

October 15, 2019 |

“EPA Reneges on Trump’s Biofuels Deal”, said the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association in reacting to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s new plans for fulfilling federal renewable fuel requirements. EPA released a proposed supplemental rule for the Renewable Fuel Standard today, and the bioeconomy is up in arms, and the outrage is centered in farm country, […]

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The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Direct Air Capture

The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Direct Air Capture

October 14, 2019 |

Atmospheric CO2 levels have hit, er, stratospheric levels. The levels measured today were last recorded in 3 million B.C., and given the global concern about climate impact, a major industry is in the process of being born — namely, the Carbon Reduction Industry. Afforestation, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, and direct air capture of […]

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About those biobased amines we might one day dream up at Ptixar Amination 

About those biobased amines we might one day dream up at Ptixar Amination 

October 14, 2019 |

(Whoa Nelly! Just 24 hours after this story originally appeared, Nouryon dropped a new bombshell technology in this space, and you can read all about it here.) Amines have a bad guy reputation, in part because controversial compounds like cocaine, heroin, nicotine and mescaline are among the alkaloids that are, when you get down to […]

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