Author Archive: Jim Lane

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Integrated Dynamics

December 18, 2025 | Jim Lane

Integrated Dynamics focuses on next-generation biorefineries by leveraging rugged, naturally advantaged microbes known as hyperthermophiles. These microbes grow in temperatures above 85ºC, which implicitly excludes microbial contaminants—a critical advantage, as up to 10% of ethanol ferments are compromised. Hyperthermophiles offer extreme speed, with doubling rates approaching 30 minutes, suitable for industrial use. Integrated Dynamics reports […]

Buying Clearance to Fly: SAF and Why Aether Fuels Is Advancing in Singapore

December 18, 2025 | Jim Lane

The good news first.  Aether Fuels is moving forward with a new project in Singapore, extending its footprint in one of the world’s most strategically important aviation hubs. For a company focused on scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from waste carbon streams, Singapore is not just another site — it is a signal. It suggests […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Merrick & Company (Biomanufacturing)

December 17, 2025 | Jim Lane

Merrick focuses on scaling biomanufacturing projects across fuels, food, and materials, emphasizing design excellence to de-risk commercialization. Successful scale-up relies on structured steps, starting from bench trials to commercial process design. Using the Front-End Loading (FEL) process is crucial for risk mitigation. Effective front-end planning, as reported at a DOE workshop, yields average savings of […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to ekoa by Lingrove.

December 16, 2025 | Jim Lane

ekoa is a biocomposite manufactured from flax fibers and CO2-negative plant-based resin, addressing the issue that interior materials account for 37%+ of global energy consumption. Flax sequesters 1.4kg of CO2 per kg of fiber. The current production line yields $20 million in revenue with a 70% gross margin on a $1.25 million CAPEX. Sales are […]

The Top 10 Gruberisms: longtime Gevo CEO set to become executive chairman, Bloom to CEO

December 16, 2025 | Jim Lane

After years of Pat Gruber standing on ABLC stages and pointing out the big problems the industry could—and should—solve, here’s the latest one: he’s announced his impending retirement as Chief Executive Officer of Gevo, planned for April 2026. At first glance, the instinctive reaction is the familiar one: uh oh. After all, Gruber has been […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Long Thermochemical LLC.

December 15, 2025 | Jim Lane

LongTC offers expert consulting in bioresource valorization, aiming to solve commercialization challenges. Principal Michael Long’s background includes leading the team that produced the world’s first gallon quantities of Algae-derived biodiesel (2011) and authoring the winning proposal for the first U.S. woody biomass to RNG pilot demonstration (2023). Key market data indicates significant SAF growth, projecting […]

The Midnight Moment: Haffner Energy, Metafuels, Sugar Valley Energy get lit

December 15, 2025 | Jim Lane

This is 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 1999. This is Y2K. Around the world, the largest millennium celebration in human history is poised to begin. Fireworks are wired and rehearsed. Broadcast feeds are cued. City centers wait to erupt in light. But beneath the celebration, the world holds its breath. In a control room in […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to the Cascadia SAF Ecosystem

December 12, 2025 | Jim Lane

The Pacific Northwest is positioning itself as a premier Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) hub, leveraging over 50 million acres of woody biomass and strong policy frameworks like Washington’s Clean Fuel Standard. This guide outlines a multi-modal decarbonization strategy uniting Boeing, Alaska Airlines, and research giants PNNL and WSU. By co-locating SAF production with green hydrogen […]

Why Managing Fuel Consumption Matters for Every Trucker

December 12, 2025 | Jim Lane

By Asparuh Koev, CEO, Transmetrics Special to The Digest The Trump administration’s plan to scale back the Biden-era fuel-efficiency standards may trim compliance costs for manufacturers and even reduce the sticker price on new vehicles. Yet for fleet owners, any upfront relief is likely to be short-lived. Lower efficiency means higher fuel burn, and industry […]

The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to Supercool Earth’s Precision Weather

December 11, 2025 | Jim Lane

Supercool Earth aims to revolutionize water security through nature-inspired cloud seeding using biological ice-nucleating particles. By raising the effective temperature for seeding from -8°C to -2°C, their technology unlocks 40% more seedable storms and extends snowmaking days. With a “follow the water” strategy starting with ski resorts—projecting up to $1.5 million in revenue per resort—the […]

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