In the Netherlands, two new initiatives in the Netherlands are aimed at realising an open access pilot plant for polymerisation. The catalyst for both initiatives is the Biobased Performance Materials research programme, coordinated by Wageningen Food & Biobased Research. The programme facilitates fundamental and applied research into new biobased materials that can compete with their […]
In Washington, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Reps. Ryan Costello (R-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Linda Sánchez (D-CA) introduced the Renewable Chemicals Act of 2017. The legislation, if enacted, would create a targeted, short-term tax credit for production of qualifying renewable chemicals from biomass or investment in production facilities. Applicants for the tax credit would […]
In the UK, DuPont Industrial Biosciences (DuPont) and silage storage specialists Bock UK Ltd (Bock) announced a strategic partnership where Bock will demonstrate DuPont’s biogas enzyme technology at commercial scale in the U.K. market. The enzyme technology, OPTIMASH® AD-100, has been shown to help biogas producers in the agricultural sector improve yields and process robustness, […]
In California, Wells Fargo has awarded Western Growers a $30,000 grant for the second year in a row. The grant was presented at a private luncheon at the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology. This year’s grant will again be used to further assist entrepreneurs in bringing their technologies from development to market. Additionally, […]
A recent DOE project with MicroBio Engineering had the primary objective of a detailed techno-economic and life cycle assessment for a coal-fired power plant with two microalgae CO2 utilization and mitigation options. First, biogas production to replace coal for maximum CO2 mitigation, and second, commodity animal feeds production for maximum economic benefit. A secondary objective […]
“We are always in the forge, or on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things” – Henry Ward Beecher By now, Tom Boussie of Rennovia has been 20 years in the forge of the chemicals business, and 9 of those years being pounded on the anvil of renewable chemicals development. “People […]
In Canada, Royal Dutch Shell acquired exclusive development and licensing rights for SBI BioEnergy’s biofuel technology. Edmonton-based SBI has a patented process that can convert a wide range of waste oils, greases and sustainable vegetable oils into lower carbon drop-ins for diesel, jet fuel and gasoline. “SBI has a promising new Canadian biofuels technology,” says […]
In Italy, Novamont confirmed that its Bottrighe plant meets performance parameters including overall process performance and production volume to date for bio-based 1,4-butanediol (BDO). The plant is designed to use Genomatica’s licensed process technology to produce BDO from renewable feedstocks. Following startup in late 2016 the plant operations have been notably smooth. Genomatica also confirmed […]
In Washington, the draft House Appropriations Committee’s FY2018 Agriculture Appropriations bill was released, and cut the Rural Energy for America Program from $50 million to $9 million, cut the Section 9003 Loan Guarntee program by $65 million, leaving $31 million, and cencelled the Biomass Crop Assistance Program. “The biobased economy is boosting innovation in domestic […]
In California, Pacific Ethanol will acquire Illinois Corn Processing, LLC (ICP) from SEACOR Holdings and MGPI Processing for $76 million, which includes $15 million in working capital. adding 90 million gallons in capacity adjacent to the company’s Pekin, IL plant. The plant can produce gin/vodka, ethanol as well as proteins The acquisition will be funded […]
