In California, seeking solutions to counteract the rise in plastic trash, scientists at the University of California San Diego have developed new biodegradable materials that are designed to replace conventionally used plastic. After proving their polyurethane foams biodegrade in land-based composts, an interdisciplinary team of scientists have now shown that the material biodegrades in seawater. […]
In Missouri, Growth Energy applauded Governor Mike Parson and the Missouri Legislature for passing and signing into law legislation in Missouri aimed at boosting rural economic opportunity, including tax incentives of up to five cents per gallon for retailers offering higher biofuel blends, like E15. “The savings available on E15 surged to nearly a dollar […]
In Texas, biomaterials science innovator BUCHA BIO announced an oversubscribed $1.1 million Seed Round. BUCHA BIO makes biobased materials using bacterial nanocellulose and other plant-based components that replace unsustainable conventional leathers and plastics. The new funding will accelerate the company’s move to market by securing co-manufacturers to scale material production for market availability in 2023. […]
In Washington, the Renewable Fuels Association says August U.S. ethanol exports slumped 28% to 77.0 million gallons (mg), the lowest volume in over a year. However, a record 52.9 mg crossed the border into Canada, up 27% from July, with nearly 50 mg shipped as denatured fuel ethanol. This marks the seventeenth month that Canada has been […]
In Belgium, Transport & Energy says battery electric cars (BEVs) are the cleanest, cheapest and best option we have to decarbonise our cars, vans and most trucks, the largest source of carbon emissions in many countries. But it believes Europe is losing ground to global competition: electric cars sales continue surging in China and the […]
In Mexico, DRG News reports a new study from World Perspectives says US corn producers will lose $3.56 billion in the first year of Mexico’s proposed GMO ban with the ethanol industry suffering $521.5 million. Without Mexican demand for GMO corn, those corn prices are expected to fall significantly, leading to the estimated losses identified […]
In Singapore, Reuters reports Cargill means to rapidly shift in the marine decarbonization through biodiesel- and methanol-fueled ships. Following previous biofuel trials earlier in the year using 12,000 metric tons of biofuels, a next round of trials is expected in mid-2023 using 50,000 tons of biofuels. The use of methanol is likely to come from […]
In Japan, the Associated Press reports that in the face of rising energy prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Japan is looking to boost its use of alternative fuels and the US is right there to supply ethanol. Although the country has not denounced imports of Russian oil due to the fact it […]
In Oregon, the Olympian newspaper reports that Portland Bureau of Development Services has greenlighted Zenith Energy’s application to phase out fossil fuel transportation and transition towards renewable fuels. The company tried last year to secure permission to expand its oil business, but it didn’t make it through the city’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. Zenith […]
In China, with the help of genetic manipulation and advanced biophysical tools, an international research team has gained unexpected insight into how a bacterium uptakes sugars derived from plant feedstock. Their findings were published on Sept. 7 in mBio. The bacterium, Clostridium thermocellum, has long been a lead contender in the sustainable industrial production of […]
