Though representing just 1.3% of the US GDP, if the farm sector has a major impact on US economic health, it may tie back to what economists call “the wealth effect”. In today’s Digest, we look at “the wealth effect” and why political uncertainty over the Renewable Fuel Standard might lead to economic uncertainty, and impact on the […]
As part of the Digest’s deeper dive into the origins of Iowa’s economic Renaissance, we sat down in Ankeny, Iowa last week for a conversation with long-time Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. A native of Leland, Governor Terry Branstad was elected to the Iowa House in 1972, ’74 and ’76, and elected as Iowa’s lieutenant governor in […]
Though challenges remain, particularly in affordable feedstock, the US National Research Council says “Despite impressive recent and projected growth, the manufacturing of chemicals using biological synthesis and engineering could expand even faster.” The Digest looks at the Report. In Washington, the National Research Council arm of the National Academies has released its report, “Industrialization of […]
This week, California Governor Jerry Brown issued an unprecedented order to reduce California’s water usage by 25%. Cool Planet, a California-based company that makes an organic, water-saving soil enhancer, was inspired by the order and is offering to help reach this goal by delivering a truckload of its water-saving CoolTerra product to reduce water usage on the capitol lawns. CoolTerra […]
Construction of the German demo plant started. Additional 4.4 million euros financing secured In France, Global Bioenergies announced that it has completed the financing of its demo plant, and is commencing construction immediately. The 5,000L demonstration-scale facility will be completed in spring 2015, and will be located at Leuna, near Leipzig in German, and will […]
The results from Gevo’s 4th quarter are in, and a worth a look-see, not only for fans of isobutanol and its prospects. Also for a look at how this member of the 2010-12 IPO group of companies is crossing the multiple Valleys of Death that have arrayed before it. In the fourth quarter of 2014, […]
10 weeks out from ABFC, this week’s Feedstock in Focus is “MSW and Industrial residues”. Also known as “Urban waste”, it’s nasty, here, inevitable and aggregated. The feedstocks are available at fixed, affordable prices and in long-term supply contracts from credit-worthy entities. Everyone loves the idea. So, when will we have it? About ABFC 2015 The Advanced […]
Looking to turn vicious project financing cycles into virtuous cycles? This case study in developing a small-scale Bio-LNG plant offers cautionary tales and a way forward. By Tim Sklar, special to The Digest In July 2014, Biofuels Digest had published an article titled “Connecting The Dots” that describes how we reached a decision to […]
10 weeks out from ABFC, this week’s Feedstock in Focus is “MSW and Industrial residues”. Also known as “Urban waste”, it’s nasty, here, inevitable and aggregated. The feedstocks are available at fixed, affordable prices and in long-term supply contracts from credit-worthy entities. Everyone loves the idea. So, when will we have it? What are the trends? […]
Though we usually think of diversifying away from petroleum via the fuels for our cars — what about the petroleum in the tires? Rubber security, as it turns out, offers some of the same chills and thrills as energy security. The Digest investigates. “I’ll take ‘Fungi that wiped out an industry’ for $500, Alex.” “Leaf blight has […]
