In Utah, microalgae-based biofuel not only has the potential to quench a sizable chunk of the world’s energy demands, say Utah State University researchers, it’s a potential game-changer. Researchers published findings from an unprecedented worldwide microalgae productivity assessment in the May 26, 2014, online Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. […]
In Texas, researchers in the Texas A&M University soil and crop sciences department have been measuring greenhouse gases from biofuel production scenarios to help quantify the carbon footprint of a bioenergy cropping system and evaluate compliance with federally mandated reduction goals.
In France, DEINOVE has signed a collaborative R&D agreement with SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT Group. This two-year contract is the first step of a project aimed at exploring the potential for developing a new industrial sector for transforming urban organic waste into ethanol through the action of Deinococcus bacteria.
In Spain, Neiker-Tecnalia has demonstrated that Chlamydomonas acidophila microalgae can be successfully used to absorb ammoniacal nitrogen produced in effluent from anaerobic digestion of organic waste. By co-producing algae with biogas, the ammonium can be absorbed instead of released into the atmosphere, while the resulting algae can then also be used as a biogas feedstock, […]
In Washington, the Department of Agriculture is awarding $6 million to universities and cooperative state extension services to develop online decision tools and other materials and train experts to educate producers about several key farm bill programs including the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program and the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program. The new Web tools […]
In Minnesota and Switzerland, Cargill and Evolva Holding announced the achievement of a technical milestone in their joint development program of fermentation-based minor steviol glycosides – the compounds responsible for the sweet taste in the stevia leaf. The milestone is an enabling step in bringing additional great tasting stevia-based sweeteners to market in a cost […]
In the UK, sustainable biofuel made from Norwegian forest wood waste could help transform the shipping industry and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Aston University scientists are involved in the ReShip project, which will use low quality wood waste, chippings and unmerchantable wood left in forests after logging has occurred to produce new biofuels. Via […]
In New York state, researchers from Cornell University have been testing algae, after the oil has been removed for biodiesel production, as a potential animal feed for pigs and chickens. After removing the oil, the specimens used in the research included 13.9% to 38.2% crude protein and 1.5% to 9.3% crude fat. The algae byproduct […]
In Georgia, a new review article in the journal Science points the way toward a future where lignin is transformed from a waste product into valuable materials such as low-cost carbon fiber for cars or bio-based plastics. Using lignin in this way would create new markets for the forest products industry and make ethanol-to-fuel conversion […]
In the US, the Union of Concerned Scientists recently scored the palm oil sourcing commitments of 30 companies in the packaged food, fast food, and personal care sectors. 24 of the 30 companies have inadequate commitments or lack commitments altogether to sustainable sourcing. The fast food sector in particular is lagging behind, with only two […]
