In California, researchers at Stanford University say that planting sugarcane in Brazil in areas where other crops were previously planted cools the climate by reflecting sunlight back into space and by lowering the temperature of the surrounding air as the plants “exhale” cooler water. The research was recently published in the journal Nature. The study […]
In Maryland, Robert Kozak, president of Atlantic Biomass Conversions, wrote in Advanced Biofuels USA that using biofuels production processes to create animal feed as co-products can earn the producer more on a pound-for-pound basis than corn ethanol, and that by retaining plant amino acids, the income from the feedstock used for high protein animal feed […]
In Washington, Geoff Cooper, VP of Research and Analysis for the Renewable Fuels Association, published analysis of the February 2011 ethanol export reports, noting that sharp increases are continuing for ethanol exports, even though exported ethanol generally is not blended with gasoline prior to exportation, and does not qualify for the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax […]
In Washington State, PNNL researchers Mark Wigmosta, a PNNL hydrologist, and his co-authors have published a study that being smart about where we grow algae can drastically reduce how much water is needed for algal biofuel. Growing algae for biofuel, while being water-wise, could also help meet congressionally mandated renewable fuel targets by replacing 17% […]
In the UK, a new report by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics recommends temporarily removing the legal requirements for biofuel use in Europe until safeguards have been put in place to prevent their use causing environmental and social problems both at home and abroad but points out the benefits of next generation biofuels and the […]
In Georgia, the USDA announced funding for projects during the 16th 1890 Biennial Research Symposium in Atlanta. The project will focus on crop protection for sustainable feedstock production systems, enhanced value co-product development, and carbon sequestration and sustainable bioenergy production. Projects were funded in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, […]
In Canada, researchers funded by Genome BC, Natural Resource Canada’s Genomics Research and Development Initiative and the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation are working to identify genes that control how rust fungi infect plants and hosts, and which genes in the host can help fight rusts. These efforts will help end-users in the agriculture […]
In Illinois, Archer Daniels Midland announced today a $1.5 million gift to Purdue University for the construction of the ADM Agricultural Innovation Center. Totaling 27,000 square feet, the ADM Center will provide enhanced classroom and laboratory space, allowing for more advanced research work. Construction of the ADM Agricultural Innovation Center is scheduled to begin in […]
In Seattle, Boeing released research conducted by Yale University’s School of Environmental Studies showing significant potential for sustainable aviation fuel based on jatropha-curcas, an oil-producing, non-edible plant. The study shows that, if cultivated properly, jatropha can deliver strong environmental and socioeconomic benefits in Latin America and greenhouse gas reductions of up to 60 percent when […]
In Kansas, a new study from Kansas State University shows that commercial-scale algae biodiesel production pose a lot of scientific and economic challenges that may keep the technology from taking off. Using carbon mass balance, the study showed that from a purely technical standpoint, producing algae-based biodiesel in a sustainable way works — but not […]
