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News and TrendsThe Biofuels Digest website recently featured special reports on aviation biofuels. Among the issues discussed were: aviation biofuel feedstocks, research, airline participation, commercialization prospects and policy. The following are some of the highlights of the special reports: (1) Feedstocks: algae, camelina and halophytes (plants adapted to saline environments, such as salicornia) have been identified as "near term", potential aviation biofuel feedstocks; synthetic jet fuels from gas-to-liquid technology is also being considered, (2) Research: findings from the Manchester Metropolitan University Centre for Air Transport and the Environment and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research show that "global aviation have been responsible for 4.7 percent of the global mean temperature rise between 1940 and 2005"; the XPrize was developed "as part of the FAA's NextGen project, which among its goals will limit the environmental impact of an expected doubling of air traffic capacity by 2025", (3) Airline participation: a number of airlines have conducted successful test flights on aviation biofuels from a variety of feedstocks, and some have plans to use biofuel-blended aviation biofuels in the future, (4) Commercialization prospects: biofuels certification for regular commercial flights may be possible by 2012 or 2013, (5) Policy: the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set a vision "for air transport to achieve carbon neutral growth in the medium-term, on the way to a carbon emission free future"..
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-05/asfm-swt051409.php Microorganisms are seen to play a major role in the development of next-generation biofuels. In a research presentation of the 109th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, a group of scientists described their latest research projects related to the development of next-generation biofuels using the tools of microbiology and biotechnology. Martin Keller, of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory of the US Department of Energy reports that they are presently studying a thermophilic bacterium called, Anaerocellum, which can grow at 80 degrees°C and can convert cellulosic biomass directly to ethanol. This direct conversion of cellulose to ethanol does away with the saccharification (cellulose-to-sugars) step, and is a recent cost-saving trend in cellulose ethanol production, called "consolidated processing" (CBP). Andreas Shirmer, a senior scientist from San Francisco-based company, LS9, reports the development of a one-step diesel production process from a modified proprietary microbe. Tim Donahue, of the University of Wisconsin, reports working with a photosynthetic microorganism called, Rhodobacter sphaeroides to produce hydrogen from cellulosic feedstocks and sunlight. Finally, James Liao describes the genetic modification of the bacterium, E.coli, for the production of isobutanol (a 4-carbon alcohol, considered an advanced biofuel). Related information: Consolidated bioprocessing potential using Anaerocellum thermophillum http://www.orau.gov/gtl2009/abstracts/Keller_Martin_15.pdf Isobutanol (Advanced Biofuel) from Modified Microbes http://www.genengnews.com/biobusiness/cpitem.aspx?aid=2905
http://www.biodiesel.org/resources/pressreleases/gen/20090526_safetymaterialsnr.pdf The website of the National Biodiesel Board (United States) (URL above) has posted a 5-module safety training program called, "Biodiesel: Response Considerations". The program provides "the critical information that First Responders and Hazardous Material Response Teams need for a safe and competent response" in an emergency event. The information includes the properties of the raw materials used for biodiesel production and the biodiesel product. Powerpoint and video materials are also available with the training modules.. Energy Crops and Feedstocks for Biofuels Production
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/04/doubleduckweed/ Duckweeds are reported as the "smallest, fastest growing and simplest of flowering plants" which float in still or slow-moving fresh water. It can thrive on wastewater effluents, and has been used for the treatment of municipal/agricultural wastewater and bioremediation of heavy metals/halogenated organics. Recently, it has been considered as a potential biofuel feedstock since they are good starch accumulators (about 40% to 70% of biomass) which can be processed into biofuel ethanol. Some of the reported features of duckweed as a potential biofuel feedstock are: (1) low lignin content, (2) ability to grow with low agricultural inputs, and (3) no competition with land for food-related agricultural commodities. Recently, researchers from the North Carolina University conducted lab scale tests to convert duckweed starch to ethanol, using the technologies used for corn ethanol. They are reportedly moving from the laboratory to a pilot-scale operation on a commercial farm. One of the interesting scenarios involving duckweed is that it can be grown first for wastewater treatment, and then harvested for biofuel processing. Related information on duckweed http://www.mobot.org/jwcross/duckweed/duckweed.htm http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/plants/duckweed.htm
http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/projects/projects.htm?ACCN_NO=412168 Watermelons have recently been used as raw materials for the production of neutraceuticals, such as lycopene. Watermelon processing generates "watermelon waste" streams (pulp, juice, and rind) which can be used as raw material for ethanol fermentation. Scientists from the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture are investigating optimum conditions for the conversion of watermelon into ethanol. The project team is composed of Wayne Fisher and Benny Bruton. Their approach involves (1) direct fermentation of watermelon juice to ethanol and/or (2) chemical or enzymatic conversion of the pulp/rind to simple sugars, followed by ethanol fermentation. For the fermentation aspects, the research will (1) develop a "robust and productive" yeast strain for ethanol fermentation and (2) obtain the optimum fermentation conditions including pH, temperature, and antifoam addition.. Biofuels Processing
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TF5-4W1JW05-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_ Scientists from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) of the United States Department of Energy (US-DOE), reports a single step conversion of cellulosic biomass into a useful organic "platform chemical", called HMF. Their study is published in the journal, Applied Catalysis A (URL above). As a "platform chemical", HMF (or 5-hydroxymethylfurfural) can be further processed into plastic or synthetic liquid biofuels. Conventionally, HMF can be produced from sugars, but PNNL scientists recently found a way to produce it from cellulosic biomass through a two step conversion: "cellulose-to-sugars-to-HMF". They were able to go one step further by doing away with the cellulose-to-sugar step by using paired catalysts (CuCl2/CrCl2 in organic solvent) to develop a direct "cellulose-to-HMF" process. According to the scientists, "the ability to synthesize HMF directly from raw natural cellulose [in a single step] would remove a major barrier to the development of a sustainable HMF platform". Related information on HMF: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroxymethylfurfura Biofuels Policy and Economics
http://www.doe.gov.ph/Laws%20and%20Issuances/JAO%20No.%202008-1.pdf The bioenergysite website reports that guidelines governing the production of biofuel feedstocks and biofuels/biofuel blends in the Philippines have been published. The guidelines are embodied in a joint administrative order by Philippine Government agencies which include Departments of Energy, Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Environment/Natural Resources, Finance, and Science/Technology. Among the objectives of the guidelines are to ensure sustainability of biofuel sources/processing in the country, to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and improve rural employment/income generation. For biofuel feedstock production, the Department of Agriculture will play a major role in approving lands for biofuel production. Under certain conditions, biofuel feedstock producers are required to obtain certifications that the cultivated area do not pose negative environmental impacts (ECC or Environmental Compliance Certificate), that the lands do not adversely encroach ancestral domains, or that land will not be cultivated with food-based bioenergy crops. Details of the guidelines (including those for biofuel producers) can be accessed at the website of the Philippine Department of Energy (URL above)..
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-10978.pdf The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) has set a public hearing of its proposed "Changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard Program" in June 2009. A report by the American firm, McGuire Woods gives a summary and some issues related to the US-EPA's renewable fuels greenhouse gas emissions rule. As a background, the United States Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 amended the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005 which mandated the blending of renewable fuels (such as ethanol) in transport fuels. The EISA increased the mandated renewable energy volumes and extended the time frames stipulated in the EPAct. It also required that GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions "must be met for each subcategory of renewable fuel in order for that fuel to qualify for the blending mandate". Furthermore, to qualify, "a renewable fuel must be demonstrated to result in significant reductions in GHG emissions over its entire "lifecycle" as compared to the gasoline it is displacing". The US-EPA was then required by the US Congress to "undertake a rulemaking", to implement the GHG reduction requirement. It also required that the "lifecycle" emissions include "significant indirect emissions…from land use changes." The McGuire-Woods report points out some issues related to the proposed rule: (1) quantification of emissions by "indirect" land use changes seem to have a significant number of assumptions, and the EPA mentions that in the accounting of "indirect" impacts, further studies and peer review maybe necessary and (2) the EPA proposes a "narrower" definition of "renewable biomass", and it also proposes to exclude "the broad category of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) as an eligible feedstock based on the fact that EISA specifically references only "separated" yard and food waste". However, the EPA recognizes that the exclusion of MSW may eliminate "a large and energy rich source of renewable fuels feedstock", and calls for public comment. Details of the McGuire-Woods report (including the implications of the rule on the US corn ethanol industry) is available at their website (URL above).. http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/budget+2009+gerry+brownlee+-+biodiesel+boost http://www.thebioenergysite.com/news/3751/biodiesel-boost-announced-by-government New Zealand Energy and Resources Minister, Gerry Brownlee, announced the availability of grants amounting to NZ$ 36 million (over three years) which are aimed at boosting the biodiesel industry in the country. According to industry analysts, biodiesel production/utilization in New Zealand will result in a 50 to 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to conventional diesel fuel. It is also seen to provide additional direct and indirect employment benefits. The grants, which will be available beginning 2009 July, will be open to domestic biodiesel producers selling to New Zealand consumers. In order to qualify for the grant, the biodiesel producer must produce a biodiesel product which will "meet the government's regulated fuel quality specifications that apply to all engine fuels".. |
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