|
|
NASA, Seambiotic partner in algae projectIsrael's Seambiotic Ltd., located in Ashkelon, started up in 2003 to "grow and process marine microalgae for the nutraceutical and biofuels industries." The company uses carbon dioxide emissions from power smokestacks for cultivation, and recently entered into an agreement with NASA Glenn Research Center to "develop an on-going collaborative [research and development] for optimization of open-pond microalgae growth processes."READ MORE India considers cutting import tax on biodieselIn a bill introduced to the Indian Parliament on July 6 meant to "give effect to the financial proposals of the Central Government for the financial year 2009-2010," the Indian Ministry of Finance said it wants to reduce the basic customs duty on biodiesel from 7.5 percent to 2.5 percent. It also seeks to exempt blended fuels from an excise tax on domestically produced goods. Previously exempting biofuels from the excise tax-while petrol continued to pay-was seen as a way to promote the success of renewable energy in the market place. Allowing blended fuels tax benefits too, however, could grow the use even more.READ MORE  Nevada studies feather meal for waste-based biodieselFeather biodiesel is the latest work of the researchers at the University of Nevada-Reno-the same team whose work with coffee biodiesel gave them a moment of fame-who recently published a paper on extract useable oils from another waste material-feather meal. Currently, feather meal left after poultry processing is used as an animal feed, given its high protein content, and also as a fertilizer because of its high nitrogen content.READ MORE Mansfield Oil acquires C&N CompaniesMansfield Oil Co. is expanding its biofuel marketing capabilities with the purchase of C&N Companies. "Our acquisition of C&N is a win for producers who need a thriving independent marketing partner with the financial strength to compete in today's tough economy," J. Alexander, president of Mansfield Oil, said. The Georgia-based company saw a 415 percent increase in renewable fuels sales last year in the company's 2 billion-gallon sales volume last year.READ MORE Solix completes $16.8 million in Series A fundingSolix Biofuels Inc., an alternative energy technology company for the large-scale commercialization of microalgae-based fuels and co-products, announced the completion of its Series A funding that now includes the international investment group, Shanghai Alliance Investment Ltd. ("SAIL"). Solix will use the additional funding to complete construction and begin operations at its Coyote Gulch Demonstration Facility, which is expected to be in full-scale commercial operation by late summer 2009.READ MORE EPA extends RFS-2 comment period, NBB expresses concern, encourages commentWhile the U.S. EPA officially extended the comment period on its proposed rule for the revised Renewable Fuels Standard, the National Biodiesel Board fears the hardship that may fall on the biodiesel industry if the implementation of the new standard is delayed.The EPA announced July 2 that it extending the comment period by 60 days on the proposed rule. The original comment period was to eng July 27, and will now end Sept. 26. The agency said it seeks to provide the public adequate time to provide meaningful comment while still finalizing and implementing the standards in a timely manner.READ MORE |
|
|