BIOMASS - GROWING RENEWABLE ENERGY (PART 1 OF 2)
Globe-Net, September 25, 2007
This article is the first of a two-part series on renewable energy – focusing on biomass, its advantages and disadvantages.   The article covers biomass basics as well as biomass from food crops and forest waste.
> Read more: http://www.globe-net.ca/search/display.cfm?NID=3147&CID=2

CAN MAGNETS BOOST ETHANOL PRODUCTION?
Peter Fairley
Technology Review, September 21, 2007
Brazil gets a third of its fuel from sugarcane-based ethanol, and ethanol producers want to increase that figure by refining the fermentation process.  Brazilian researchers report that exposure to magnetic fields increased ethanol yields by as much as 17 percent.  The researchers at the University of Campinas say that they boosted ethanol yield 17 percent and  shaved two hours off of a 15-hour fermentation process simply by circulating the fermentation brew past six magnets, each about the size of an overstuffed wallet.
> Read more: http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/19412/

COMING CLEAN
R. Pool
Enginering & Technology, August 2007, p. 24
On June 7th, Virgin Trains brought in Europe's first train to run partly on fuels derived from crops.  For the next six months the trains will run on 20 per cent biodiesel-diesel blend.  At the end of this time, Virgin will investigate the impact on the engine, running time, and power output, as well as elements impacting passengers, such as noise and vibration.
> Contact the ITC Library to obtain this article.

GASIFICATION OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE PASSES TEST FOR NEW EPA OWHH EMISSION LEVELS
openPR.com
Sequoyah Paradise, a manufacturer of outdoor wood furnaces has developed a new outdoor wood furnace that uses downdraft gasification to make the furnace much more efficient, and produce much less emissions.  This furnace was then tested by Intertech Laboratories, one of the premier emission testing laboratories in the country to see if it would meet the stringent EPA OWHH (Outdoor Wood-fired Hydronic Heaters) voluntary emissions levels. When the testing was complete the results showed that the emissions produced were almost 50% less than the new standard.
> Read more: http://tinyurl.com/256uqc

HYDROGEN FROM ALGAE
Prachi Patel-Predd
Technology Review, September 27, 2007
Algae are a promising source of biofuels: besides being easy to grow and handle, some varieties are rich in oil similar to that produced by soybeans. Algae also produce another fuel, hydrogen, naturally through photosynthesis.  UC Berkeley researchers believe that genetically engineered versions of the tiny green organisms have a good shot at being a viable source for hydrogen.
> Read more: http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/19438/

A LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF ENERGY PRODUCTS: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF BIOFUELS
Rainer Zah, et al.
The Oil Drum, September 23, 2007
Biofuels are currently the most important form of renewable energy in road transportation and could at least over the short to medium term take on a role in reducing greenhouse gases and our dependency on fossil fuels.  The objective of this study is to evaluate the environmental impacts in the whole life cycle of biofuels used in Switzerland. Firstly, an action-oriented analysis of the environmental impacts of renewable energy carriers was to be developed. Secondly, the objective was to draw up a "comprehensive environmental analysis" of the various biofuels, which could serve as a basis for enforcing the exemption of renewable fuels from the excise duty on diesel and petrol. In addition, the effects of using the fuel were to be compared with other ways to use bioenergy, such as heat and power generation.
> Read more: http://www.theoildrum.com/node/2976

NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO PRODUCE BIOFUELS FROM ALGAE
Globe-Net, October 1, 2007
Vancouver-based International Energy, Inc. has entered into a collaborative research agreement for the development of new technologies for the production of biofuels derived directly from the photosynthesis of green microalgae, which can accumulate up to 30% of their biomass in the form of valuable biofuels. International Energy's technology seeks to convert water and carbon dioxide into useful long chain hydrocarbons from the photosynthesis of unicellular microalgae, which offer advantages in the production, storage, and utilization of renewable biofuels, as they can be harvested easily, stored in liquid form and do not require special containment systems.
> Read more: http://www.globe-net.ca/company_news/listing.cfm?ID_News=3161

OHIO COMPANY DEMONSTRATES FIRST-EVER USE OF VEGETABLE OIL IN SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL
Biopact, October 9, 2007
Technology Management, Inc. has announced it has successfully demonstrated the world's first kilowatt-scale Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system that generates electricity using vegetable oil from soybeans. The biofuel powered SOFC opens new perspectives for efficient decentralised power generation in off-grid locations utilizing locally produced fuels, such as for the developing world.
> Read more: http://biopact.com/2007/10/ohio-company-demonstrates-first-ever.html

ONE MOLECULE COULD CURE OUR ADDICTION TO OIL
R. Ratliff
Wired, October 2007, p. 158
Cellulose, found in plant cell walls, is the most abundant naturally occurring organic molecule on the planet and possibly a limitless source of energy.    Apparently the renewable fuels commitments that governments all over the world are making are not going to be fulfilled by corn ethanol. Cellulosic ethanol could be made from plants like switch grass, found throughout the Great Plains, and farmed poplar trees -- which are not food crops.  The challenge: No one has yet figured out how to generate energy from plant matter at a competitive price. The result is that no car on the road today uses a drop of cellulosic ethanol.
> Read more: http://www.wired.com/science/planetearth/magazine/15-10/ff_plant

POWER SWITCH
Springer Science News, September 20, 2007
A recent study by Benjamin Sovacool from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University says the best energy strategies to meet the world’s growing demand for electricity are green, small and local.  He recommends the move to invest in renewable energy systems and small scale decentralized generation technologies which are simultaneously feasible, affordable, environmentally friendly, reliable and secure.
> Read more: http://tinyurl.com/22u8at

HOW SLICK IT IS! FILL'ER UP WITH COOKING OIL, NOT CRUDE OIL
Wired, July 2007, p. 82
Wired Magazine lists the three optimal diesel engines for "filling up" with vegetable oil and why.
> Read more: http://www.wired.com/cars/coolwheels/magazine/15-07/pl_motor

$30 MILLION JUICES STARTUP OF BIOENERGY RESEARCH CENTERS
Environment News Service, October 1, 2007
The three new bioenergy research centers selected by DOE this June got a financial boost recently with the U.S. Department of Energy's investment of nearly $30 million in end of fiscal year 2007 funds. The fiscal year ended September 30. The three centers are located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Madison, Wisconsin; and near Berkeley, California. They bring together multidisciplinary teams of scientists to advance the research needed to make cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels commercially viable on a national scale.
> Read more: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/oct2007/2007-10-01-095.asp

THE ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC AND POLICY ASPECTS OF BIOFUELS
Globe-Net, October 3, 2007
The World Bank's Development Research Group has released a study on the environmental, economic and policy aspects of biofuels (September 2007) that further reinforces the already critical assessments that are being made about the positive and negative aspects of this expanding source of energy.  The study notes that the world is witnessing a sudden growth in production of biofuels, especially those suited for replacing oil like ethanol and biodiesel. But many questions remain about the possible effects of these types of biofuels, particularly on their environmental impacts and their capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  The full report can be obtained here: http://tinyurl.com/2ys8km
> Read more: http://www.globe-net.ca/business_reports/listing.cfm?ID_Report=1280

ALTERNATE ENERGY LOANS TO SPUR BIODIESEL, ETHANOL, WIND: WOWCHUK
Manitoba News Release, September 20, 2007
A new alternate energy loans program will enhance opportunities for individual and provincially-based corporations and partnerships to develop smaller-scale ethanol, biodiesel and wind operations, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk announced.  Loans are available for qualified projects outside of Winnipeg. The loan limit for individuals is $525,000 and $1,050,000 for partnerships and corporations, with terms up to 25 years. Applicants do not have to be directly involved in farming to qualify for the loans.  The loans will be administered through the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC).
> Read more: http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2007-9-01&item=2267

BIOFUELS DEVELOPMENT IN MANITOBA WOULD MOVE FORWARD WITH PROPOSED CHANGES TO LEGISLATION: RONDEAU
Manitoba News Release, October 4, 2007
Streamlining licensing, adopting fuel quality standards and establishing the framework for a biodiesel mandate are among proposed legislative changes reintroduced today by Science, Technology, Energy and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau.  Proposed changes in the Biofuels Amendment Act include: establishing a licensing regime for biodiesel manufacturers; providing for the adoption of biodiesel fuel quality standards; and, creating the framework for a future biodiesel sales mandate.
> Read more: http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=&item=2324

CANADIAN PROVINCE WILL SUPPORT RENEWABLES AND CLEAN COAL
Renewable Energy Focus, September 12, 2007
The province of Saskatchewan will invest $500 million in renewable energy programs.  The government will invest in a suite of sustainable and renewable energy programs that will advance the ‘Green Strategy and Energy and Climate Change Plan.’ Details related to the programs will be announced in coming months.  Expanding wind generation and developing waste heat recovery projects will be among the projects.
> Read more: http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/articles/general/news/070911_saskpower.html

U.S. DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE MILLIONS FOR GREEN FUELS
Renewable Energy Focus, September 12, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy will provide US$33.8 million to support development of enzymes which can enable bio-based production of renewable biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol.  “These enzyme projects will serve as catalysts to the commercial-scale viability of cellulosic ethanol,” says DOE assistant secretary Andy Karsner.
> Read more: http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/articles/general/news/070911_enzymes.html

AGRO-BIOFUEL – IS NO LAUGHING MATTER!
Globe-Net, October 2, 2007
"The production of commonly used biofuels, such as biodiesel from rapeseed and bioethanol from corn (maize), can contribute as much or more to global warming by N2O emissions than cooling by fossil fuel savings."  The conclusion comes from a study by Nobel prize winning chemist Paul J. Crutzen.  The study re-examined the "relationship", on a global basis, between the amount of nitrogen fixed by chemical, biological or atmospheric processes entering the terrestrial biosphere, and total emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) using known global atmospheric removal rates.
> Read more: http://www.globe-net.ca/news/index.cfm?type=2&newsID=3153
> Another article about this study: http://www.futurepundit.com/archives/004610.html

BETTER WELLSBORO
The town of Wellsborro, Pennsylvania is deciding on an ordinance regulating Outdoor Wood Fireplaces (OWFs) or Boilers.  There is a group called Better Wellsboro that feels that OWFs pose a threat to the air quality of their community and present very serious health problems, causing emphysema, lung cancer, and heart disease, and worsening asthma.   They have compiled a list of authoritative resources for the public to become better informed on this topic.
> Read more: http://www.betterwellsboro.org/cleanair/resources.html

USDA FORECASTS HAPPY ENDING TO ETHANOL/FOOD PRICE BATTLE
FoodNavigator.com, October 8, 2007
The link between growing ethanol demand and higher food prices has been overstated, according to the US Agriculture Secretary, who forecasts that supply and price pressures will even out as markets "do their work".  Despite short term difficulties, farmers are responding to rising commodity demands by adding acreage and boosting yields.
> Read more: http://foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=80295

BIOTOWN, USA EXCHANGE MISSION TO GERMANY'S BIOVILLAGE BLOG BY INDIANA AGRICULTURE DIRECTOR ANDY MILLER
Representatives from Indiana’s BioTown, USA traveled to Germany from September 17-22, 2007, to meet with residents of Bioenergy Village, Juehnde, which is the first village in Germany to produce its complete heat and electricity supply from bioenergy.  This is a blog (log) of their mission.  BioTown USA (a.k.a., Reynolds, Indiana) was created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005, to model energy self-sufficiency.  The BioTown web site offers information on the technologies and materials they are concentrating on.
> Read more: http://www.biotownusa.com/index.php?fa=c.content&content_id=23;
> Web site: http://www.biotownusa.com/

GRASSBIOENERGY.ORG
This Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences web site focuses on grasses as a biofuel.  It takes 70 million years to grow a crop of fossil fuel. Grass pellets have great potential as a low-tech, small-scale, environmentally-friendly, renewable energy system that can be locally produced, locally processed and locally consumed.   The web site includes grass management research as well as details and images on pellet stoves, boilers, and gasifiers.
> Web site: http://www.grassbioenergy.org/home.asp

TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP: FUTURE FUELS FOR THE APEC REGION
Compiled by David E. Minns
September 2005
This Technology Roadmap is an overview document of technical and factual information from experts from throughout the APEC region.  It explores the future fuel options and their interaction over the time period 2005-2030: Unconventional hydrocarbons, Biofuels, and Hydrogen.
> Web site: http://tinyurl.com/yuv44b

TECHNOLOGY ROADMAPS: BIO-BASED FEEDSTOCKS, FUELS AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
2003
The objective of the innovation roadmap is to identify technology-based opportunities for utilizing Canada’s abundant bioresources in order to grow the economy while protecting the environment and our quality of life. The roadmap report covers a number of chemical and bioconversion technologies, and identifies both immediate and future markets for the bio-based economy. A recurring theme in this roadmap is that new biotechnologies have the potential to capture economically viable materials and energy from virgin biomass such as primary crops (agricultural, forestry and marine) and from their residual by-products. Another recurring theme is “your waste is my feedstock.”
> Web site: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/trm-crt.nsf/en/rm00114e.html; or,
> Web site: http://tinyurl.com/2yy86v (PDF version)

MAKING WOOD WORK: LOCAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS
October 16-18, 2007, Holiday Inn Parkside, Missoula, Montana
National 3-day workshop on implementing woody biomass energy systems.
>Details: http://fuelsforschools.org/biomass_boiler_workshop.html

INTERNATIONAL DISTILLERS GRAINS CONFERENCE: EDUCATING & EMPOWERING END USERS
October 21-23, 2007
Schaumberg, Illinois
>Read more: https://www.distillersgrainsconference.com/DisplayPage.aspx?pageId=1

2007 BIOBASED INDUSTRY OUTLOOK CONFERENCE: Growing the Bioeconomy
November 5-6, 2007
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
>Details: http://www.bioeconomyconference.org/

4TH ANNUAL CANADIAN RENEWABLE FUELS SUMMIT: Building on the Promise
December 2-4, 2007
Quebec City, Canada
>Details: http://www.crfs2007.com/

2ND ANNUAL MIDWST AG ENERGY NETWORK SUMMIT: NEXT GENERATION AG ENERGY: POLICIES TO ADVANCE REGIONAL GROWTH
February 5-6, 2008
Madison, WI
>Details: http://www.midwestagenergy.net/index.html

GROWING THE MARGINS: ENERGY, BIOPRODUCTS AND BYPRODUCTS FOR FARM AND FOOD SECTORS
April 2-5, 2008
London, Ontario
>Details: http://www.gtmconf.ca/welcome.htm

INTERNATIONAL BIOMASS '08 CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW: POWER, FUELS, AND CHEMICALS
April 15-17, 2008
Minneapolis, MN
>Details: http://www.biomassconference.com/speaker.aspx

WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY CONFERENCE 2008
March 4-6, 2008
Washington, DC
>Details: http://www.wirec2008.gov/

THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL BIOENERGY CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION
June 3-5, 2008, Prince George, BC
Details: http://www.bioenergyconference.org/index.php