Major Stories
Everything, Everywhere, All At Once: The African Bio-Economy Story
By Douglas L. Faulkner, “The Cleantech Conservative” and Gerard J. Ostheimer, PhD Special to the Digest With a nod to the Oscar winning movie of the same name, we want to convey a sense of where the African Bioeconomy is now, where it could be headed, and what is needed for vibrant, enduring growth. The […]
Heard on the Floor at ABLC
“We’re out of time”. Everyone’s heard the phrase, perhaps most recently in the third act of the motion picture Passengers. But I hadn’t heard it from Charlie Wyman, the legendary NREL researchers, AAAS Fellow, co-founder of Mascoma, and one of the fathers of consolidated bioprocessing, until ABLC. The subject was deployment vs development, whether we […]
The 50 Hottest Companies in the Bioeconomy 2023
In Washington, the Digest released the rankings for the 50 Hottest Companies in the Bioeconomy. Out of more than 2,000 sector companies, the winners are:
State of the Bioeconomy 2023
The opening session of ABLC features the State of the Bioeconomy presentation. Here are the slides from the presentation by Digest editor & publisher Jim Lane on the evening of March 22nd covering advanced ethanol. renewable diesel, SAF, renewable chemicals, biomaterials, RNG, hydrogen, feedstocks and supply chain, finance and policy.
Biden Administration to unveil “bold goals” for biotechnology, biomanufacturing
In Washington, the Biden Administration unveiled bold new goals for biotechnology and biomanufacturing, plus a new report — a delegation of 14 high-ranking officials are headed to ABLC 2023 this week in the capital to provide first reactions and briefings to the bioeconomy industry on the new goals and targets of the Administration. Dr. Arati […]
8-Slide Guides
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Ag-Grid Energy
AgGrid Energy is one of our most admired biogas project developers, and is on a rapid expansion curve as many of the best biogas companies are right now. Rashi Akki gave this overview of the company’s promise and progress, milestones achieved and ahead, at ABLC 2023.
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Greenfields vs Retrofits
Last week on the REenergize online series, we looked at the question of when to go greenfield, when to look for a retrofit or a co-location. We identified 18 key decision points, and in this presentation, we relate them back to actual companies and projects looking at those criteria to decide how to progress on […]
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Chevron
With the acquisition of REG and investments in companies such as Raven SR, Chevron has signaled that, as CEO Mike Wirth put it, “we believe the future of energy to be lower carbon. We intend to be a leader today, and in that future.” The Chevron team prepared this company investor update for distribution this […]
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to The Andersons
The company aims to be “ the Most Nimble and Innovative North American Ag Supply Chain Company,” and has operations in the purchase and merchandising of grain, ethanol and plant nutrients (suppling primary nutrients; strong warehouse and farm center network in Eastern Corn Belt). This up to date presentation covers the newer lines of business […]
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to BASF
One of the bioeconomy’s largest public companies has an updated presentation out — all the markets, technologies, sources of revenues, trends, lines of business — launch-stage, growth-stage, maturity and end of life. The BASF team prepared this company investor update for distribution this year.
The Latest World News
Neste charters two e-methanol enabled vessels from Terntank Rederi
In Finland, Neste has signed an agreement with Terntank Rederi A/S for time chartering two new lower-emission product tankers. The tankers are tailored to transport a wide variety of liquid cargoes including renewable raw materials, such as waste and residue oils and fats, to Neste’s refineries. At the refineries, products such as renewable diesel and […]
Canada Infrastructure Bank loans Varennes Carbon Recycling $202M
In Canada, Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has concluded the financing on its first project from its low-carbon fuels, carbon capture utilization storage and hydrogen initiative with support for a biorefinery and the country’s largest electrolyzer. Under the terms of the agreement, the CIB will provide a loan of C$277 million to a joint-venture partnership between […]
Montana Renewables invited to submit part 2 for $600M DOE loan application
In Indiana, Calumet Specialty Products Partners, announced that its Montana Renewables subsidiary has been invited by the U.S. Department of Energy to submit a Part II Application for a $600 million loan guarantee through the Title XVII Innovative Clean Energy Loan Guarantee Program. Established via Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the […]
Bioplastics International scores pending US Patent for sugarcane-based Polyvinyl Alcohol
In Arizona, Bioplastics International now has a US Patent Pending for the world’s first and only water-soluble sugar cane Polyvinyl Alcohol, to replace a large portion of the world’s plastics, to instantly stop plastic pollution. Polyvinyl Alcohol, or PVA, is a hydrophilic, synthetic polymer, which dissolves in any kind of water, however, is stronger than […]
3i Infrastructure acquires UK’s Future Biogas
In the UK, 3i Infrastructure has acquired Future Biogas, a founder led group developing and operating biogas plants across the UK. Future Biogas is the largest biomethane producer in the UK and currently operates 11 biogas plants across the UK, which it has developed and subsequently sold to institutional investors. 3i Infrastructure’s investment will support […]
R&D News
Brazilian researchers increase 2G ethanol efficiency via metabolic engineering
In Brazil, a Brazilian study paves the way to increased efficiency of second-generation (2G) ethanol production based on the discovery of novel targets for metabolic engineering in a more robust strain of industrial yeast. An article on the study is published in the journal Scientific Reports. The databases compiled by the authors are at the disposal of the […]
AFYREN’s 2022 revenues up 14% year-on-year
In France, local firm AFYREN reported its revenues for 2022 totaled $3.8 million, up 14% compared to $3.26 million in 2021. The net result amounts to a loss of $10 million at the end of 2022, compared with a loss of $3.9 million at the end of 2021. The firm said that the net loss […]
Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center receives funding renewal
In Michigan, Michigan State University reported that the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), another five years of funding to develop sustainable alternatives to gasoline, diesel and other hydrocarbon fuels as well as products currently made from petroleum. The center will receive $27.5 million for 2023 research. The […]
Chinese researchers develop catalysts for CO2 photoelectroreduction to ethanol
In China, artificial photosynthesis (AP), using sunlight to produce valuable chemicals and fuels from carbon dioxide (CO2), is a promising strategy to achieve solar energy storage as well as negative carbon cycle. However, artificial photosynthesis is quite complex and involves multiple sequential and parallel steps. What’s more, thermodynamically favorable C1 products can be produced from […]
Policy & Policymakers
French study shows E85 as beneficial to the climate as 100% electric
In France, a study shows that plug-in hybrid vehicles running on Superethanol-E85 are as beneficial for the climate as 100% electric. Plug-in hybrid vehicles running on Superethanol-E85 are as beneficial for the climate as 100% electric according to an IFP Energies nouvelles study. The study carried out by IFPEN’s Economics and Environmental Assessment Department […]
Indian government amends export policy for biofuels
In India, the Economic Times reported that the Indian government said the export of biofuel from special economic zones and export oriented units are allowed for fuel as well as non-fuel purposes without any restriction, if the biofuel is produced by using imported feed stock. On August 28, 2018, the government had imposed restrictions on […]
Next Generation Fuels Act reintroduced into the Senate
In Washington, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) led bipartisan colleagues in reintroducing the Next Generation Fuels Act, legislation that would leverage higher-octane fuels to improve engine efficiency and performance. Allowing the sale of fuels with greater octane levels would increase the amount of ethanol that can be utilized in the fuel supply, in turn lowering prices […]
Italy insisting on biofuels inclusion in post-2035 ICE phase out
In Belgium, Reuters reports that Italy is fighting for the inclusion of biofuels along with carbon-neutral efuels-powered internal combustion engines post-2035, which it is demanding in exchange for allowing the proposed ICE phase out after that date. Germany is also fighting against the proposed law, insisting on the efuels waiver, while Poland and the Czech […]
Four Midwest governors request E15 emergency waiver
In South Dakota, Governor Kristi Noem, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz, and Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen sent a letter to EPA Administrator Regan requesting an emergency waiver to allow for E15 this summer during driving season. Administrator Regan approved an April 28, 2022 petition to allow for year-round sales of E15, but […]
Other Recent Articles
US FDA clears GOOD Meat’s cultivated chicken for sale
In California, cultivated meat maker GOOD Meat has received a “no questions” letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its cultivated chicken, marking just the second such approval in the United States. The letter means that “following a careful and rigorous evaluation,” the FDA has accepted the company’s conclusion that its first poultry […]
adidas launches sugarcane foam slides
In Germany, sneaker and sportswear brand adidas has launched a renewable version of its popular adiFOM Adilette slides. The slip-ons feature the black and white scheme and three stripes synonymous with the brand, but also include at least 25% renewable materials. The biobased content comes from sugarcane-based foam. The comfy, easy-on slides are available on […]
Bioplastics maker Danimer Scientific announces $130-million term loan
In Georgia, Danimer Scientific, Inc. has closed a new $130-million senior secured term loan that “significantly improves its near-term liquidity position, and enables it to maintain strategic and operational flexibility.” Arranged by Jefferies, the loan bears an annual rate of 14.4%. After customary fees and expenses, net proceeds to Danimer were $98.6 million, of which […]
Stora Enso and Kolon Industries partner on biobased FDCA
In Sweden, Stora Enso and Kolon Industries have signed a Joint Development Agreement to develop biobased polyesters and downstream applications, as well as renewable binder resin formulations for applications such as packaging, car tire reinforcements, and films for electronics, panels and displays. The development work will combine Stora Enso’s FuraCore® process for converting fructose into […]
Hyosung looks to Origin Materials to advance biobased batteries, auto parts and apparel
In California, Hyosung Materials has signed a reservation agreement to source biobased materials from Origin Materials for use in batteries, automotive parts, and apparel. Under the terms of the agreement, Hyosung Advanced Materials will purchase biobased materials from Origin Materials, including polyethylene terephthalate and a blend of PET and furandicarboxylic acid for use in tire […]
Pig poop pavement project wins grant
In Illinois, a project looking to convert pig manure and food waste into biobased binding material for road construction and roofing shingles has won a prestigious pitch competition. Conceived by Yuanhui Zhang, a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign professor and founder of the Environment-Enhancing Energy Laboratory, the project will receive $2.5 million from the USDA’s […]
