Iowa Plant To Create Fuel From 'Pond Scum'

If all goes as planned, The CO2 coming from an Iowa ethanol plant will soon be used to promote the growth of algae for additional biofuel production. This kind of symbiosis could become important for the biofuel industry.
Iowa Plant To Create Fuel From 'Pond Scum' - The Green Pages News Story - KCCI Des Moines: "SHENANDOAH, Iowa -- In Shenandoah, green algae is going from pond scum to a power source."

Tax incentives for biogas proposed

Perhaps the most important benefit of biogas production from waste manure would be the reduction of odor and water pollution from manure handling. It would also replace some natural gas and produce new rural jobs.
The Independent > Archives > News > Ag > Nelson, Johanns sponsor biogas bill: "Nebraska Sens. Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns are among the sponsors of legislation promoting the development of biogas — a natural gas substitute created by converting agricultural, animal or other organic wastes — through tax incentives."

Bateria increases poplar biomass yield up to 50%

Poplar is being researched as a promising crop for cellulosic ethanol production. These trees grow very fast, even on marginal land unsuitable for most types of food production. It has long been known that many plants rely on organisms such as fingi and bacteria to optimize uptake of nutrients. The research described in the linked article seeks to optimize this relationship by innoculating with the most desireable types of bacteria. This technique might have applications for food crops as well. Farmers already innoculate legume crops on a routine basis to improve nitrogen fixation from the air. Other types of innoculation might be a good way to unlock the potential of nutrients found in the soil, but in a form that is unavailable to most plants.  
Greentech Media: Green Light � Blog Archive � Good News for Zeachem: Bacteria That Increases Poplar Growth

AFEX Pretreatment could reduce cellulosic ethanol cost

A more efficient way of releasing sugars from cellulose could revolutionize cellulosic biofuel production.
MSU-patented process can reduce the cost of making cellulosic biofuels MSU News Michigan State University: "The AFEX (ammonia fiber expansion) pretreatment process, developed by Bruce Dale, University Distinguished Professor of chemical engineering and materials science, uses ammonia to make the breakdown of cellulose and hemicellulose in plants 75 percent more efficient than when conventional enzymes alone are used.The AFEX (ammonia fiber expansion) pretreatment process, developed by Bruce Dale, University Distinguished Professor of chemical engineering and materials science, uses ammonia to make the breakdown of cellulose and hemicellulose in plants 75 percent more efficient than when conventional enzymes alone are used."

Biomass Gasification plus CHP in Denmark

A demonstration plant in Denmark is perfecting biomass gasification combined with CHP (Combined Heat and Power). The BioGas is used to power generators and waste heat is captured and used. This method results in more electricity produced from the biomass as compared to direct burning without gasification.
Biomass Gasification in Skive: Opening Doors in Denmark - Renewable Energy World

Cornell technology makes small scale biogas more feasible

Biogas can be made on a farm or landfill scale with simple technology. Removing the hydrogen sulfide, however, has been a more complicated process and not suited to small scale. It is toxic and needs to be removed for many applications and to reduce pollution. Scientists at Cornell have developed a small scale solution for removing hydrogen sulfide that is suitable for farms and other locations outside the large refineries. Biogas than then be used in properly equipped engines for electricity generation, transportation, and other work.

Cornell Chronicle: Cornell technology makes biogas greener: "Cornell plant scientists have invented a new method that uses manure and other farm byproducts to remove toxic hydrogen sulfide from biogas -- a renewable energy source derived from the breakdown of animal waste."

Companies turning algae Into jet fuel

The article linked below discusses these 5 companies: Solazyme, Inventure Chemical Technology, Sapphire Energy, Aquaflow Bionomic Corp., and Algenol Biofuels.

Algae in the Air: 5 Startups Turning Algae Into Jet Fuel