Solar Beats Soy by Miles as Top Energy Source

Below are the results of a study conducted by Ken Regelson of Five Star Consultants that looks at the "yield in miles driven per acre of land per year," in comparing sources of alternative fuels/energy.

2,400 miles per acre = Soy BioDiesel

18,000 miles per acre = Corn Ethanol

31,000 miles per acre = Palm Oil BioDiesel

32,000 miles per acre = Swithgrass Ethanol

180,000 miles per acre = Wind

370,000 miles per acre = Algae Biodiesel

2,250,000 miles per acre = Solar Photovoltaics

See the Source:

EV World

Biofuels at Bottom of List of Low-Carbon Technologies

BBC Reports on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Low-Carbon Technology Survey

- “Of 18 technologies suggested by IUCN, the current generation of biofuels came bottom of the list, with only 21% believing in its potential to ‘lower overall carbon levels in the atmosphere without unacceptable side effects’ over the next 25 years.” (Richard Black, “Tackling climate change – Bali summit,” BBC News Web site, December 11, 2007)

- “Although the EU and the US are attempting to boost the expansion of biofuels, recent evidence is equivocal about their potential. Studies show they may produce only marginal carbon savings compared to conventional petrol and diesel.” (Richard Black, “Tackling climate change – Bali summit,” BBC News Web site, December 11, 2007)

- “In Indonesia and elsewhere, forests are being cleared for palm oil plantations, partly to produce biofuels. There is evidence that leaving forests intact results in greater climate benefits while protecting biodiversity.” (Richard Black, “Tackling climate change – Bali summit,” BBC News Web site, December 11, 2007)


Highlight from the Survey – Bicycles, Clean Coal, Co-Generation Rank Higher Than Biofuels
Survey respondents ranked “Human-powered vehicles,” “Co-generation (electricity and heat),” and “Clean coal technology – new build” higher than “First generation bio-fuels from agricultural crops.” (Climate Decision Maker Survey, World Conservation Union, November 22 – December 5, 2007, 1000 Respondents from 105 Countries)

N2O Emissions Negate Potential CO2 Savings
“…[D]epending on N content, the use of several agricultural crops for energy production can readily lead to N2O emissions large enough to cause climate warming instead of cooling by ‘saved fossil CO2’.” (P. J. Crutzen, A. R. Mosier, K. A. Smith, and W. Winiwarter, “N2O Release from Agro-Biofuel Production Negates Global Warming Reduction by Replacing Fossil Fuels,” Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions, August 1, 2007)

See the Source:
Business Wire/NPRA

Find out:
How to reduce NOx emissions by up to 95% from lean burn engines, gas turbines and coal power plants.

environmental news
global-warming

In the News: Carbon Reporting and Biodiesel

National Express Group Biodiesel Trials
National Express Group (The Group), one of UK's leading transport groups, announced on August 6th that it has suspended its ‘first generation’ UK biodiesel bus trial due to concerns over whether the benefits outweigh the risk to the sustainability of food crop sources.

The Group has called a halt to the trial on its UK buses until so called ‘second generation’ biofuels, which use non food crops such as wood chips and straw, are available or issues relating to the sustainability of the production have been addressed.

The move follows an internal review of the benefits of biofuels and consultation with a number of environmental organizations including Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, WWF and the Climate Group who have also raised a number of issues associated with the use of first generation biofuels.

Chief Executive Richard Bowker said: “Biofuels may well have a role to play in helping us reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases arising from transport operations in the future. We are not dismissing the role they may play in the future, but based on the evidence today I think it is vital that we wait for issues relating to the sustainability of supply are resolved before we press ahead with trials of biodiesel.

“Moving forward, we will continue to look at the options for biodiesel. We will work with our supply chain to ensure that there will be proven technology available which we can use for second generation biofuels when these are available in a few years’ time.

“The issue with biofuels is complex and what appears to be the green option may not actually be green after all. NX will continue to focus on delivering the commitments for improving efficiency and making the point that our coach operations are already a low carbon transport network.”

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National Express Group


California requires CO2 Reporting
The California Air Resources Board has issued a new requirement for vehicle and engine manufacturers to report CO2 emissions. The new requirements apply to all off-road and on-road engine and vehicle categories for 2008 and subsequent model years. A letter detailing the reporting requirements has been sent to manufacturers of passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and on-road, off-road, and marine engines.

See the Source:
Association of Emissions Control by Catalyst - AECC Newsletter


U.S Biodiesel Production Capacity
There are currently 165 companies that have invested millions of dollars into the development of biodiesel manufacturing plants and are actively marketing biodiesel. The annual production capacity from these plants is 1.85 billion gallons per year.

Eighty companies have reported plants under construction and are scheduled to be completed within the next 18 months. An additional four plants are expanding existing operations. Combined capacity of all plants, if realized, would result in another 1.37 billion gallons per year of biodiesel production.

See the Source:
National Biodiesel Board

Senator Bingaman on Alternative Fuel Vehicles

On May 1st, Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico chaired a hearing to explore possible incentives Congress should consider in helping to expand the availability of advance technology vehicles in our country. He also opened conversation on how the United States can become the world leader in manufacturing alternative fuels.

Bingaman invited Martin Eberhard, CEO of Tesla Motors, to testify. The hearing in the Finance Committee's Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure took a closer look at what incentives are needed to create a larger market for vehicles that use less - or no - fossil fuels, and to encourage more companies like Tesla Motors to manufacture their products in the U.S. Bingaman is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure.

"Right now, over 50 percent of the nearly 21 million barrels of oil we use each day in the U.S. is imported. And almost 70 percent of that oil consumption is used in the transportation sector. These numbers suggest that in order to achieve energy security, we need to reduce our use of imported fuels. We can begin this effort by becoming efficient users of transportation fuels," Bingaman said.

The U.S. tax code has several incentives to encourage manufacturers and consumers to build and purchase more fuel efficient vehicles. There are tax penalties that apply to the purchase of the least fuel efficient vehicles. The tax code also features credits, against income or excise tax, for bio-based fuel blends that take the place of imported fuels.

But the Senator wants to do more. "We have taken steps that allow us to continue providing incentives to all types of advanced technologies that increase our fuel efficiency and reduce polluting emissions. What we learned today is that we also need to provide incentives for manufacturers to produce these technologies in the United States," Bingaman said. Today the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee met to vote on legislation to promote the efficient use of energy, expand the use of biofuels and to invest in research and development capture and storing of carbon emissions.

See the Source:
United States Senator – Jeff Bingaman

current issues

Give Me a Bucket of Extra Crunchy - Diesel?

Tyson Foods, Inc. and ConocoPhillips have announced an alliance to produce and market renewable diesel fuel from animal fat. Using beef, pork and poultry by-product fat, the two corporations will cooperate in manufacturing a diesel fuel mixture that meets all federal standards for ultra-low-sulfur diesel, with an expected future production of 175 million gallons per year.

“We are firmly committed to leveraging our leadership position in the food industry to identify and commercialize renewable energy opportunities,” said Richard L. Bond, Tyson president and chief executive officer. “This strategic alliance is a big win for the entire agricultural sector because it paves the way for greater participation of fats and oils in renewable fuels.”

“ConocoPhillips believes the key to a secure energy future is the development and efficient use of diverse energy sources,” said Jim Mulva, ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer. “This alliance will provide a new and significant contribution to our nation’s domestic renewable fuel supply. It also offers an excellent opportunity to use our company’s manufacturing expertise and advanced technology to help increase the supply of renewable fuels and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

See the Source:
Conoco Phillips-Tyson Alliance

Town, City, University to Use Biodiesel Fuel

Illustrating their commitment to sustaining the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Town of Blacksburg, City of Roanoke, and Virginia Tech are converting their diesel fuel-powered public works and facilities vehicles and power equipment to biodiesel fuel — a cleaner-burning, renewable diesel fuel replacement made primarily from soybean oil.

The biodiesel initiative is tied to the Town of Blacksburg and City of Roanoke’s membership in the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) — Local Governments for Sustainability. Members of ICLEI agree to complete a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, formulate an action plan for greenhouse gas mitigation, and implement the changes and monitor the resulting progress.

The City of Roanoke has converted 365 pieces of equipment – 100 percent of its diesel vehicles and equipment – to biodiesel. This includes school buses, trucks, fire trucks, front-end loaders as well as assorted smaller equipment. The Town of Blacksburg plans to convert 100 percent of its Public Works Department diesel powered fleet by August 2007. Virginia Tech will also convert the majority of its Physical Plant Operations fleet to biodiesel by August.

City of Roanoke among pioneers of renewable resources in Southwest Virginia
The City of Roanoke began using B2 biodiesel fuel in December 2006 in diesel powered fleet vehicles and Roanoke City School buses. B2 is a blending of two percent biodiesel and 98 percent diesel fuel.

“Protecting the environment is one of the most important issues in Southwest Virginia and in America today,” said Harris. “This action taken by Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, and Roanoke is a significant step in the right direction. The use of biodiesel will help us reduce the carbon footprint in the Roanoke Valley and New River Valley.”

Town of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech partner in B20 biodiesel conversion
Virginia Tech will work closely with the Town of Blacksburg in support of the Cool Cities Coalition (http://www.coolcities.us/) initiative. Combined, the Town of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech will convert more than 70 diesel fueled vehicles and equipment to B20 biodiesel fuel – a blend of 20 percent by volume biodiesel with 80 percent by volume petroleum diesel.

B20 biodiesel has demonstrated significant environmental benefits with a minimum increase in cost. Use of biodiesel fuel reduces environmentally harmful emissions. This biodegradable, low toxicity fuel is a fully renewable energy source produced in the United States.

“We’re honored to share this biodiesel initiative with the City of Roanoke and Virginia Tech” said Rordam. “The environment is everyone’s responsibility and it’s through partnerships such as these that we will make an indelible impact on the future for generations to come.”

The Town of Blacksburg will convert more than 50 fleet vehicles and equipment to B20 biodiesel. The Town plans to utilize an existing compartmentalized 10,000 gallon above ground fuel storage tank with two 5,000 gallon storage sections and separate dispensing pumps for the biodiesel initiative, with one 5,000 gallon section dedicated to biodiesel fuel and the other to diesel.

The town is also considering a proposal to convert Blacksburg Transit (BT) vehicles to the alternative fuel source. BT will initiate a pilot project with one van this summer and a bus in August, before deciding to convert the entire fleet.

Virginia Tech plans to convert approximately 20 vehicles used by Physical Plant Operations to biodiesel fuel by August 2007. In addition, the university plans to convert some off-road equipment (large lawn mowers, for example) once the conversion of these vehicles is complete.

“Virginia Tech is committed to creating a sustainable environment both on and off campus,” said James Hyatt, Virginia Tech’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “We welcome the opportunity to partner with local municipalities in hopes of broadening the positive impact on the environment through this biodiesel initiative.”

Initially, Virginia Tech will fuel its newly converted biodiesel vehicles and equipment at the Town of Blacksburg’s fuel tank. Webb Oil Corporation of Roanoke will supply B20 biodiesel fuel to the town and the university. B20 biodiesel fuel is typically slightly more expensive than regular diesel fuel.

Blacksburg joins Alexandria, Charlottesville, Richmond, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg as those municipalities in Virginia participating in the Cool Cities initiative.

To announce the initiative, the Town of Blacksburg, City of Roanoke and Virginia Tech will host an environmental celebration at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 17 in Blacksburg. The event will be held at the Five Chimney’s Lawn (corner of Washington Street and Draper Road). Roanoke Mayor Nelson Harris, Blacksburg Mayor Ron Rordam, and Larry Hincker, associate vice president for university relations at Virginia Tech, will announce the biodiesel initiative. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Blacksburg Police Department Training Room (200 Clay Street).

See the Source:
VirginiaTech
Cool Cities Coalition

Presidential Contender, Gov. Richardson Enacts Major Clean Energy Bills in New Mexico

Governor Bill Richardson wants to make New Mexico the “Clean Energy State” and has recently enacted four state bills that promote investment in clean electricity generation and reduction in New Mexico’s dependence on foreign oil. In the past he has aggressively promoted wind power, solar energy and biofuels, as well as new technologies being developed in New Mexico to provide clean energy and emissions control technology.

“These bills will keep New Mexico’s rapidly growing clean energy economy moving forward,” said Governor Richardson. “New Mexico is showing that we can create jobs through spurring significant investment in electricity generation from our world-class solar and wind resources, promoting advanced coal technologies, building more efficient homes and offices, and increasing the production and use of biodiesel.”

Bills recently signed are as follows:

SB 994 (Cisneros) Advanced Energy Tax Credit
Is the first tax credit in the nation to cover carbon capture technology and include specific capture goals for coal-fired power plants.

SB 489 (Ortiz y Pino) Biodiesel Blend Required by 2012
Requires by 2012 that 5% of every gallon of diesel fuel sold in New Mexico come from an agricultural source.

HB 318 (Wirth) Power plant mercury emissions control
Protects New Mexico citizens from the damaging effects of mercury pollution by passing higher state standards than allowed by the federal government.

SB 463 (Cisneros) Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit Amendments
Contains six tax incentives to promote clean energy.

“These vital pieces of legislation will work hand in glove with the other major clean energy bills I enacted earlier this session – the Renewable Energy Transmission Authority and the quadrupling of the Renewable Portfolio Standard – to continue to make New Mexico the nation’s Clean Energy State,” said Governor Richardson.

See the Source:
Office of New Mexico Governor Richardson

Find out:
About a New Mexico company at the forefront of emissions control technology

Fueling the Biofuel Conversation

A recent study by the United State Department of Agriculture and Colorado State University, entitled “Net Greenhouse Gas Flux of Bioenergy Cropping Systems Using DAYCENT,” has conducted the first complete analysis of greenhouse gas emissions from biofuel production. After testing seven different crops used in the manufacturing of biofuels using the DAYCENT biogeochemistry model, the results show a significant variation in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy generated in comparison to greenhouse gases emitted from fossil fuels.

The report reveals that comparing the life cycle of gasoline and diesel to ethanol derived from corn and soybean, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by around 40 percent. These crops are at the low end of the spectrum in comparison to crops of switchgrass and hybrid poplar with a reduction of 115 percent.

Recent controversy has arisen over the actual fuel efficiency of biofuels in comparison to fossil fuels due to the process needed to refine bioenergy crops into liquid fuel, the environmental degradation evolved with growing and transporting crops, and the possible increase in other emissions such as NOx. Some researchers have concluded that taking these facts into consideration, ethanol actually produces a net energy loss rather than a gain.

USDA and NREL researcher, Stephen Del Grosso states, "although fossil fuel inputs are required to produce and process biofuels, hybrid poplar and switchgrass converted to ethanol compensate for these emissions and actually remove greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere when the benefits of co-products are included. Greenhouse gas savings from biomass gasification for electricity generation are even greater. This research provides the basis for evaluating net biofuel greenhouse gas emissions and highlights the need to improve the technologies used for large scale conversion of biomass to energy and to more fully exploit agricultural co-products.”

"We used extensive observed greenhouse gas flux and crop yield data to verify DAYCENT model predictions of crop yields and net greenhouse gas fluxes from all of the biofuel crop rotations. DAYCENT model results were combined with life cycle analyses of crop production, conversion to biofuel, and fossil fuel displaced to estimate net greenhouse gas emissions," said William Parton, a NREL researcher.

The study was unique in that it offered a complete analysis of different crops, varying in respect to length of plant life cycle, yields, biomass conversion efficiencies, required nutrients, net soil carbon balance, nitrogen losses and other specifics which impact crop management. The net greenhouse gas flux for each crop was calculated by combining the DAYCENT results with estimates of fossil fuels used by agricultural machinery in growing of the crops and the amount of fossil fuels offset from biomass yields.

See the Source:
Colorado State University
USDA – Fact Sheet
Is Ethanol Fuel Really Better for the Environment than Sticking with Gas?

Alt-Fuels Pioneer Wins $100,000 Award for Sustainability

Lee Lynd, a Dartmouth College professor and the co-founder of Mascoma Corp., a cellulosic biomass-to-ethanol company, has received the first Lemelson-MIT Award for Systainability honoring his 25 years of achievements and research into alternative fuels. He received the $100,000 award on April 2nd, which recognizes inventors whose products or processes improve economic opportunity and community well-being, and at the same time protect and restore the natural environment.

Professor Lynd and his colleagues have researched and identified advanced technologies for converting biomass such as grass, using cellulose-utilizing bacteria to produce ethanol, resulting in a sustainable carbon cycle with no net emissions of carbon dioxide –
a process configuration known as consolidated bioprocessing (CBP).

“Decades ago, Lee Lynd started doing something about global warming and the rapid depletion of the world’s non-renewable energy resources,” said Merton Flemings, director of the Lemelson-MIT Program. “He continued to experiment and pursue his ideas even when the conventional wisdom said they couldn’t be done.”

“Lee’s groundbreaking research has driven forward the public policy debate, the business world, and the fundamental science of bioenergy,” said Nathanael Greene, a senior policy analyst at the Natural Resources Defense Council, and one of Lynd’s nominators for the $100,000 Lemelson-MIT Award for Sustainability. “His work has helped frame our basic understanding of the sustainable potential for bioenergy and especially biofuels.”

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Business Wire

Small Businesses: Big Payoffs in New Technologies for America

Washington, D.C. -- March 8, 2007 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced $2.52 million in contracts to 36 small businesses to develop new technologies that will protect human health and the environment. Recipients of these awards will research issues that range from protecting the Great Lakes to homeland security to nanotechnology and more.

President Bush understands the health and prosperity of our nation is due to the strength and ingenuity of our small businesses," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "These grants will help spur innovation from America's small businesses so they can continue driving our economy and powering our environmental successes."

The awards were given to businesses in 22 states under EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. SBIR was established to ensure that new technologies are developed to solve priority environmental problems. EPA is one of 12 federal agencies that participate in the SBIR program, enacted in 1982 to strengthen the role of small businesses in federal research and development, create jobs, and promote U.S. technical innovation in the United States.

These awards will focus on 14 key environmental areas: protecting the Great Lakes; improving air quality; monitoring metals from incinerators; developing sensors to determine whether waters are safe for swimming; finding new techniques for "green" buildings; managing mining wastes; reducing pollution from animal feeding operations; treating drinking water; managing wastewater; finding innovations in manufacturing for environmental protection; protecting the environment using nanotechnology; reducing engine and vehicle emissions; improving homeland security; and developing new methods to produce biodiesel, butanol and ethanol.

There are approximately 25 million small businesses in the United States that employ more than 50 percent of workers and develop most of the country's new technologies. To participate in SBIR, a small business must have fewer than 500 employees, and at least 51 percent of the business must be owned by U.S. citizens.

From March 15 to May 23, 2007, EPA will again be requesting applications for the development of new environmental technologies.

See the Source:
EPA's SBIR web site

Find out:
How to reduce stationary diesel engine emissions with diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems

DOE Selects Six Cellulosic Ethanol Plants for Up to $385 Million in Federal Funding

Funding to help bring cellulosic ethanol to market and help revolutionize the industry

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman today announced that DOE will invest up to $385 million for six biorefinery projects over the next four years. When fully operational, the biorefineries are expected to produce more than 130 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year. This production will help further President Bush’s goal of making cellulosic ethanol cost-competitive with gasoline by 2012 and, along with increased automobile fuel efficiency, reduce America’s gasoline consumption by 20 percent in ten years.

“These biorefineries will play a critical role in helping to bring cellulosic ethanol to market, and teaching us how we can produce it in a more cost effective manner,” Secretary Bodman said. “Ultimately, success in producing inexpensive cellulosic ethanol could be a key to eliminating our nation’s addiction to oil. By relying on American ingenuity and on American farmers for fuel, we will enhance our nation’s energy and economic security.”

Today’s announcement is one part of the Bush Administration’s comprehensive plan to support commercialization of scientific breakthroughs on biofuels. Specifically, these projects directly support the goals of President Bush’s Twenty in Ten Initiative, which aims to increase the use of renewable and alternative fuels in the transportation sector to the equivalent of 35 billion gallons of ethanol a year by 2017. Funding for these projects is an integral part of the President’s Biofuels Initiative that will lead to the wide-scale use of non-food based biomass, such as agricultural waste, trees, forest residues, and perennial grasses in the production of transportation fuels, electricity, and other products. The solicitation, announced a year ago, was initially for three biorefineries and $160 million. However, in an effort to expedite the goals of President Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative and help achieve the goals of his Twenty in Ten Initiative, within authority of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005), Section 932, Secretary Bodman raised the funding ceiling.

“We had a number of very good proposals, but these six were considered ‘meritorious’ by a merit review panel made up of bioenergy experts. So I thought it would be best to front-end some more funding now, so that we could all reap the benefits of the President’s vision sooner,” Secretary Bodman said.

Combined with the industry cost share, more than $1.2 billion will be invested in these six biorefineries. Negotiations between the selected companies and DOE will begin immediately to determine final project plans and funding levels. Funding will begin this fiscal year and run through FY 2010. EPAct authorized DOE to solicit and fund proposals for the commercial demonstration of advanced biorefineries that use cellulosic feedstocks to produce ethanol and co-produce bioproducts and electricity.
The following six projects were selected:

Abengoa Bioenergy Biomass of Kansas, LLC of Chesterfield, Missouri, up to $76 million.The proposed plant will be located in the state of Kansas. The plant will produce 11.4 million gallons of ethanol annually and enough energy to power the facility, with any excess energy being used to power the adjacent corn dry grind mill. The plant will use 700 tons per day of corn stover, wheat straw, milo stubble, switchgrass, and other feedstocks.
Abengoa Bioenergy Biomass investors/participants include: Abengoa Bioenergy R&D, Inc.; Abengoa Engineering and Construction, LLC; Antares Corp.; and Taylor Engineering.

ALICO, Inc. of LaBelle, Florida, up to $33 million.The proposed plant will be in LaBelle (Hendry County), Florida. The plant will produce 13.9 million gallons of ethanol a year and 6,255 kilowatts of electric power, as well as 8.8 tons of hydrogen and 50 tons of ammonia per day. For feedstock, the plant will use 770 tons per day of yard, wood, and vegetative wastes and eventually energycane.ALICO, Inc. investors/participants include: Bioengineering Resources, Inc. of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Washington Group International of Boise, Idaho; GeoSyntec Consultants of Boca Raton, Florida; BG Katz Companies/JAKS, LLC of Parkland, Florida; and Emmaus Foundation, Inc.

BlueFire Ethanol, Inc. of Irvine, California, up to $40 million.The proposed plant will be in Southern California. The plant will be sited on an existing landfill and produce about 19 million gallons of ethanol a year. As feedstock, the plant would use 700 tons per day of sorted green waste and wood waste from landfills.BlueFire Ethanol, Inc. investors/participants include: Waste Management, Inc.; JGC Corporation; MECS Inc.; NAES; and PetroDiamond.

Broin Companies of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, up to $80 million.The plant is in Emmetsburg (Palo Alto County), Iowa, and after expansion, it will produce 125 million gallons of ethanol per year, of which roughly 25percent will be cellulosic ethanol. For feedstock in the production of cellulosic ethanol, the plant expects to use 842 tons per day of corn fiber, cobs, and stalks.
Broin Companies participants include: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company; Novozymes North America, Inc.; and DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Iogen Biorefinery Partners, LLC, of Arlington, Virginia, up to $80 million.The proposed plant will be built in Shelley, Idaho, near Idaho Falls, and will produce 18 million gallons of ethanol annually. The plant will use 700 tons per day of agricultural residues including wheat straw, barley straw, corn stover, switchgrass, and rice straw as feedstocks.
Iogen Biorefinery Partners, LLC investors/partners include: Iogen Energy Corporation; Iogen Corporation; Goldman Sachs; and The Royal Dutch/Shell Group.

Range Fuels (formerly Kergy Inc.) of Broomfield, Colorado, up to $76
million.The proposed plant will be constructed in Soperton (Treutlen County), Georgia. The plant will produce about 40 million gallons of ethanol per year and 9 million gallons per year of methanol. As feedstock, the plant will use 1,200 tons per day of wood residues and wood based energy crops.
Range Fuels investors/participants include: Merrick and Company; PRAJ Industries Ltd.; Western Research Institute; Georgia Forestry Commission; Yeomans Wood and Timber; Truetlen County Development Authority; BioConversion Technology; Khosla Ventures; CH2MHill; Gillis Ag and Timber.

Cellulosic ethanol is an alternative fuel made from a wide variety of non-food plant materials (or feedstocks), including agricultural wastes such as corn stover and cereal straws, industrial plant waste like saw dust and paper pulp, and energy crops grown specifically for fuel production like switchgrass. By using a variety of regional feedstocks for refining cellulosic ethanol, the fuel can be produced in nearly every region of the country. Though it requires a more complex refining process, cellulosic ethanol contains more net energy and results in lower greenhouse emissions than traditional corn-based ethanol. E-85, an ethanol-fuel blend that is 85-percent ethanol, is already available in more than 1,000 fueling stations nationwide and can power millions of flexible fuel vehicles already on the roads.

See the Source:
DOE