The good news: After developing the technology, improving enzymes and yield and building demonstration plants, it is finally getting serious. The building of the first commercial scale cellulosic ethanol plant has begun. Novozymes partner Mossi & Ghisolfi Group (M&G) started construction of the world’s first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant. The plant will produce 13 million [...]

Biofuel Investments of Major Oil Companies Part 3
This is the final piece of the 3 part article about biofuel investments of major oil companies. To read the first part, follow this link. To read the second part, follow this link. Shell Royal Dutch Shell claims to be the world’s biggest distributor of biofuels, distributing 9 billion liters in 2009 – mainly ethanol [...]

Biofuel Investments of Major Oil Companies Part 2
Are major oil companies already preparing for the post-fossil-fuel-age? Within recent years, big oil corporations are increasingly involved into research and development of different petroleum alternatives and now, they seem to focus on commercial viable biofuels. The petroleum industry is aware of rising crude oil prices, a rising demand of energy and an increasing environmental pollution. To contribute to these circumstances, a variety of joint ventures with smaller biofuel or biotechnology firms have started to exploit the potential of renewable fuels.

Biofuel Investments of Big Oil Companies Part 1
Is Big Oil going green? Have you ever thought about the involvement of major oil companies in R&D or distribution of biofuels? Yeah… just like me! But I was disabused of the notion that most oil companies are predators who exploit earth’s resources, pollute the environment, rake in money and if they do something that [...]

The Automotive Industry’s Path to Sustainability
Honestly, when thinking about car makers clean technologies and sustainability aren’t the first thoughts that come into someone’s mind. But times are changing! Besides some efforts in the development of hybrid or full electric cars, currently numerous car producers switch to the implementation of bioplastics into their vehicles and additionally explore the chances of different [...]

The Algae Biofuel Revolution
Currently, algae receive great attention due to their potential to become an alternative to fossil fuels. There is much talk about this new source of biomass for the generation of renewable energy and maybe some other commodity chemicals too. Algae can yield a high amount of biomass per unit of light and area, do not [...]

Most Widespread Types of Biofuels: Part 1
Numerous technologies are being widened and established for transforming sustainable feedstocks into a variety of biofuels. Environmental and social consequences of biofuels from agricultural crops became the theme of media and drawn several public and private debates and campaigns due to the utilization of first generation technology. Generally, “first generation biofuels” are generated from crops [...]