News and Notes - Sept. 30, 2008

Feature Article

ExxonMobil's Methanol to Gasoline (MTG) Technology Selected for Synthesis Energy Systems' Coal to Liquids Projects
http://www.biobasednews.com/node/18337

We have not seen much from ExxonMobil regarding biofuels and their interest in research. However this article may shed a little light on some of the things the company has been working on.

US News

POET to host grand opening for ethanol production facility near Marion, Ohio on October 24
http://www.poet.com/news/showRelease.asp?id=133

Xcel Energy Announces Largest Biomass Plant in Midwest
http://www.centredaily.com/business/story/873059.html

Lignol to Collaborate with Weyerhaeuser to Explore Commercial Development of Cellulose-based Products and Biochemicals
http://www.biobasednews.com/node/18339

RISI to produce Woody Biomass Market Report
http://www.risiinfo.com/risi-store/do/product/detail/wood-biomass-market-report.html

Idle Hawaiian coal plant to be converted to biomass
http://bioenergy.checkbiotech.org/news/2008-09-30/Idle_Hawaiian_coal_plant_to_be_converted_to_biomass/

RFA Applauds Recent Reports Showing U.S. Ethanol Producers Cut Energy Consumption
http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/articles/RFA_Applauds_Recent_Reports_Showing_U_S__Ethanol_Producers_Cut_Energy_Consumption_-63862.html

Norske Skog, Choren to work on biomass to liquids
http://www.cleantech.com/news/3589/norske-skog-choren-work-biomass-liquids

DOE Launches National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Odyssey Day
http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/articles/DOE_Launches_National_Alternative_Fuel_Vehicle_Odyssey_Day-63847.html

Pacific Ethanol expands production with Stockton operation
http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2008/09/29/daily9.html

Fraunhofer ISE Researchers Achieve 39.7% Solar Cell Efficiency
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=53699

World's First 100% Renewable Jet Fuel Created
http://www.undeerc.org/homearticle.aspx?id=95

NCERC Becoming Known on Global Stage for Training Strong Ethanol Workforce
http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/articles/NCERC_Becoming_Known_on_Global_Stage_for_Training_Strong_Ethanol_Workforce-63849.html

Lawmakers at Impasse on Incentives for Renewable Energy
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/washington/30energy.html?_r=3&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Adams’ Bill Promoting Green Technology
http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=20080929_bio_fuel_diesel.htm

SRI Consulting Issues Global 2008 Biodiesel Report Showing U.S. Poised to Become Largest Biodiesel Market by 2012
http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/articles/SRI_Consulting_Issues_Global_2008_Biodiesel_Report_Showing_U_S__Poised_to_Become_Largest_Biodiesel_Market_by_2012_-63878.html

Industry races to develop advanced biofuels
http://www.biomassmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=2078

Shell Contracts Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. to Provide Design and Construction of Ethanol and Biodiesel Blending Facilities Throughout Europe
http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/articles/Shell_Contracts_Jacobs_Engineering_Group_Inc__to_Provide_Design_and_Construction_of_Ethanol_and_Biodiesel_Blending_Facilities_Throughout_Europe_-63850.html

Utah State wins grant for biofuel research
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_10590152

Carbon Sciences Inc. Develops Technology to Convert CO2 Into Basic Fuel Building Blocks
http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/articles/Carbon_Sciences_Inc__Develops_Technology_to_Convert_CO2_Into_Basic_Fuel_Building_Blocks_-63883.html

Working at the Plant: Scientists Seek Breakthroughs in the Field of Cellulosic Ethanol
http://www.businesswest.com/details.asp?id=1725

International News

Southridge Enterprises, Hong Kong-based company sign $35 million ethanol sales agreement
http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2008/09/29/daily6.html

NZ firm to microwave forest waste into charcoal
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10534943

UK opposes green aviation target
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7636780.stm

PetroSun and Shanghai Firm Execute Agreement
http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/080929/0438445.html

Ireland lowers biofuel target
http://www.energycurrent.com/index.php?id=3&storyid=13408

Auto cos shift gears to comply with new biofuel policy (India)
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Automobiles/Auto_cos_shift_gears_to_comply_with_new_biofuel_policy/articleshow/3542922.cms

Basic Energy signs deal with German company (Philippines)
http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20080928-163456/Basic-Energy-signs-deal-with-German-company