LATEST NEWS
Colorado company readies next step for algae 'biocrude'
Solix Biofuels, of Fort Collins, said on Monday that it had raised $15.5 million in capital and would begin with a five-acre plot to produce “biocrude.’’  > more

Ethanol pipeline taking shape in Florida
A $40 million ethanol pipeline will push the fuel 106 miles from Tampa to Orlando and remove up to 40 trucks a day from local highways.  > more

GM begins testing FCVs in Japan
General Motors' Japan division will begin testing its hydrogen fuel cell version of the Chevrolet Equinox on Japanese roads, the Japan Times reports. > more

Range Fuels names Aldous CEO
A former Shell EVP has joined the Colorado-based cellulosic ethanol company. > more

Boston Globe examines Mascoma process
What does it take to brew a tank of biofuel? At the Mascoma Corp. lab, the recipe might include a dash of enzymes from termite guts, elephant stomach mixed with yeast, a load of pulverized switch grass or paper sludge, and a few days of fermentation. > more

New algae species looks promising for biodiesel
Researchers at Khon Kaen University (in Thailand) have discovered a small species of green algae with commerical potential for biodiesel production.  > more

Florida commuter train to run on biodiesel
Pompano Beach's Tri-Rail commuter trains will run on biodiesel fuel, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority announced. The goal is to operate the trains on a 99 percent biodiesel blend, when available. > more

Poet opens Marion, Ohio plant
With capacity of 65 million gallons a year, Poet Ethanol Products has opened a new plant in Marion, Ohio - the company's third in the state. > more

Feds: No loans for ethanol industry
The USDA has said there is no bail-out for ethanol. Instead, it said any rural business, including ethanol plants, are eligible to receive up to $25 million in loan guarantees as long as they meet certain financial requirements. > more

> more latest news
 
 
Diesel and Biodiesel
VW Jetta selected as Green Car of the Year
by Sam Abuelsamid


Green Car Journal selects the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI as the Green Car of the Year.  The diesel powered Jetta beat out the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue Two-mode hybrid, Smart ForTwo and BMW 335d. The Jetta's 41 mpg highway fuel economy and $21,990 base price are cited as reasons for its selection.

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Cover Story
BMW unveils battery powered MINI E at LA Auto Show
by Sam Abuelsamid

MINI E

At the Los Angeles Auto Show BMW reveals the lithium ion battery powered battery powered MINI E. The company has built 500 of the plug-in electric cars that it will lease to customers in the Southern California and New York City areasbeginning in January 2009. The cars will be used by BMW to gain real world experience with battery powered vehicles.

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Hyundai announces Blue Drive initiative, Sonata hybrid for 2010
by Sam Abuelsamid

Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive

At the Los Angeles Auto Show Hyundai announces that it won't wait until 2020 to meet the new 35 mpg corporate average fuel economy standard. The automaker's new Blue Drive efficiency strategy is expected to allow it to meet the standards by 2015. A mix of technologies including hybrids, direct injection, weight reduction and even fuel cells will help the company meet its goal.

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Diesel and Biodiesel
Volkswagen announces 2009 Jetta TDI Cup
by Sam Abuelsamid


Volkswagen announces that its highly successful Jetta TDI cup will be back for a second season in 2009 with an expanded schedule of ten races. Thirty aspiring professional drivers will take to the track in identically prepared racers based on the road going Jetta TDI sedan. Driver selection for season two will take place in February 2009.

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First Drive of the 2009 BMW 335d
by Sam Abuelsamid

BMW 335d

In a year when fuel prices in the United States reached the highest levels ever, BMW is introducing the most fuel efficient car it has ever offered in this market with the new 335d. Green Fuels Forecast had an opportunity to drive BMW's first new clean diesel sedan in advance of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 335d adds a huge improvement to fuel economy to BMW's highest volume model without sacrificing the performance the brand is known for.

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Ethanol
Cellulosic ethanol companies with differing fortunes
by Sam Abuelsamid


The two cellulosic ethanol companies that General Motors invested in early in 2008 are headed in opposite directions. Coskata has reached a deal with US Sugar on a feasibility study for an ethanol plant using its gasification technology. Meanwhile Mascoma has released between 5 and 10 staff including company president Colin South.

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Diesel and Biodiesel
Amyris Biotechnologies launches renewable diesel pilot plant
by Sam Abuelsamid

Amyris yeast producing diesel

Oakland CA based Amyris Biotechnologies completes its first pilot plant to produce renewable diesel fuel. The startup biotechnology company held a modest celebration at its headquarters to commemorate the first step in its goal toward commercial production of liquid fuel by 2010. The company develops genetically engineered yeasts to transform biomass into other useful products.

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Hydrogen
Eaton to supply blowers for fuel cells to SAIC
by Sam Abuelsamid


Eaton Corporation will be supplying compressors based on its internal combustion engine superchargers to Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation for fuel cell vehicles that the Chinese company is building. The 20 vehicles will be used during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

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Diesel and Biodiesel
LA debut for new VW Touareg Trophy Truck
by Sam Abuelsamid

VW Touareg TDI Trophy Truck

At next week's Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen will unveil a new purpose-built Touareg TDI off-road racing truck. The new Touareg will run in the Baja 1000 race later this month and will be powered by a version of the 5.5L V12 TDI engine from the Audi R10 TDI sports racer.

(more)

Hybrid
Toyota may return to Le Mans with hybrid racer
by Sam Abuelsamid

1999 Toyota GT-One

Dominant hybrid vehicle manufacturer Toyota may be returning to Le Mans with the technology it is currently developing for Formula One. Toyota could be the second manufacturer to create a hybrid drive prototype for the French endurance race where it last competed almost ten years ago.

(more)



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