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Biofuels

Study says isobutanol-gasoline blends are superior to ethanol in small engines

In side by side performance, durability and emissions testing of small engines, gasoline blended with isobutanol performed better than blends using ethanol, according to new research from renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels firm Gevo. The results demonstrated that unlike ethanol, blends incorporating isobutanol do not cause any irregular or unstable engine or performance issues.

Cereplast finalizes purchase of Italy bioplastics site

US-based bioplastics firm Cereplast has completed its purchase of a manufacturing plant in Assisi (Cannara), Italy that will serve as the hub for the company's European bioplastics production. Cereplast management said it estimates the total cost of the purchase and refurbishment of the facility will be approximately €12 million.

Algenol begins construction on Florida bio-refinery

Algenol Biofuels has broken ground on construction of its pilot-scale integrated bio-refinery, which will include the first large-scale deployment of Algenol's patented Direct To Ethanol technology to produce ethanol directly from carbon dioxide, sunlight and salt water using blue-green algae in patented photobioreactors (PBRs).

CB&I to design, engineer sulfuric acid alkylation unit in China

CB&I subsidiary Lummus Technology has been awarded a contract by Ningbo Haiyue New Material Co. for the license and engineering design of a grassroots sulfuric acid alkylation unit to be built near Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China.

Pacific Ethanol to provide operations, maintenance support for ZeaChem US biorefinery

US-based renewable fuels company Pacific Ethanol has agreed to provide operations, maintenance and accounting services for ZeaChem's 250,000 gal/year cellulosic integrated biorefinery in Boardman, Oregon.

LANXESS, BioAmber to partner on bioplasticizers

European specialty chemicals producer LANXESS and sustainable chemicals firm BioAmber have partnered to develop succinic acid-based plasticizers that are both renewable and phthalate-free, the companies announced on Thursday.

IEA secures energy alliances with India, Russia

Officials with India and Russia each signed deals this week with the International Energy Agency (IEA), pledging to strengthen bilateral co-operation in areas such as oil and gas security, energy efficiency and renewables, and overall dialogue.

Unilever inks renewable oils deal with Solazyme for use in consumer goods

Consumer goods company Unilever has agreed to a multi-year supply deal with US-based Solazyme in which Unilever will purchase commercial quantities of Solazyme’s renewable oils. Specific terms were not disclosed.

HPIn Europe: Europe warily prepares to enter a newly globalized age of biofuels

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Wright, Tim L.

Biofuels are growing up in Europe. From an exotic outlet for European Union (EU) agricultural product in the 1990s, to a boutique fuel for the green consumer in the 2000s, now today’s industry ha..

HP Construction: North America

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Meche, Helen

Dominion is proceeding with its next major project in the Marcellus and Utica Shale regions, the construction of a large natural gas processing and fractionation plant along the Ohio River in Natrium,..