In Brazil, Amyris welcomed the approval of its renewable jet fuel by Brazil’s fuels regulator, ANP, clearing the way for the commercialization in Brazil of the Amyris renewable jet fuel in blends of up to 10 percent.

“Building on the revised ASTM International standard for aviation turbine fuel approved in June, Brazil’s ANP last week removed the last regulatory hurdle for the use of our renewable jet fuel in Brazil. We meet the most rigorous performance requirements in the aviation industry and are now commercializing our product in Brazil as well as around the world,” said John Melo, President Chief Executive Officer of Amyris.

“The airline industry continues to experience strong growth and, while current low oil prices may provide a short-lived respite, the impact of carbon pollution is undeniable. Amyris and its partners are contributing to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions with our renewable fuel. We are pleased that leading airlines, such as Air France, Lufthansa and KLM are, or will soon be, flying with a blend of our renewable jet fuel,” added Melo.

In Washington, in order to support constructive dialogue in this ongoing debate, the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Energy Project convened an advisory group of diverse stakeholders who agreed to discuss legislative and/or regulatory reforms that could put the RFS on a stable footing. The advisory group met three times over the course of 2014, and their discussions, deliberations, agreements, and disagreements informed the creation of 40 policy options to improve the RFS. Although these options do not represent the consensus of the advisory group, they are intended as a first step in exploring the ways in which constructive reforms could create a more robust and effective RFS program.

Given the complexity of the RFS, the inventory was designed to address biofuels challenges at multiple scales, across many topical areas, through multiple mechanisms, and over varying periods of time. Therefore, no one policy option contained in the inventory will serve as a single solution to all of the challenges of the RFS; options must be combined—and considered in tandem—if they are to meet one or more desired objectives. In addition, some options may contradict others, and so policy priorities and goals must be considered when advocating for any particular package of options.

In Malaysia, Verdezyne and Bio-XCell Malaysia have reached an agreement to construct Verdezyne’s first commercial-scale renewable chemicals manufacturing facility in Bio-XCell’s premier biotechnology and ecosystem park in Nusajaya, Iskandar, in southern Malaysia. The multi-faceted agreement includes the 13-year, renewable lease of a 6.9-acre site, as well as a loan of approximately $75 million from Bio-XCell.

Construction is expected to commence in 2015, and the plant will be capable of producting up to 30 million pounds per year of diacids, including DDDA, and will be the world’s first bio-based plant for the production of DDDA.

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In Nebraska, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will explore the “Production of Bioisoprene from Wastewater” (WERF project # NTRY6R14). The research team will convert biomass from wastewater treatment facilities into isoprene (used in production of rubber components of automotive tires), as well as renewable biofuel (methane) using an engineered microbe.

Greeley and Hansen is conducting research on “A Multi-Platform Approach to Recovering High Value Carbon Products from Wastestreams” (WERF project # NTRY4R14). This study will develop technological and economic platforms for the conversion of organic carbon compounds to commercially attractive chemicals and commodities. The research team will consider generation of substrates for biodiesel production, precursors to biodegradable plastics, and alternative vehicle fuels from water resource recovery facilities.

Northeastern University will investigate a promising new sidestream enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process. This pioneering research entitled “Investigate the Mechanism for Optimization and Design of Sidestream EBPR Process as a Sustainable Approach for Achieving Stable and Efficient Phosphorus Removal” (WERF project #U1R13), could help transform our understanding and ability to protect and preserve water resources in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.

In Japan, the Kyocera Corporation’s Kagoshima Kokubu manufacturing plant has received the 2014 Energy Minister’s Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity. This is a record fifth consecutive year that Kyocera has been a recipient of the award.

In addition to measures such as improving the energy consumption basic unit*, alleviating electricity demand and reducing CO2 emissions in transportation, the plant was recognized for community-based efforts such as offering “Eco-Lessons” at local schools and carrying out biodiversity conservation programs.

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VecoPlan — complete systems for shredding, screening, separation, conveying, metered feeding of biomass prior to conversion to advanced biofuels

West Salem — Introducing WSM BioPrep — Biomass Feedstock Preparation Machines Systems

In the UK, the Department of Transportation has launched a £25 million competition to build advanced biofuel plants. The funds, supported by significant private investment, will enable the construction of up to three demonstration plants.

The fuel produced by the chosen technology must show a minimum of 60% greenhouse gas emissions reductions compared with fossil fuels. Advanced biofuels are made from waste materials such as agricultural residues like straw, using complex processing techniques. They can produce a wide range of transport fuels for roads and aviation.

This £25 million funding will be made available over 3 years. The Competition will be run in two stages with a detailed Expression of Interest (EoI) stage for potential bidders open until 13th February 2015, followed by full proposals in June 2015.

The Competition expects plants backed by this funding to be operational by December 2018 and produce at least 1 million litres of biofuel a year

For further information on how to apply, including application forms and guidance documents, click here.

Tell us about your organization and it’s role in the advanced bioeconomy.

Sriya Group is an innovative technology invention and development company. It incubates novel technologies with initial funding, research at partner labs and its final spinoff as operating companies like Sriya Innovations (Renmatix), Sriya Green Materials (Verdedcem), Pronghorn Renewables, LLC

Tell us about your role and what you are focused on in the next 12 months.

Technology Development to convert biomass sugars to high value chemicals like THF, Furfural Acohol Funding and Commercialization of the Pronghorn Technology

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?

Lower Cost of goods sold to be cost competitive with petro-chemicals or petro-fuels, Economies of scale to lower cost of production, Profitability and greater investor value, Greater ROI

If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the Advanced Bioeconomy, what would you change?

Investor sentiment and returns. Adoption of bio-refinery approach with a mix of fuels and high value chemicals

Of all the reasons that influenced you to join the Advanced Bioeconomy industry, what single reason stands out for you as still being compelling and important to you.

The need for a solution to reverse GHG increase from petroleum based products and through it global warming

Where are you from? 

Chennai, India

What was your undergraduate major in college, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway? 

Chemical Engineering at The Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai. I chose IIT-M as it is one the best and most prestigious engineering schools in India

Who do you consider your mentors. What have you learned from them?

Dhirubhai Ambani: Founder of Reliance, JRD Tata: Founder of Tata Group. Innovation needs passion and motivation and through that we can overcome all obstacles and achieve success

What’s the biggest lesson you ever learned during a period of adversity?

We need to be patient and a better adapter to all situations including adverse situations. Need to be a good listener

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry? 

Reading, Following Cricket and Bollywood movies

What 3 books would you take to read, if stranded on a desert island?

Freedom at Midnight, Bhaghvad Gita, 5 point someone

What books or articles are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?

Economist, India Today, Wall Street journal

What’s your favorite city or place to visit, for a holiday?

Rome, Italy

In Georgia, MHG and BASF met last week to discuss next steps in a series of initiatives as MHG produces its biodegradable plastic. BASF is the world’s leading chemical company. MHG expects their facility, which produces 100% biodegradable plastic, to be completed by mid-2015, in time for the next canola harvest.

“The meeting with BASF was very productive,” stated Dr. Paul Pereira. “Sustainability is crucial for the future and BASF is looking to develop more sustainable solutions to meet the demands of society. The biopolymers we produce can provide them with materials that will help them achieve their goals of developing more sustainable products that meet economic, environmental and social needs.”

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