Methanol (CH₃OH) is a chemical and is the simplest alcohol. Also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol (since it was originally produced mainly by the distillation of wood), methanol today is mainly produced industrially…
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Renewable Diesel Expert
What does the renewable diesel expert do? Renewable diesel is a premium-quality diesel produced from renewable and sustainable feedstocks such as waste animal fats, waste vegetable oils, and greases. It allows a significant reduction in the carbon…
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Biofuels Companies
Biofuels companies are making rapid advances. Companies from around the globe are making headlines almost daily. Those like Cosan, Verbio, REG, Green Plains, and Gevo maintain large market caps. The large oil companies have entered…
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Best Renewable Energy
What is the best renewable energy? To even attempt such an assessment requires answering two questions initially. First, what is encompassed by the term “renewable energy”? Second, how does one evaluate which is “best”? By…
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Lignins
Lignins are natural polymers that give the cell walls of plants their strength, have been called some nasty names: an “ugly, unwieldy molecule,” ornery, tough, and uncooperative. But lignin experts say the unloved, but abundant, substance,…
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Global Biofuels Production
What does global biofuels production look like worldwide? While global biofuels production did increase in all major producing regions, it was at slower rates than in the previous decade. The United States is still the…
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Biofuels Costs
The two most often asked questions with respect to biofuels revolve around their costs as compared to fossil fuels, and their impact on food. The cost of biofuels varies greatly depending on a number of…
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Alternative and Renewable Energy Types
Alternative and Renewable Energy Types? While the terms are often used interchangeably, and many forms of energy fit both classifications, there are some distinguishing factors between the two. “Alternative energy” is energy that is generated…
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Diesel Biodiesel
Diesel biodiesel, or simply “biodiesel,” refers to vegetable oil, or animal fat-based, diesel fuel consisting of long-chain alkyl (methyl, ethyl, or propyl) esters. Biodiesel is typically made by chemically reacting lipids (e.g., vegetable oil, soybean…
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Ocean Going Vessels Going Green
Ocean-Going Vessels Going Green? Currently, over 866 million tons per year of CO2, or 2.4% of the world’s total, come from maritime sources. A report to the European Parliament predicts that maritime emission will account…
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