NACD president warns of further regulations

NACD president warns of further regulations. The changes occurring in Washington, D.C., now are sure to impact chemical distribution and transportation.

Transgenic plants containing ligninase and cellulase which degrade lignin and cellulose to fermentable sugars

This patent discloses transgenic plants and a method of producing such plants which degrade lignins and celluloses into fermentable sugars. The plants comprise ligninase and cellulase genes isolated from Acidothermus cellulolyticus, Thermomonospora fusca etc. The process includes, A) providing a first and second transgenic plant which includes a DNA encoding a cellulose and ligninase respectively operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a signal peptide and B) mating by sexual fertilization the first and the second transgenic plants to produce a third transgenic plant which includes both the first and second DNA encoding the cellulase and ligninase, wherein the transgenic plant degrades the lignocellulose when ground to produce the plant material.

Process for the production of liquid fuels from biomass

US patent: Process for the production of liquid fuels from biomass

This patent discloses a process for continuously producing a pulp biomass, comprising subjecting a biomass containing feed to a treatment which comprises bringing the feed to a pressure of 100-250 bar, keeping the pressurized feed subsequently or concomitantly at a temperature not exceeding 280 C over a period of up to 60 minutes, thereby obtaining a pulp and optionally subjecting the pulp to a reaction step in which the pulp is heated over a. period of up to 60 minutes to a temperature exceeding 280C, resulting in the continuous production of a hydrocarbon product having a greater energy density than biomass.

It looks like this process use a little lower temperature than the traditional thermochemical conversion of biomass into liquid fuel.

Increased Ethanol Production from Xylose

US Patent: Increased Ethanol Production from Xylose

This invention provides methods of manipulating the carbon flux of a host cell transformed with plasmids of the invention. Plasmids of the invention may include nucleotides that encode pyruvate decarboxylase. In one embodiment, a strain of the thermotolerant yeast Hansenula polymorpha that has been transformed with plasmids and polynucleotides of the invention is provided.

Novozymes Inaugurates World's Largest Enzyme Fermentation Facility in China

Novozymes announced the inauguration of its Suzhou Hongda Enzymes Company production facility in Taicang, China, about 30 miles north of Shanghai. The company said the new plant , the largest enzyme fermentation facility in the world, would focus on products for the bioethanol industry. Novozymes executive vice president Peder Holk Nielsen said, "We believe bioethanol is a good example how biotechnology can make more from less, decoupling economic growth from the use of natural resources. As the world leader in bioinnovation, Novozymes is optimistic about the future of bioethanol and is dedicated to increasing our capabilities continuously in this field. The Suzhou facility is one of Novozymes' strategic manufacturing locations, and this new expansion will enable us to accomplish more."According to the press release, "Novozymes offers a highly efficient technology platform for sustainable production for bioethanol - getting more out of fewer resources. In 2010 Novozymes will have enzymes available on a large scale for production of second-generation bioethanol based on agricultural byproducts."

Despite the recent downturn in the global economy, Novozymes has increased its investment in Taicang, China, generating more revenue and jobs there. What attracts Novozyme invest more in China?

The news said , the United States, Brazil, and China have defined clear targets and roadmaps for the development of the bioethanol industry. By 2010 China aims to more than double its bioethanol production to cover 5% of the total transport fuel used with a target of 3 million tons fuel ethanol.

Why not in the USA?