Advanced Biofuels

The advanced biofuel industry can reduce reliance on oil and create green jobs; diverse federal programs are necessary to help producers secure financing for construction of projects. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today joined 34 other companies and trade associations to ask leaders of the House Ways and Means Committee to include the language of H.R. 5142, the Grow a Renewable Energy Economy Now – Jumpstart Other Biofuels (GREEN JOB) Act of 2010, in the next appropriate revenue vehicle considered by the House.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today thanked Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Energy Secretary Steven Chu on the announcement of Biomass Research And Development Initiative grants and the establishment of a Biomass Crop Assistance Plan project area. BIO congratulated member companies Cellana LLC of Hawaii and Metabolix Inc. of Massachusetts on receiving awarded grants.

The successful construction of a synthesized genome could enable new research and development of human therapies, biofuels, and biobased chemicals from renewable resources.

The keys to successful industrial biotech business relationships mirror those for successful personal relationships, industry leaders explained today.  During the final Lunch Plenary Session of BIO’s 2011 World Congress in Toronto, moderator James Stoppert, CEO of BioAdvisors, along with panelists Patrick Gruber, CEO of Gevo, Ron Commander, Head of Butyl Rubber Business Unit at Lanxess, Christophe Schilling, CEO of Genomatica, and Hisao Urata, General Manager of Corporate Planning at Mitsubishi Chemical discussed “Strategic Partnerships for More Robust Value Chains” and identified some key components to that end.

During today’s plenary lunch session at BIO's 2011 World Congress in Toronto, Royal DSM CEO Feike Sijbesma gave a passionate keynote address and accepted the 2011 George Washington Carver Award for his company’s efforts to promote bio-based products over those relying on fossil-fuel resources.

"The Value Proposition for Cellulosic and Advanced Biofuels Under the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard" is forthcoming in the April 2011 Industrial Biotechnology Journal.