Chevron follows the money, bats down climate bill
In a not so surprising turn of events, Chevron’s CEO heir apparent, John Watson, spoke out against U.S. climate change legislation — offering the party line argument that increasing regulation will jack up energy prices and let the air out of our barely buoyant economy. His is just one voice in a chorus of fossil fuel executives opposing the Kerry-Boxer bill pending in the Senate.
But what makes his voice interesting is how hard Chevron has… Continue Reading
Mascoma teams with Chevron to turn ethanol byproduct into diesel and jet fuel
Soon after announcing funding for Soane Energy — a company working to clean up its oil extraction projects — Chevron released news that it will partner (PDF) with biofuel maker Mascoma to turn lignin, a byproduct of ethanol production, into diesel and jet fuel.
If the technology takes hold, it could nearly double the productivity and efficiency of ethanol plants. This is important, considering the national emphasis on ethanol derived from agricultural sources like corn and… Continue Reading
Electric cars vs. biofuels: The presidential energy debate heats up
Drawing a sharp contrast with his Democratic rival, John McCain today assailed government subsidies for ethanol production and unveiled a set of proposals aimed at encouraging the development and mass adoption of electric vehicle technologies.
McCain would provide a $5,000 tax credit to consumers who buy zero-emissions vehicles and proportionately smaller tax credits for low-emissions vehicles, like hybrids. In addition, he said he would award a $300 million bounty for a car battery that can “leapfrog”… Continue Reading
Big companies line up to invest in cellulosic — Mascoma is latest beneficiary, gets $81M
With oil past $120 a barrel and possibly headed to $200, cellulosic ethanol companies are looking like a smarter investment choice every day. Following the increase of Range Fuels’ second funding to $166 million, its competitor Mascoma has pulled the wraps off an $81 million funding of its own, with $10 million coming a major oil and gas producer, Marathon Oil Corporation.
Range, Mascoma, Coskata and others are all racing to raise huge amounts in an… Continue Reading
It’s in the grass: Oklahoma set to plant first production-scale switchgrass field
No other energy crop has been as closely associated with second generation biofuels as switchgrass. The subject of much fawning coverage in the popular press — though it has yet to be successfully converted into cellulosic ethanol — switchgrass will soon have the chance to provide its renewably energy bonafides in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Bioenergy Center (OBC), a partnership between Oklahoma University, Oklahoma State University and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation of Ardmore, will plant the… Continue Reading
Mascoma takes on $50 million more for cellulosic ethanol
Mascoma, an East Coast biofuel startup with a multi-pronged approach to commercializing cellulosic ethanol, has just become one of the most heavily funded companies of its kind with a $50 million funding reported by peHUB.
Based in Cambridge, Mass., Mascoma is in the process of building several demonstration-scale ethanol plants in three other states: Michigan, New York and Tennessee. It’s partnered with a variety of different corporations and universities at each location.
What that boils down to… Continue Reading
Mascoma gets $14.8M to produce ethanol from biomass
Mascoma, a Cambridge, Mass. start-up that is trying to become the first commercial developer of cellulosic ethanol — something some environmentalists see as the most promising prospect for alternative, anti-global warming fuel — has won $14.8 million more in financing.
This comes after the company raised $30 million in fresh funding last month from Silicon Valley venture firm Kleiner Perkins and others.
The latest award, given by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and… Continue Reading
Mascoma gets $30M for cellulosic ethanol — in bid to replace gasoline
Mascoma, a start-up that is trying to become the first commercial developer of cellulosic ethanol — something some environmentalists see as the Shangri La of alternative fuel — will announce tomorrow it has raised $30 million more in venture funding.
Funding for the Cambridge, Mass. company was led by General Catalyst Partners, and included Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Vantage Point Venture Partners, Atlas Venture, and Pinnacle Ventures. Existing investors Khosla Ventures and Flagship Ventures participated.
Khsola… Continue Reading