Oct
17
Where More Biofuel Crops Can Be Grown
October 17, 2011 | 1 Comment
Matt Johnston, from the University of Minnesota and his colleagues have produced a global map that identifies areas of low-yielding biofuel crops whose productivity could be increased through intensification opening a new set of questions and issues. The map shows that there is huge potential for increasing biofuel production without increasing its area footprint. However, […]
Oct
14
Perhaps the First Molecular Filter Arrives
October 14, 2011 | 2 Comments
At the University of Minnesota a research team has designed a specialized type of molecular sieve that could make the production of gasoline, plastics and various chemicals more cost effective and energy efficient. After more than a decade of research, the team devised a means for developing freestanding, ultra-thin zeolite nanosheets that as thin films […]
Oct
13
Concern Grows About Minerals and Metals
October 13, 2011 | 1 Comment
Many if not most metals, rare earth minerals and other elements used to make everything from photovoltaic panels and cellphone displays to the permanent magnets in cutting edge new wind generators and motors will become limited in availability. Geologists are warning of shortages and bottlenecks of some metals due to an insatiable demand for consumer […]
Oct
12
Industrial Waste Gas to Jet Fuel
October 12, 2011 | 6 Comments
Waste gases emitted by blast furnaces, coke ovens and BOF (basic oxygen furnace) operations can now be converted into low-cost ethanol and high-value chemicals. The new fuel production process recycles waste gases that would otherwise be oxidized further to carbon dioxide and released into the atmosphere. Britain’s Virgin Atlantic Airline announced the development of a […]
Oct
11
There’s An Oil Boom In America
October 11, 2011 | Leave a Comment
The USA, largest consumer of oil and perhaps about fourth in production has entered an oil boom. It’s because of production technology. U.S. demand has slipped down as well. The U.S. is awash in oil. It’s the rest of the world that’s driving demand. The past 25 years has seen world oil sales increase 50% […]
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