FastCompany RSS

biofuels

FAST TALK   |  Comment

Venture Capitalist Marianne Wu On Why Now Is The Right Time For Biofuels

In this extended version of the talk from our new issue, we speak with Marianne Wu, a partner at Mohr Davidow Ventures. "A lot of people assume that green biofuels mean higher prices or worse performance," Wu says. "That's changing."READ»

INNOVATION   |  Comment

VC Marianne Wu Talks Increasing Demand For Biofuels

Investors, researchers, and executives are discovering new ways to make and use biofuels.READ»

BIO-OIL   |  Comment

Making The Heartland A Bio-Oil Center Without Starving Ourselves In The Process

A new process for converting plants to oil can use plants that we don't also want for food, opening up new possibilities for a future where the fields with amber waves are what power our cars.READ»

Not Just For Sushi: Seaweed May Power The Next Generation Of Biofuels

Biofuels are taking off, but if they keep being made from corn, the world will go hungry. The oceans, full of fast-growing kelp, are the next frontier of plant-based fuel.READ»

Afghanistan Banned Plastic Bags, Can They Also Go Farther Than The U.S. In Fixing Air Pollution?

Living in a world of limited resources, Afghanistan is forced to conserve in ways we would never imagine in America. Maybe our two countries can work together?READ»

Surprise! BP Believes Biofuels Are the Future of Transportation

Though automakers are scrambling to roll out hybrid and electric vehicles as fast as they can, BP believes that biofuels are the only way forward--at least for now.READ»

Is Joule's Renewable "Liquid Energy" Far More Efficiently Produced Than Biofuel?

That's what the startup claims in a new article, saying that its conversion efficiency of diesel, ethanol, and chemical production process is between five and 50 times greater than biomass-dependent processes.READ»

BIOFUEL   |  Comment

Cheesy Microbes Could Make Biofuel As Well As Brie

Lactococcus lactis is used in the production of buttermilk, cheese, and yogurt. According to researchers from Concordia University, the microbe could help turn plant matter into biofuels. Should we gear up for a cheese shortage? READ»

BIOFUELS   |  Comment

Lufthansa Will Use Biofuels on Commercial Flights in 2011

The German airline was one of the first to adopt Wi-Fi during flights. Now it is set to become the first to use biofuels on commercial flights, as early as next year. READ»

BIOFUELS   |  Comment

Colonialism, Redux: European Companies Grab African Land in Bid for Biofuels

One continent's environmental victory could be another's downfall. READ»

SHELL   |  Comment

Shell Oil Bets $2 Billion on ... Sugar?

Add Shell to the growing list of oil companies investing in alternative energy sources: in this case, sugarcane.READ»

BIOFUELS   |  Comment

Edinburgh University Researchers Turn Whisky Dregs Into Fuel for Everyday Cars

Future fuel consumption rates may be measured in Miles to the Dram.READ»

INTEGRITY   |  Comment

Biofuel-Industry's Manipulative “Survey” Can Only Generate Biased Results

I am totally sure this so-called survey will be used to trumpet the citizens of Massachusetts’ supposed stance in favor of biofuels and against the proposed law. While the law’s definitions could be sharpened, I actually feel that eliminating nuclear power and large-scale wood-burning biomass plants from being counted in the progress toward a Green economy is a GOOD thing. And I’ll be directing my friends who are active in the anti-biofuel campaigns to this blog, so they can see exactly what their opponents are up to—sleazy and easily discredited “surveys” like this.READ»

BIOFUELS   |  Comment

U.S. Military Bets on Jet Fuel Made From Algae, Weeds, and Animal Corpses

Worried about the feasibility of using non-petroleum based jet fuel on commercial airlines? The U.S. military has volunteered its jets as guinea pigs, ordering up 600,000 gallons of fuel made of weeds, algae, and fat from animal ...READ»

Renewable Energy vs. True Sustainabiity

Years ago, there was a  bumper sticker, "Trees are America's Renewable Resource." And yes, you can regenerate a harvestable forest in 20 years or so: a nanosecond compared to the millions of years necessary to create fossil ...READ»