Biofuels & Energy Systems Powering the Future
Plus: Mycelium and lavender innovations, biological solar cells, energy from waste, and a free business financing guide.
The transition to cleaner energy is gaining momentum, with biofuels scaling up, new carbon-cutting technologies emerging, and researchers unlocking smarter, more sustainable ways to store power.
Join us as we explore how major partnerships and nature's chemistry are shaping innovations to get 2025 off the ground.
📦Business Updates: Scaling Up Biofuels
DHL & Neste Expand Sustainable Aviation Fuel Agreement
The global logistics leader DHL is deepening its commitment to sustainable aviation, signing a deal with Finnish renewable fuels producer Neste to secure 375 million liters of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) per year by 2030.
Made from renewable waste like used cooking oil and animal fat, Neste’s SAF integrates seamlessly with existing aviation infrastructure.
DHL also aims to incorporate Neste MY Renewable Diesel alongside its SAF counterpart.
What else does Neste have cooking?
Blue Biofuels’ Mega Production Facility in Florida
US-based renewable fuel company Blue Biofuels is making a bold move, acquiring land in Florida to produce 200 million gallons of biofuel per year.
Their patented Cellulose-to-Sugar technology transforms nearly any plant-based material—including agricultural waste—into sugars which are processed into biofuels and SAF via the company’s licensed technology Vertimass.
Meanwhile, in Portugal…
🔬 Research & Innovations: Rethinking Energy Storage
Lavender Oil: The Secret to Better Sodium-Sulfur Batteries?
A research team from the Max Planck Institute in Germany has discovered that linalool, the main component of lavender oil, can enhance sodium-sulfur batteries' durability and efficiency.
These batteries offer an eco-friendly alternative to lithium-ion, but their storage capacity has been a challenge—until now. This lavender-powered breakthrough could extend battery lifespan, making it a more viable solution for storing renewable energy.
Biological Solar Cells Outperform Plant Photosynthesis
A team of scientists from SUNY Binghamton, US, has developed biological solar cells using cyanobacteria, which mimic photosynthesis to generate electricity while capturing COâ‚‚ at 10x the efficiency of plants.
These bio-based cells could dramatically cut indoor COâ‚‚ levels while also powering small electronic devices. It sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi novel, but the future of energy might just be a petri dish away.
Also, Could we turn heat into energy?
Biodegradable Fungal Batteries: Just Add Water & Sugar
Ever thought you’d power a battery with sugar and water?
Scientists at the Swiss research institute EMPA have developed a fully biodegradable battery, made from fungal cellulose, wax, and carbon. Stored dry, it activates with water and sugar, making it an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to conventional batteries. At the end of its life? Just toss it into the compost.
Right now, it’s ideal for sensor technology, but Carolina Reyes, an EMPA researcher, envisions fungi-powered agriculture tools and even space tech.
A world where our energy is grown instead of mined? We’re here for it.
How is the U.S. government funding clean energy and fuels?
- U.S. Department of Energy’s $20.2 million investment in algae biofuel research
- U.S Department of Agriculture fund advancing clean energy and domestic biofuels
🏛️ Culture & History: Clean Energy Meets Social Impact
U.S. Military Museum’s Mission to Clean Up Energy with Waste
Oregon Coast Military Museum’s Camp Liberty, a $26 million initiative, is set to turn 25 tons of waste daily – over 9,000 tons per year – into clean energy without the harmful emissions associated with conventional energy production.
The initiative is helping close the loop on environmental and social concerns by creating job opportunities for veterans as it simultaneously diverts waste from landfills.
đź“š Resources & Education: Financing the Energy Transition
edie's Energy Project Financing Guidance
đź’ˇ Looking for funding to kickstart your own energy project? Sustainability platform edie has launched a free guide to help businesses secure financing for energy initiatives.
The area of SAFs and fuels is replenished with promising technology. Yet much of it still remains a promise. With this year's major advances, we hope to see actionable insight and developments very soon.
Make sure to subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn if you aren’t already - we’ll keep you in the bio-solution loop!
Until next time, stay charged (maybe with a fungal battery?)
