Now, fossil fuels are just biological materials that are some WICKED ancient. We can burn materials that take less than 50 years to re-generate instead, and we can grow’em right around these parts.

Biological Power Blog Posts

Maine's Conversation about Biological Power

When we talk about biological power, we mean power that is generated from converting materials that were once living, such as trees or other plants. We will have several sub-headings (such as biodiesel, biomass and ethanol) under biological power in time; for now they are all under one umbrella.

We invite Maine's experts and novices to post their questions, concerns, insights, rants, praise or technical information about the many forms of biological power available in Maine here. Please join the conversation and check back often for updates.

Advertisement for trees as Maine's homegrown fuel

"Go Green Expo" Expands in 2011

10/26/2011 - 12:51pm

Several years ago, the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber of Commerce led out and created the “GoGreen Expo” to support the region’s emerging green and sustainability sectors. This year, the Chamber will expand this popular event to include businesses from four "pillars", matched to Maine’s major emerging business sectors: Health & Wellness, Innovation &

Everything Biological Power

Explore Brunswick's Future Renewable Energy Center

10/21/2011 - 9:30am

The closing of the Brunswick Naval Air Station leaves behind over 3,000 acres of prime real estate with close to 2 million square feet of commercial and industrial space, a world class aviation complex, and 1,000 acres of open space.

Everything Biological Power

Green Gold: The Potential of Algal Biofuel at Bigelow Labs

10/12/2011 - 12:39pm

oil droplets shown on algae cells under a microscope Manufacturing biofuel from plant oils in single-celled algae is a growing focus of research in the development of environmentally sustainable energy sources, and it i

Everything Biological Power

Where has All the Biodiesel Gone?

09/06/2011 - 9:53am

I've had a little slip of paper on my desk since June, reminding me to fill up our oil tank with biodiesel. When I finally called my friendly B20 supplier in August, well, the phone was disconnected. Not only that, the email bounced and the website had disappeared. Bummer!

Everything Biological Power

A Good Article Comparing Several Energy Options for Mainers

08/31/2011 - 4:43pm

"Maine Ahead" magazine has a great article in its August issue, entitled, "Roundtable: Energy Leadership" in which it interviews 5 of Maine's energy leaders, representing 5 different types of energy.

Everything Biological Power

Free Webinar on Transforming Biomass into Feedstock

08/25/2011 - 4:02pm

The U.S. Department of Energy will host a webcast titled "Transforming Biomass into Feedstock” on Tuesday, August 30, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Everything Biological Power

Cellulosic Biofuel Gene Pinpointed: Clostridium Thermocellum

08/24/2011 - 5:03pm

A team of researchers at the Department of Energy’s BioEnergy Science Center (BESC) announced on August 11, 2011 that they have pinpointed the exact, single gene that controls ethanol production capacity in a microorganism. This discovery could be the missing link in developing biomass crops that produce higher concentrations of ethanol at lower costs.

Everything Biological Power

Maine's Ten USDA Energy Grant Awards

08/19/2011 - 2:11pm

Congressman Mike Michaud praised the announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Aug. 17, 2011 that eight Maine businesses will receive ten grants to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in their operations. A total of $183,339 will be provided to Maine businesses through USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

Everything Biological Power

McKibben and Gussin Say Tar Sands Pipeline Would Hurt Clean Tech Industries

08/05/2011 - 12:58pm

“Once the big investments in this most CO2-intensive fossil fuel are made...well, fait accompli. The price at the pump is kept low, for another half-decade, anyway, and then forget about investments in electric cars, or in infrastructure to power transportation with renewable energy.”

Everything Biological Power

Maine's Energy Landscape Through the Eyes of an Energy Attorney

07/13/2011 - 3:11pm

Gordon Grimes is a member of Bernstein Shur’s Energy Practice Group. He has spent over thirty years representing the interests of private energy generators, banks, contractors, and other entities in the power generation industry. On June 12, 2011, Gordon was interviewed by Steve D'Agostino of WICN 90.5 FM, the NPR affiliate serving Central New England.

Everything Biological Power