Virent in the Media

Virent wins $2.4 million biofuels grant

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 08:00:00 -0600

Virent Energy Systems has been awarded $2.4 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to help convert plant sugars into transportation fuels. The Department of Energy last month announced that it was awarding $33.8 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to the National Advanced Biofuels Consortium, aimed at funding research to “break down critical barriers to the commercialization” of advanced biofuels.

Big Oil Looks to Biofuels

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:15:08 -0600

The biofuels industry, hit hard by the global credit crunch, is getting a shot in the arm from a new source–the oil majors.
Among the oil companies, BP PLC and Royal Dutch Shell PLC have been the most active investors in the sector. But it's even beginning to attract more-conservative companies like Exxon Mobil Corp., whose chief executive, Rex Tillerson, once famously dismissed corn-based ethanol as "moonshine." Exxon announced in July it was investing $600 million in an algae-to-fuel start-up, Synthetic Genomics Inc.

Wisconsin foundation promotes UW-Madison clean technology inventions

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 11:39:00 -0500

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center have teamed up to promote the renewable energy technologies invented at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The effort includes the new cleantech technology section on the WARF Web site: www.warf.org. It features summaries of 46 technologies developed by the university, some in collaboration with the GLBRC, including technologies for biofuels production, low energy processes, natural resource conservation, remediation, solar technologies and waste and pollution reduction.

Development of next generation biofuels accelerates

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:37:00 -0500

Chemical and oil firms pitch in to accelerate development of next-generation liquid biofuels INTENSIFIED GOVERNMENT support and erratic oil prices continue to propel new technology breakthroughs and development for next-generation alternative biofuels.

NewNet Innovator Profile: Lee Edwards, Virent Energy Systems

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Lee Edwards of Virent Energy Systems looks at the stigma surrounding biofuels, the concerns over food-based feedstocks and the role of private investment.

In biofuels, it's all about scale

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Lee Edwards, chief executive officer at Virent Energy Systems in Madison and a veteran of 25 years in the energy business, is running an emerging company ranked among the hottest young biofuels firms in the country. Within the past year or so, Virent has won a Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award, been named a "technology pioneer" by the World Economic Forum and been touted in industry ratings of promising companies.

"Green gas" innovator Virent sees value in manufacturing expertise

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 -0500

One bio-energy start-up getting an increasing level of recognition is Virent Energy Systems, a Madison, Wisconsin-based company whose patented “BioForming” process can make a gasoline equivalent from renewable plant sources. Just last month, Virent nabbed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for its technology.

Fill 'er up with biomass

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:42:00 -0500

One of the many jobs that Lee Edwards took on during his 25-year career at BP, formerly known as British Petroleum, was leading the energy giant's effort to re-brand itself. Today as the CEO of Virent Energy Systems, a seven-year-old biofuel startup in Madison, Wis., he is truly trying to move beyond petroleum. With a proprietary process it calls "BioForming," Virent says it can turn plant sugars from corn, switchgrass, and other crops into gasoline that has a higher energy density than ethanol.

Competing Technologies Push to Commercialize Renewable Petroleum

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Here's the Earth's recipe for petroleum: Take plants. Add pressure and heat. Bake for hundreds of millions of years. Today, companies are racing to cook the same products, but they want to do it in hours or days.

Catalysing the fuels of the future

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 08:00:00 -0500

US biofuel producer Virent Energy Systems has been awarded the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Small Business Award for its development of a cost-effective and energy-efficient method of turning plant sugars into hydrocarbon fuels.

2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Environmentally friendlier. Less expensive. Smarter chemistry. These are a few of the qualities chemists are using to describe the innovations behind the products and processes honored by the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. This year’s honorees received their awards during an evening ceremony held on June 22 at the Carnegie Institution for Science, in Washington, D.C.

Big Oil Warms to Ethanol and Biofuel Companies

Tue, 26 May 2009 17:00:00 -0500

For decades, the big oil companies and the farm lobby have been fighting about ethanol, with the farmers pushing to produce more of it and the refiners arguing it was a boondoggle that would do little to solve the country’s energy problems.

Virent Energy, Shell Poised for Second-Gen Biofuels Race

Thu, 7 May 2009 16:58:05 -0500

Now that the dust kicked up over the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rules for the biofuels industry has settled just a little bit, it’s worth taking a look at Virent Energy Systems and Royal Dutch Shell, companies well-positioned in the advanced biofuels race.

Drop In, Tune Out, Turn On: new thinking for new days in bioenergy

Mon, 4 May 2009 12:00:00 -0500

It was Timothy Leary, the controversial Harvard professor, who coined the phrase “Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out” in the 1960s, to provide a simple yet evocative way to think about a new set of controversial lifestyle choices that were a product of the social unrest of the 1960s.

Biofuels Battle: Chemistry Versus Biology What's the best way to turn plants into fuel?

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:00:00 -0500

There are 1,865 biofuels companies out there, and sometimes it seems that there are at least 1,865 different ways of turning every manner of biological material into fuel for a car, truck, train or plane. A big part of the reason, of course, is that petroleum is, basically, old biological gunk. Changing new biological stuff into old biological stuff is relatively easy to do in a lab, at least.

Where federal energy research money should go

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:47:00 -0500

The U.S Department of Energy on Monday launched a $400 million program to fund development of disruptive energy technologies in a program modeled after the Department of Defense program that spawned space exploration and the Internet. Called Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), the mission is to fund research and development on "transformational energy technologies" to cut the country's reliance on fossil fuels. The Energy Department's ARPA-E office will start taking applications next month for research projects, which will be accepted based on their technical feasibility and potential commercial impact.

The Best Biofuels

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:06:54 -0500

The U.S. is desperate to wean itself from imported oil. Toward that end, it has mandated that by 2010, U.S. fuel consumption must include 100 million gallons of "advanced" biofuels that don't depend on corn, sugarcane, or other food crops as feedstock

Power Plays: The latest on alternative-energy deals from Dow Jones Clean Technology Insight

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:25:00 -0500

Shell also provides scientific and engineering support in a strategic partnership with Virent Energy Systems Inc., a company planning to produce bio-gasoline directly using a technology that can process various kinds of feedstock, giving it the flexibility to use food sources or not. The nonedible portion of some plants -- the stalks of the sugar cane, for instance -- can often be turned into cellulosic ethanol. Shell doesn't have an equity holding in Virent. Virent is out raising capital -- it has raised $30 million from venture-capital investors and $40 million from government and strategic partners since it was founded in 2002 -- and is building its first demonstration plant in Madison, Wis. It plans to have the plant up and running in the third quarter. Virent also has financial and strategic support from Honda Motor Co. and Cargill Inc.

Follow Signs For Path To Prosperity

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Even as Wisconsin's economy founders in a global economic recession, you can see the path that will take the state to higher ground in the future. The state's policymakers should take a good, long look. Already on the path are two bio-industries - biofuels and biotechnology. Consider recent developments: * Virent Energy Systems of Madison is preparing to open later this year a pilot plant to produce fuel from sugar water.

Virent sees green in future biofuel production

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:26:00 -0500

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Lee Edwards isn't phased by the credit crunch, low gasoline prices or a glut of oil on the market as he steers Virent Enegy Systems Inc. toward large-scale biofuel production. The seven-year-old, privately-held Madison, Wis., company is shopping for its third round of venture financing as it moves beyond its roots as a research and development firm.

Ethanol – the Good, the Bad, the Ugly, the Beautiful

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 08:16:34 -0500

The 9 billion gallons of ethanol that Americans used last year helped drive down oil prices. For those of us who fuel our vehicles with gasoline, as much as 10 percent of that gasoline is ethanol. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires that more biofuel be used every year until we reach 36 billion gallons by 2022.

Converting sugars to conventional liquid fuels

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Virent Energy Systems has discovered and is developing processing technologies that generate high-energy hydrocarbon mixtures from food and non-food plant sugars. Virent's BioForming process uses catalytic processing technologies similar to those used in today's petroleum refineries to generate liquid fuels from crude oil. However, instead of using crude oil as a feedstock, this process uses biomass-derived sugars to generate hydrocarbon mixtures that can be either directly used or seamlessly blended to make conventional liquid fuels and chemicals.

Coskata, Sapphire Energy and Virent head the “50 Hottest Companies in Bioenergy” rankings

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0600

Cellulosic ethanol pioneer Coskata took the #1 spot in the “50 Hottest Companies in Bioenergy” rankings for 2008-09, published today by Biofuels Digest. Algae-to-energy start-up Sapphire Energy took the #2 position, while biomass-to-”drop in hydrocarbon” early-stage company Virent Energy took the #3 position. The list recognizes innovation and achievement in bioenergy development.

Edwards sees Virent Energy thriving in era of low-cost crude

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0600

Edwards, who will succeed Eric Apfelbach on Jan. 2, has no qualms about Virent's potential now that crude oil prices have fallen below $50 a barrel. Unlike the 1980s, when the demand for alternative fuels and energy subsided along with gas prices, he knows the public now views energy independence as both an economic and national security issue.

Tech Pioneers "The Transformers"

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0600

You think ethanol from corn kernels is environmentally friendly? How about gasoline made from cornstalks? Bioforming, a new catalytic technique for converting biomass materials into fuels and chemicals, resembles the alchemy used to turn garbage into energy in Back to the Future. But it actually seems to work.

The World's Most Promising Tech Startups

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 08:01:00 -0600

Every year, the Geneva-based World Economic Forum honors as "Tech Pioneers" anywhere from 30 to 50 companies offering new technologies or business models that could advance the global economy and have a positive impact on people's lives. More than half of this year's 34 honorees hail from outside the U.S. Twelve come from Europe, three from Asia, two from Africa, and one from South America. The companies were chosen by an independent panel of venture capitalists and industry experts. (BusinessWeek correspondent Jennifer L. Schenker served on the jury.)

On The Road To Green Gasoline

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:00:00 -0600

JUST BECAUSE OIL WELLS will run dry one day does not mean the world is fated to run out of gasoline. A new biomass-based industry supported by venture capitalists, government funding, and big oil is rising to convert plant sugars (carbohydrates) into conventional liquid transportation fuels (hydrocarbons) that can be used to boost fuel supplies until a permanent renewable transportation solution can take hold—namely solar- or hydrogen-powered electric cars.

Oil industry veteran is Virent's new president, CEO

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:36:11 -0600

Virent Energy Systems Inc., already a partner with Shell in development of "green" gasoline, turned to another major oil company, BP, for its next leader.

The Madison biofuels company on Thursday named Lee Edwards its president and chief executive, effective Jan. 2.

Biorefining Gets a Boost

Sat, 1 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0600

Combined process handles many feeds and makes a variety of products A method to convert oxygenated hydrocarbons into alkanes, ketones, alcohols and industrial chemicals promises an economical alternative to petroleum-based production, says its developer, Virent Energy Systems, Madison, Wis. In mid-September, the company filed an application for a U.S. patent on its BioForming technology.

Catalytic conversion of sugar into conventional gasoline,diesel, jet fuel, and other hydrocarbons

Sat, 1 Nov 2008 14:15:09 -0600

The world sugar industry is predominantly focused on supplying two end markets, sweeteners and ethanol. Virent Energy System’s BioForming process provides new market opportunities to the sugar industry by enabling the conversion of sugar-based feedstocks into conventional liquid fuels and chemicals.

ICIS Innovation Awards: Virent Energy Systems wins with BioForming technology

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0500

Virent Energy Systems wins the Best Innovation by an SME award for its BioForming process to turn plant sugars to biofuels and chemicals

How Green Is Plant-Derived Gasoline?

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Fossil fuels don't all come from fossils. Scientists now are developing gasoline that is synthesized from plants that are not so old.

Multimedia: Research on 'Green Gasoline' Shows Promise

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 13:55:13 -0500

By Art Chimes Voice of America

Alternative energy Visions:

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Virent Energy Systems' is close to an important transition. The company, which has a patent on its BioForming fuel production process, soon will name a successor for chief executive Eric Apfelbach, and that person is likely to have experience in energy markets. Apfelbach, meanwhile, is in the discussion stage of trying to start a new venture capital fund to support engineered technology solutions.

Alternative energy visions: Virent's Apfelbach talks up green gasoline

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Editor's note: On the heels of encouraging news about the green gas it is developing for commercial energy markets, Virent Energy Systems' Eric Apfelbach gave his take on where the company stands in the alternative energy industry. The green gas, which was found to be cost competitive with gasoline, will be Virent's first commercial product, followed by renewable jet fuel and diesel fuel.

Game-changing day for jet biofuels

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0500

The aviation industry has taken a significant step in the adoption of biofuels, industry leaders said today.

Virent nabs sweet success ‘Green’ sugar fuel can be made competitively

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0500

A Madison-based biofuels start-up company has reached another milestone in its quest to produce gasoline from the sugars found in plants such as switchgrass and trees, a company founder said Tuesday.

Multimedia: Will green gas fuel the future?

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:58:51 -0500

Minnesota Public Radio

Biogasoline advances as Virent develops aqueous reforming technology

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Conventional hydrocarbon gasoline made from a broad spectrum of non-food biomass feed stocks is gaining support from major firms. The fuel, termed “biogasoline”, has equal energy content of petroleum gasoline at lower cost per Btu than alcohols. It is derived from plant sugars converted into the same hydrocarbon molecules as petroleum gasoline and can be used as fuel without spark ignition engine modifications and without changes in the market distribution infrastructure.

Virent receives $1 million to research biogasoline

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:19:21 -0500

Virent Energy Systems Inc. in Madison, Wis., has been awarded a $500,000 grant and a $500,000 loan from the Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund to help design, build and operate a pilot plant that will produce up to 10,000 gallons of biogasoline from biomass annually.

Just in Case

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:52:55 -0500

Got a good idea for a renewable energy technology? Perhaps a new way to convert the sun or waves or plants into fuel? Chances are, there's a venture capitalist willing to help see whether the idea works.

Calling all Chemists

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:48:57 -0500

Chemists and chemical engineers will be providing the thousands of technologies needed to achieve a more sustainable world

7 Next-Gen Biofuels to Drive Beyond Gasoline. Popular Mechanics September, 2008

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:51:06 -0500

Forget food crops. Future fuels will come from more practical feedstocks. Plus, each generation will use fewer resources and pack more energy than the last. PM crunches the numbers on alternative fuels for the real world.

Catalytic Process Converts Plant Sugars into Gasoline.

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 08:31:23 -0600

The presence of oxygen in the molecular structure of ethanol gives rise to substantial disadvantages, such as a lower volumetric energy content, higher operating costs associated with dewatering, and incompatibility with the current fuel manufacturing and distribution infrastructure. Now, novel and innovative catalytic methods are available to convert plant sugars into non-oxygenated hydrocarbon molecules that overcome these limitations.

Start-ups from UW research fuel the state's economy. Capital Region Business Journal

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 08:00:00 -0500

It takes Mother Nature millions of years, but an hour is all Eric Apfelbach needs. Apfelbach is president and CEO of Virent Energy Systems, a Madison-based start-up company founded in 2002 by UW-Madison scientists Randy Cortright and Jim Dumesic. Building upon technology invented and patented at the university, Virent uses solid-state catalysts to trump Mother Nature in the conversion of plant sugars into "biogasoline" and other hydrocarbon biofuels.

Sapphire Energy turns algae into 'green crude' for fuel. Los Angeles Times

Thu, 29 May 2008 09:00:00 -0500

Many companies are making strides in producing ethanol from nonfood sources such as switch grass, plant waste or recycled paper. Virent Energy Systems Inc., based in Madison, Wis., in March unveiled a joint venture with Shell Oil Co. that would produce “biogasoline” from plant sugars – creating fuel that could be distributed through existing pipes and stations and used in existing vehicles.

Virent named Red Herring recipient. Biomass Magazine

Thu, 22 May 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Virent Energy Systems Inc. was one of 100 top technology startup companies that received the Red Herring North America award last week during an event in San Jose, Calif. This year’s 100 honorees included only six cleantech and energy companies, including Virent.

Beyond ethanol: Searching for the next viable green fuel. The Capital Times

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:58:00 -0500

Eric Apfelbach is happy to talk about the promise of using plant sugars to produce synthetic gasoline. But anyone wanting to take a tour of Virent Energy Systems, his Madison-based company, must first sign a confidentiality agreement pledging not to reveal any trade secrets.

Virent Energy and Shell see success producing gasoline. Biomass Magazine

Mon, 7 Apr 2008 09:39:00 -0500

Wisconsin-based Virent Energy Systems Inc. and international petroleum giant Shell have announced their first year in a joint research and development effort to produce biogasoline was successful. The companies have been working to convert plant sugars directly into gasoline and gasoline blends using Virent’s Aqueous Phase Reforming (APR) process, BioForming, and are on track to produce at a commercial scale by 2010.

Wisconsin Radio Network Reporting on Virent's Biogasoline

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:01:06 -0500

Wisconsin Radio Network

Plants Converted Directly Into Biogasoline, Not Ethanol. Environmental News Service

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:00:00 -0500

MADISON, Wisconsin, March 27, 2008 (ENS) - A Wisconsin bioscience company and Royal Dutch Shell say they have developed a process to convert plant sugars directly into gasoline and gasoline blend components, rather than ethanol. The collaboration aims to create new biofuels that can be used at high blend rates in standard gasoline engines in place of fossil fuels. This could potentially eliminate the need for specialized infrastructure, new engine designs and blending equipment.

Shell, Virent Energy Systems form 5-year partnership to make biogasoline; demo plant in 2010; increases momentum of biocrude, biogasoline trend. Biofuels Digest

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:00:00 -0500

In the Netherlands, Royal Dutch Shell and Virent Energy Systems announced a 5-year partnership to make biogasoline from a catalytic process from biomass. The Virent Bioforming process uses undisclosed catalysts to convert plant-based sugars into gasoline-resembling hydrocarbons, instead of fermenting into ethanol The process uses non-food feedstocks.

Sugar-fuel idea simmers. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:00:00 -0500

Europe's largest oil company, Royal Dutch Shell PLC, and Madison-based Virent Energy Systems Inc. are teaming up to find ways to produce gasoline directly from plant sugars, a move that could eventually reduce costs associated with biofuels.
Virent is using catalysts to convert plant sugars into hydrocarbon molecules similar to those produced at petroleum refineries. The resulting "biogasoline" has a higher energy content than ethanol and could deliver better fuel efficiency, researchers say.

Shell, Virent Seek to Produce Gasoline From Sugar. Bloomberg.com

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:00:00 -0500

Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Europe's largest oil company, and closely held Virent Energy Systems Inc. are studying ways to produce gasoline from plant sugar that would be cheaper to use than biofuels such as ethanol.

Shell hopes for sweet smell of success. Financial Times

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:58:00 -0500

Royal Dutch Shell is working on a process to turn sugars into a synthetic petrol, rather than ethanol, with the aim of moving to a commercial demonstration plant in two years’ time.

Shell, Virent in joint venture to convert crops to biogasoline. International Herald Tribune

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:00:00 -0500

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: Royal Dutch Shell PLC said Wednesday it has formed a 5-year partnership with U.S.-based Virent Energy Systems Inc. to produce a fuel closely resembling gasoline from plant sugars. Shell said its deal with Madison, Wisconsin-based Virent signals that, after testing successes, they want to bring the product toward large-scale production quickly. However, the companies would not give any firm deadlines for development, or release any details of how much money they're investing in it.

Virent's biogasoline gets Big Oil backing. Cleantech

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:00:00 -0500

Shell is funding the biofuel startup's research into a sugar-based fuel that could be used like regular gasoline. Madison, Wis.-based Virent Energy Systems announced its second collaboration with oil giant Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: RDS.A) today, saying the two plan to work on developing a biogasoline that could be used in regular cars and take advantage of the existing gasoline infrastructure.

Biogasoline idea refined by Dutch Shell, U.S. firm. The Houston Chronicle

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:00:00 -0500

It looks like gasoline, smells like gasoline and runs in regular gasoline engines, but it isn't made from crude oil; it comes from crops. It's called "biogasoline," and under a partnership announced Wednesday between Royal Dutch Shell and Virent Energy Systems, it could be coming to a filling station near you.

Shell, Virent work on green gasoline alternative. Reuters

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:16:00 -0500

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil company Royal Dutch Shell Plc and U.S. bioscience firm Virent Energy Systems are to research a gasoline alternative from non-food crops that would reduce CO2 emissions without driving up food prices. Shell said in a statement that unlike ethanol, currently the main biofuel alternative to gasoline, the fuel it and Virent aim to develop will be able to run in existing vehicles without the need to modify their engines.

Taking On Congress' Favorite Biofuel. Forbes.com

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:00:00 -0500

For a young company, Virent Energy Systems seems to lead a charmed life. The Madison, Wis., biofuels outfit has pulled in more than $30 million from venture capitalists while striking strategic relationships with the likes of Cargill, Honda Motor and Royal Dutch Shell.

Biofuel makers cook up ideas for jets. The Dallas Morning News

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

WASHINGTON – Sooner than you might think, cooking oil, coal, plants and garbage may be the stuff fueling jumbo jets. "We want it. And unlike car drivers, we'll use it," said John Heimlich, chief economist of the Air Transport Association of America.

A renewable route to green gasoline. Environmental Science & Technology

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:00:00 -0500

You can't get it at the pump yet, but a start-up company called Virent Energy Systems, Inc., has found a way to produce gasoline from renewable biomass that "effectively has the same composition [as] standard, unleaded gasoline" made from petroleum, says Mary Blanchard, the company's marketing director. The company expects to commercialize the new "green gasoline," which Blanchard says will cost less than ethanol, within 5 years. It is also working on "green" versions of diesel and jet fuel.

Wisconsin heros recognized by Gov. Doyle in State of the State address. WISPOLITICS.COM

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:00:00 -0500

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle tonight recognized the following individuals in his State of the State address: ...
Eric Apfelbach - An entrepreneur dedicated to developing new renewable fuel technology, Eric Apfelbach, President of Virent Energy Systems in Madison, Wisconsin. By supporting high tech companies like Virent Wisconsin can accelerate new businesses that could become the next generation of Google or Microsoft.

Fuel Without the Fossil. The New York Times

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 08:00:00 -0500

In Madison, Wis., a company called Virent Energy Systems is turning sugar into gasoline, diesel, kerosene and jet fuel, with the long-range plan of obtaining the sugars from biomass.

Chemistry, Not Biology, Holds the Future for Alternative Fuels. Wired Blog Network

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 12:15:00 -0500

We all know the limitations of corn and ethanol and the environmental problems they create. But with soaring oil prices, a new generation of entrepreneurs is looking at ways of unlocking the energy in big biological molecules using chemistry. Today's "New York Times" examines how some of the technologies being explored could bypass ethanol to create diesel and gasoline, which could be used without any changes to existing car engines. Virent Energy Systems is currently changing sugar into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Its long-range plan is to obtain the sugars from biomass.

Four Companies to Watch... Ecotality

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 15:00:00 -0500

For years, scientists have known that the building blocks in plant matter - not just corn kernels, but also corn stalks, wood chips and even some household garbage - constituted an immense potential resource that could, in theory, fill the U.S. gasoline tanks. Mostly, they have focused on biology as a way to do it, tinkering with bacteria or fungi that could digest the plant material, known as biomass, and extract sugar that could be fermented into ethanol. But now, nipping at the heels of various companies using biological methods, is a new group of entrepreneurs... who favor chemistry.

Cleantech speed dating in San Francisco. Cleantech

Thu, 8 Nov 2007 08:00:00 -0500

Fifty two cleantech startups presented at an investor conference today in San Francisco. We eventually had to say 'uncle.'

Dr. Randy Cortright presenting at the congressional briefing

Thu, 4 Oct 2007 14:55:20 -0500

"Green Gasoline: An Alternative Alternate Fuel".

Plants-to-hydrocarbons company Virent Energy lands funding. CNET News.com

Thu, 6 Sep 2007 08:00:00 -0500

Virent Energy Systems on Thursday said it has secured $21 million in financing to develop processes for converting biomass to gasoline and other liquid fuels. The second-round investment was led by Stark Investments and Venture Investors with Series A investor Cargill Ventures also participating. The company, which was spun off from the University of Wisconsin, has developed a proprietary catalyst that can convert the sugar in biomass to hydrocarbons.

Funds aid sugar plans Virent raises $21 million to develop 'green gasoline'. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 08:00:00 -0500

The promise of making gasoline from sugar has sweetened the pot for Virent Energy Systems of Madison.
The 5-year-old renewable energy developer has raised $21 million in venture financing, Virent is announcing today.

Discovering New Uses for Glycerin. Biodiesel Magazine

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 08:00:00 -0500

A second company that aims to produce PG from glycerin is Virent Energy Systems Inc., which was founded in 2002 by two chemical engineers from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. This company brings a unique approach to the production of PG from glycerin. In Virent’s patented BioForming process, a liquid stream of a water-soluble carbon source such as glycerin is fed into a solid-state catalyst system. Through a process called aqueous phase reforming,

Multimedia: Virent Headquarters & Laboratories

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 14:57:05 -0500

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