Business News

Brazil opens world’s first ethanol-fired power plant

Brazil on Tuesday opened the world’s first ethanol-fueled power plant in an effort by the South American biofuels giant to increase the global use of ethanol and boost its clean power ... Read More

Germany proposes 15% cut in solar subsides

The German government is proposing a cut of 15% on the subsidies it gives solar-power providers, Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen said Wednesday, reflecting what the government deems the sector’s success, but ... Read More

Kraft Foods, Cadbury agree to $19.5 billion deal

After months of fierce resistance, Cadbury’s about-face to accept a sweetened 11.5 billion pound ($19.5 billion) takeover from Kraft Foods Inc. – forming the world’s biggest candy company – has alarmed ... Read More

Castle Harlan buys packaging companies for $200M

Private equity firm Castle Harlan Inc. said Monday it is buying plastic container maker Pretium Packaging LLC and rival PVC Container Corp. in deals valued at a combined $200 million. The ... Read More

DOE shows interest in algae fuels

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu on Wednesday announced the recipients of more than $80 million in government funding for biofuels research and development. The bulk of the funding, coming from the ... Read More

Exploring the Missouri part of the Mississippi river in a kayak

Having no strict plan in place did not mean no planning was done, of course. With about 2,300 miles of river to choose from, we had to decide which section to ... Read More

Danforth plant center wins $44 million award for algae-biofuel research

The administration of President Barack Obama announced Wednesday that a consortium led by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis is the winner of a $44 million Recovery Act ... Read More

Fisker taps A123 Systems for electric car batteries

Fisker Automotive has contracted with Boston-based A123 Systems to supply battery packs for the forthcoming Fisker Karma plug-in electric car. A123 Systems on Thursday said that it will supply lithium ion-based ... Read More