October ethanol production rose to 884,000 barrels per day, up from 869,000 barrels per day in September. For the month a total of 1,151,220,000 gallons were produced, up from 1,094,562,000 gallons in September.
Ethanol imports declined to 42,000 gallons in October, down from 210,000 gallons in September.
Source : Energy Information Administration
December 30, 2010
December 29, 2010
Solar Power, Inc. Selected to Build Five Megawatt Rooftop Solar System in New Jersey
“This is a significant project for us,” said Steve Kircher, Chairman and CEO of Solar Power, Inc. “The White Rose installation will be one of the largest systems of its type in the nation. More importantly, the project allows us to continue to develop our presence and portfolio in the Northeastern U.S. It also provides our Company the opportunity to showcase the unique talents and abilities we offer - it’s a perfect fit for our products and our system design and construction expertise. We look forward to working with NuGen and KDC Solar as the project commences,” Mr. Kircher concluded.
“A project of this scope and scale requires a significant amount of research and due diligence on behalf of everyone involved. Ultimately, Solar Power, Inc.’s highly adaptable SkyMount® racking system coupled with its track record in the solar industry made a big difference,” said David Milner, CEO for NuGen, the project developer. “I am pleased to be working with Solar Power, Inc., and look forward to a continued relationship as NuGen develops additional opportunities throughout the Northeast.”
The White Rose Food building is located in Carteret, New Jersey and serves as White Rose Food’s corporate offices and as a major hub in its distribution network. White Rose Food serves supermarket chains, independent retailers and members of voluntary cooperatives, providing more than 18,000 food- and non-food products to more than 1,800 stores from Maryland to Connecticut. The company is the largest independent wholesale food distributor in the New York City and New Jersey metropolitan areas, which make up the biggest consumer market in the United States.
The project is scheduled to begin in January, 2011 and conclude early in the second half of the year.
December 28, 2010
Texas A&M Engineers Develop A Sensor To Monitor Algae Growth
By Robert Burns, Texas A&M University
Algae grown for biofuel could be a sweet deal, but without constant monitoring, its growth process can be inefficient and economically untenable, according to a Texas AgriLife Research expert.
Dr. Alex Thomasson, AgriLife Research engineer, has developed an optical-electronic sensor that will automatically measure algae growth stages and allow micro-management of its production of oils for biofuels.
One of the main advantages of using algae for biofuel is its rapid growth potential, Thomasson explained. The other advantage is that algae can be induced to produce large quantities of lipids – fatty molecules that can be used to produce a wide range of hydrocarbon fuels.
Both the amount and type of lipids that algae produces depend upon how well the growth processes of the microalgae are regulated. However, the very speed at which some algae grow – some strains may double their mass every six to 12 hours – makes management tricky, he said.
“Very rapid measurements will be required when scaling up to commercial production of algae as a biofuel feedstock,” Thomasson said.
Most algal-oil production scenarios consist of two stages, he said. The first stage involves promoting optimal growth so that the number of algal cells increases rapidly. The second stage requires limiting nutrients at exactly the right time to maximize lipid production by the cells.
“This is a natural response of many organisms; as their nutritional intake is reduced, they tend to convert more of their nutrients to stored energy, such as lipids or fat, to protect against future starvation,” Thomasson said. “In fact, a process-control system is necessary in both production stages to ensure that inputs and durations are optimal.”
To help solve this problem Thomasson headed a team comprised of himself, Dr. Ruixiu Sui, a U.S. Department of Agriculture engineer in Mississippi, plus Dr. Yufeng Ge, an assistant research engineer, and Yao Yao, a graduate research assistant, both at Texas A&M University at College Station.
Thomasson and the team agreed that measuring optical density of algal cells as they grew in water was the most straight-forward and readily achievable way to go, he said.
“(In research situations) optical density is typically measured by collecting a sample of aqueous solution, taking the sample to the laboratory, and using a spectrophotometer to measure the absorbance of the sample at a specific wavelength,” Thomasson said. “OD probes are available and could potentially be incorporated into a process control system, but those currently on the market had not been proven to be of acceptable accuracy, ruggedness, etc., for a process-control system for open-pond algae production.”
To be suitable for commercial production, the optical sensor needed to be mountable at a fixed location in a production facility, operate without human intervention and provide measurements that could be used to adjust production in “real time,” Thomasson explained in a paper the team presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers last summer.
Real time is a computer science term for systems that function instantaneously or nearly so.
In addition to all of the above parameters, Thomasson thought it a good idea not to take measurements in just one wavelength of light as did the laboratory tests. Multiple measurements at different wavelengths would ensure increased reliability, he said.
Therefore, the team experimented with wavelengths ranging from 250 nanometers to 2,500 nanometers, from the ultraviolet through infrared.
After successfully comparing sensor results to actual lab analyses, the team designed, constructed and tested a prototype sensor on an algae-production raceway in June 2010. The sensor took measurements at five-second intervals. Field tests at the AgriLife Algae Research and Development Facility near Pecos showed the prototype sensor could “very accurately” and consistently measure the optical density in the raceway and therefore enable real-time growth management, Thomasson said.
Because the team has applied for a patent, the actual wavelengths used are subject to intellectual-property protection, Thomasson said. But he could disclose that one wavelength in the near-infrared region was used to accurately measure the slow-and-steady increase of optical density during the growth process, as well as the drop in optical density when more water and nutrients were added.
Algae grown for biofuel could be a sweet deal, but without constant monitoring, its growth process can be inefficient and economically untenable, according to a Texas AgriLife Research expert.
Dr. Alex Thomasson, AgriLife Research engineer, has developed an optical-electronic sensor that will automatically measure algae growth stages and allow micro-management of its production of oils for biofuels.
One of the main advantages of using algae for biofuel is its rapid growth potential, Thomasson explained. The other advantage is that algae can be induced to produce large quantities of lipids – fatty molecules that can be used to produce a wide range of hydrocarbon fuels.
Both the amount and type of lipids that algae produces depend upon how well the growth processes of the microalgae are regulated. However, the very speed at which some algae grow – some strains may double their mass every six to 12 hours – makes management tricky, he said.
“Very rapid measurements will be required when scaling up to commercial production of algae as a biofuel feedstock,” Thomasson said.
Most algal-oil production scenarios consist of two stages, he said. The first stage involves promoting optimal growth so that the number of algal cells increases rapidly. The second stage requires limiting nutrients at exactly the right time to maximize lipid production by the cells.
“This is a natural response of many organisms; as their nutritional intake is reduced, they tend to convert more of their nutrients to stored energy, such as lipids or fat, to protect against future starvation,” Thomasson said. “In fact, a process-control system is necessary in both production stages to ensure that inputs and durations are optimal.”
To help solve this problem Thomasson headed a team comprised of himself, Dr. Ruixiu Sui, a U.S. Department of Agriculture engineer in Mississippi, plus Dr. Yufeng Ge, an assistant research engineer, and Yao Yao, a graduate research assistant, both at Texas A&M University at College Station.
Thomasson and the team agreed that measuring optical density of algal cells as they grew in water was the most straight-forward and readily achievable way to go, he said.
“(In research situations) optical density is typically measured by collecting a sample of aqueous solution, taking the sample to the laboratory, and using a spectrophotometer to measure the absorbance of the sample at a specific wavelength,” Thomasson said. “OD probes are available and could potentially be incorporated into a process control system, but those currently on the market had not been proven to be of acceptable accuracy, ruggedness, etc., for a process-control system for open-pond algae production.”
To be suitable for commercial production, the optical sensor needed to be mountable at a fixed location in a production facility, operate without human intervention and provide measurements that could be used to adjust production in “real time,” Thomasson explained in a paper the team presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers last summer.
Real time is a computer science term for systems that function instantaneously or nearly so.
In addition to all of the above parameters, Thomasson thought it a good idea not to take measurements in just one wavelength of light as did the laboratory tests. Multiple measurements at different wavelengths would ensure increased reliability, he said.
Therefore, the team experimented with wavelengths ranging from 250 nanometers to 2,500 nanometers, from the ultraviolet through infrared.
After successfully comparing sensor results to actual lab analyses, the team designed, constructed and tested a prototype sensor on an algae-production raceway in June 2010. The sensor took measurements at five-second intervals. Field tests at the AgriLife Algae Research and Development Facility near Pecos showed the prototype sensor could “very accurately” and consistently measure the optical density in the raceway and therefore enable real-time growth management, Thomasson said.
Because the team has applied for a patent, the actual wavelengths used are subject to intellectual-property protection, Thomasson said. But he could disclose that one wavelength in the near-infrared region was used to accurately measure the slow-and-steady increase of optical density during the growth process, as well as the drop in optical density when more water and nutrients were added.
POET Invention Makes Loading Distillers Grains Safer, More Efficient
The Load Toad™ allows the rail car to be packed more densely by forcing DDGS to the sides of the rail car. By distributing the DDGS load more evenly and efficiently, POET plants have been able to pack 3%-5% more DDGS into each car.
In addition to the time and cost savings, the patented device makes the loading process safer for workers. This process was previously done manually with a hand shovel.
"The Load Toad not only allows us to put more DDGS in a railcar, which increases our production efficiency, but this device also allows the commodities team to more safely load a railcar," said Dave Hudak, general manager at POET Biorefining -- Alexandria (Ind.). "We no longer have to shovel any product nor stand on the top of the car to load it. The potential for a back injury has been eliminated."
Commodities Assistant Ryan Schroeder from POET Biorefining - Leipsic in Ohio developed the first prototype of the Load Toad as a solution to a common loading problem that led to cone-shaped pileups in the rail cars. These pileups dramatically lowered efficiency in each rail car and created a great deal physical work for staff.
"It felt good knowing that not just our plant would benefit, but the commodities people at all the POET plants would benefit," Schroeder said.
The Load Toad is currently being used at POET plants, but the company is exploring opportunities to market the technology to other ethanol producers in the future.
enXco and Xcel Energy Announce Operation of Nobles Wind Project
“We look forward to being a continued partner with Xcel Energy and the communities of Minnesota to further our efforts to supply clean energy to the nation’s grid.”
The 201-megawatt wind farm, located in Nobles County, consists of 134, 1.5-megawatt General Electric wind turbines generating enough power to serve approximately 66,500 homes.
“The Nobles Wind Farm advances our efforts to provide our customers with more reasonably priced, renewable energy,” said Judy Poferl, president and CEO of Northern States Power Co.-Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company. “Developing wind resources, abundant in the Upper Midwest, will help meet our customers’ growing needs for electricity at a reasonable cost while minimizing impact on the environment.”
Xcel Energy also owns Grand Meadow Wind Farm in southeastern Minnesota’s Mower County. A third company-owned wind project, the 150-megawatt Merricourt Wind Project, is currently under development by enXco in southeastern North Dakota. Merricourt is expected to be operational in late 2011 and represents the first major wind undertaking for enXco and Xcel Energy in North Dakota. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in June 2009 allowed Xcel Energy to include both the Nobles and Merricourt projects in its plan to meet the state’s Renewable Energy Standard.
Joint developments between enXco and Xcel Energy have resulted in a significant increase in wind resources on the utility’s system. The completion of the Nobles and Merricourt projects will bring the total to 784 megawatts of capacity for Xcel Energy through either build/transfer arrangements or power purchase agreements. Once each project is completed, ownership transfers to NSP - Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company. Other projects constructed by enXco include Grand Meadow Wind Farm, Fenton Wind Farm, Viking Wind Farm and Chanarambie Wind Farm all in Minnesota, as well as Peetz Table Wind Farm in Colorado.
“enXco is once again pleased to extend our experience and successful relationship with Xcel Energy to bring the economic and renewable benefits from the Nobles Wind Project to their customers in the Upper Midwest. This project marks our sixth wind project to deliver electricity to Xcel Energy’s renewable energy portfolio,” said Steve Peluso, senior vice president of origination for enXco. “We look forward to being a continued partner with Xcel Energy and the communities of Minnesota to further our efforts to supply clean energy to the nation’s grid.”
With the addition of the Nobles Wind Farm, Xcel Energy receives energy from nearly 1,500 megawatts of wind-powered generation on its Upper Midwest system. Company plans include an inventory of approximately 3,000 megawatts of both owned and purchased wind power capacity in the Upper Midwest by 2020. Xcel Energy is the nation’s No. 1 wind power provider, according to the American Wind Energy Association.
December 26, 2010
September 2010 Biodiesel Production Holds Steady
September biodiesel production held steady at 23 million gallons, the same as was produced in August.
Biodiesel consumption increased to 24 million gallons up from 18 million gallons in August.
Source EIA Biodiesel Overview
Biodiesel consumption increased to 24 million gallons up from 18 million gallons in August.
Source EIA Biodiesel Overview
December 23, 2010
DOE Completes $17 Million Loan Guarantee for New York Energy Storage System
Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced a $17.1 million loan guarantee has been finalized for the AES Westover facility. The loan guarantee will support the construction of a 20 megawatt (MW) energy storage system using advanced lithium-ion batteries. The AES project, located in Johnson City, New York, will help provide a more stable and efficient electrical grid for the state's high-voltage transmission network.
"The AES project helps reduce carbon emissions and strengthens our energy infrastructure by allowing for more renewable energy sources like solar and wind to contribute to the electrical grid," said Secretary Chu. "Bringing more efficiency and reliability to the grid will help cut costs for consumers and power a cleaner energy future."
The AES technology can help reduce carbon emissions by 70 percent compared to frequency regulation provided by fossil energy suppliers. Traditionally, grid frequency regulation, which is needed to balance power generation and consumption on the grid, is maintained by burning additional fossil fuels at power plants. The AES project eliminates the need to burn fossil fuels and instead uses battery technology and new software that will provide the same regulation at a lower price. This advanced frequency regulation capability will allow renewable electricity generation to play a larger role in New York's transmission network.
The AES project will include advanced lithium-ion battery cells from A123 Systems, Inc., a leading supplier of lithium-ion batteries. The contained battery and related electrical systems are assembled, tested and validated in an A123 manufacturing facility in Hopkinton, MA.
The Department of Energy, through the Loan Programs Office, has issued loan guarantees or offered conditional commitments for loan guarantees to support 16 clean energy projects totaling nearly $16.5 billion. Together, the 16 projects will produce over 37 million megawatt-hours, enough clean energy to power over 3.3 million homes. Other DOE-supported projects include the world's largest wind farm, the world's largest parabolic trough solar power plant, and a 2,200 megawatt nuclear power plant - the nation's first in three decades.
"The AES project helps reduce carbon emissions and strengthens our energy infrastructure by allowing for more renewable energy sources like solar and wind to contribute to the electrical grid," said Secretary Chu. "Bringing more efficiency and reliability to the grid will help cut costs for consumers and power a cleaner energy future."
The AES technology can help reduce carbon emissions by 70 percent compared to frequency regulation provided by fossil energy suppliers. Traditionally, grid frequency regulation, which is needed to balance power generation and consumption on the grid, is maintained by burning additional fossil fuels at power plants. The AES project eliminates the need to burn fossil fuels and instead uses battery technology and new software that will provide the same regulation at a lower price. This advanced frequency regulation capability will allow renewable electricity generation to play a larger role in New York's transmission network.
The AES project will include advanced lithium-ion battery cells from A123 Systems, Inc., a leading supplier of lithium-ion batteries. The contained battery and related electrical systems are assembled, tested and validated in an A123 manufacturing facility in Hopkinton, MA.
The Department of Energy, through the Loan Programs Office, has issued loan guarantees or offered conditional commitments for loan guarantees to support 16 clean energy projects totaling nearly $16.5 billion. Together, the 16 projects will produce over 37 million megawatt-hours, enough clean energy to power over 3.3 million homes. Other DOE-supported projects include the world's largest wind farm, the world's largest parabolic trough solar power plant, and a 2,200 megawatt nuclear power plant - the nation's first in three decades.
Edison Mission Group Begins Commercial Operation of Cedro Hill Wind Farm in Texas
Edison Mission Group (EMG), a subsidiary of Edison International, announced today that it has begun commercial operation of the 150-megawatt (MW) Cedro Hill wind project in the southern Texas town of Bruni, located about 40 miles east of Laredo.
All of the electricity produced by the project is being sold under a 20-year power purchase agreement with CPS Energy of San Antonio, the nation’s largest municipally owned natural gas and electric utility.
Cedro Hill is EMG's third wind energy project in Texas, joining the 161-MW Wildorado Wind Ranch near Amarillo and the 149-MW Goat Wind project near San Angelo. EMG is one of the largest developers, owners and operators of wind energy in the country with 29 projects in 10 states with a total generating capacity of more than 1,800 MW.
"Texas has been an important anchor for the rapid growth of our renewable energy business," said Ron Litzinger, chief executive officer of EMG. "In partnership with CPS Energy, we are pleased to provide this new, clean energy source to the residents and businesses of San Antonio," he added.
The Cedro Hill wind project is powered by 100 GE turbines with a generating capacity of 1.5 MW each. At full capacity, the project can produce enough power to meet the needs of about 40,000 homes. The project spans 20,000 acres. It interconnects to the electric grid at the La Quinta switching station and connects to CPS Energy through the 138-Kilvolt Lobo-Falfurrias transmission line.
Cedro Hill represents a total investment of $300 million in Webb County. It is supporting the local economy with more than $100 million in property taxes and payments to local landowners over the next 20 years.
All of the electricity produced by the project is being sold under a 20-year power purchase agreement with CPS Energy of San Antonio, the nation’s largest municipally owned natural gas and electric utility.
Cedro Hill is EMG's third wind energy project in Texas, joining the 161-MW Wildorado Wind Ranch near Amarillo and the 149-MW Goat Wind project near San Angelo. EMG is one of the largest developers, owners and operators of wind energy in the country with 29 projects in 10 states with a total generating capacity of more than 1,800 MW.
"Texas has been an important anchor for the rapid growth of our renewable energy business," said Ron Litzinger, chief executive officer of EMG. "In partnership with CPS Energy, we are pleased to provide this new, clean energy source to the residents and businesses of San Antonio," he added.
The Cedro Hill wind project is powered by 100 GE turbines with a generating capacity of 1.5 MW each. At full capacity, the project can produce enough power to meet the needs of about 40,000 homes. The project spans 20,000 acres. It interconnects to the electric grid at the La Quinta switching station and connects to CPS Energy through the 138-Kilvolt Lobo-Falfurrias transmission line.
Cedro Hill represents a total investment of $300 million in Webb County. It is supporting the local economy with more than $100 million in property taxes and payments to local landowners over the next 20 years.
December 21, 2010
DOE Finalizes $1.45 Billion Loan Guarantee for Arizona Solar Plant
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced a $1.45 billion loan guarantee has been finalized for Abengoa Solar Inc.'s Solana project, the world's largest parabolic trough concentrating solar plant. Located near Gila Bend, Arizona, the 250-megawatt (MW) project is the first large-scale solar plant in the United States capable of storing energy it generates. Solana will produce enough energy to serve 70,000 households and will avoid the emissions of 475,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year compared to a natural gas burning power plant.
"As the world's largest solar plant of its kind, the Abengoa's Solana project is playing an important role in creating jobs and clean energy for Arizona as well as fostering innovation in the U.S.," said Secretary Chu. "As today's announcement and other recent announcements of completed loan guarantees for wind and solar projects demonstrate, the Department's loan program is gaining momentum, creating jobs in communities across the country while putting us on the path to a clean energy future."
"I congratulate Abengoa Solar and the administration for developing public-private opportunities that will create well paying, highly valued jobs for Arizona," said U.S. Rep. Raul M. Grijalva. "This is yet another example of stimulus funds helping to lead our nation's and Arizona's economy back to recovery, while transitioning our energy policies to allow us to become a national and world leader in alternative energy generation."
Abengoa Solar Inc., the project sponsor, estimates that the Solana project will create between 1,600 to 1,700 new construction jobs and over 60 permanent jobs. The jobs created by the project will be located in Arizona and in neighboring states. To accommodate the project's need for over 900,000 mirrors, a mirror manufacturing facility will be built outside of Phoenix. As a result, the company anticipates the project will create additional direct investment in Arizona's economy.
U.S. providers and manufacturers will supply 70 percent of Solana's components, such as mirrors, receiver tubes, and the heat transfer fluid. Electricity from the project will be sold through a long-term power purchase agreement with Arizona Public Service Company.
"As the world's largest solar plant of its kind, the Abengoa's Solana project is playing an important role in creating jobs and clean energy for Arizona as well as fostering innovation in the U.S.," said Secretary Chu. "As today's announcement and other recent announcements of completed loan guarantees for wind and solar projects demonstrate, the Department's loan program is gaining momentum, creating jobs in communities across the country while putting us on the path to a clean energy future."
"I congratulate Abengoa Solar and the administration for developing public-private opportunities that will create well paying, highly valued jobs for Arizona," said U.S. Rep. Raul M. Grijalva. "This is yet another example of stimulus funds helping to lead our nation's and Arizona's economy back to recovery, while transitioning our energy policies to allow us to become a national and world leader in alternative energy generation."
Abengoa Solar Inc., the project sponsor, estimates that the Solana project will create between 1,600 to 1,700 new construction jobs and over 60 permanent jobs. The jobs created by the project will be located in Arizona and in neighboring states. To accommodate the project's need for over 900,000 mirrors, a mirror manufacturing facility will be built outside of Phoenix. As a result, the company anticipates the project will create additional direct investment in Arizona's economy.
U.S. providers and manufacturers will supply 70 percent of Solana's components, such as mirrors, receiver tubes, and the heat transfer fluid. Electricity from the project will be sold through a long-term power purchase agreement with Arizona Public Service Company.
Find E85 Fuel on your Android Smart Phone
This new program provides the customer with location, fuel price, directions and a phone number to all E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) stations in their area.
To develop this application, the RFA utilized the E85 station database hosted by the Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center and the U.S. Department of Energy. With this continuously updated data, the Flex-Fuel Station Locator application is able to locate more than 2,400 E85 fueling stations throughout the United States.
“Being able to provide America’s consumers with more access to flex-fuel stations is helping raise awareness of the increasing amount of alternative fuels that are available to them,” said RFA Market Development Director, Robert White. “As more Americans fuel up with domestic fuel, we can reduce our dependency on foreign oil and increase energy security.”
December 20, 2010
Minnesota Soybean Processors To Restart Biodiesel Production
Minnesota Soybean Processors has joined the list of companies that have said they would either restart or increase biodiesel production since the biodiesel tax credit passed.
Source : Daily Globe
When President Barack Obama signed the 2010 tax relief bill on Friday, making the biodiesel tax credit retroactive to Jan. 1 and extending it through the end of 2011, the phones began to ring at Minnesota Soybean Processors (MnSP).
Orders for the soy-based diesel fuel had slowed when the $1-per-gallon tax credit was allowed to expire on Dec. 31, 2009. In May, MnSP spokesperson Kim Collin said the Brewster plant had already cut back on biodiesel production. It was stopped entirely Nov. 23.
On Monday, Collin said there was enough biodiesel in storage to fill the orders MnSP has received in recent days. Production will begin again as soon as possible.
Source : Daily Globe
December 17, 2010
Biodiesel Industry Responds Positively To Tax Credit Passage
The National Biodiesel Board responded to the news that the biodiesel tax credit had cleared the House of Representatives in a statement.
“Reinstatement of the biodiesel tax credit is welcome news for the U.S. biodiesel industry and good news for the nation as a whole,” said Manning Feraci, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. “This will undoubtedly help kick-start the domestic biodiesel industry, lessen our dependence on foreign oil, and create thousands of new jobs across the country.”
The news was also welcomed by producers, a couple of which have already announced restarting or increasing production as a result of the bill passing.
Clean Energy Pathways to Ramp up Fuel Production
Clean Energy Pathways, Inc. will begin the New Year with its fuel division in full swing, as a result of the reinstatement of the biodiesel tax credit incorporated in the tax bill to be signed by President Obama today.
Imperium Renewables Praises Extension of Biodiesel Tax Credit
Company Poised to Ramp Up Production and Rehire Workers in 2011
"Today marks a tremendous event for the U.S. biodiesel industry," said John Plaza, founder and CEO of Imperium Renewables. "With both the Senate and House including the biodiesel tax credit in the President's Tax Package, we can get back to the job of supplying our Nation with renewable fuels made in America."
“Reinstatement of the biodiesel tax credit is welcome news for the U.S. biodiesel industry and good news for the nation as a whole,” said Manning Feraci, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. “This will undoubtedly help kick-start the domestic biodiesel industry, lessen our dependence on foreign oil, and create thousands of new jobs across the country.”
The news was also welcomed by producers, a couple of which have already announced restarting or increasing production as a result of the bill passing.
Clean Energy Pathways to Ramp up Fuel Production
Clean Energy Pathways, Inc. will begin the New Year with its fuel division in full swing, as a result of the reinstatement of the biodiesel tax credit incorporated in the tax bill to be signed by President Obama today.
Imperium Renewables Praises Extension of Biodiesel Tax Credit
Company Poised to Ramp Up Production and Rehire Workers in 2011
"Today marks a tremendous event for the U.S. biodiesel industry," said John Plaza, founder and CEO of Imperium Renewables. "With both the Senate and House including the biodiesel tax credit in the President's Tax Package, we can get back to the job of supplying our Nation with renewable fuels made in America."
TetraVitae Bioscience Demonstrations n-Butanol Production From A Corn Dry-Mill Pilot Plant
TetraVitae Bioscience announced today that it has completed a successful demonstration of its process to produce renewable n-butanol in a corn dry-mill pilot plant. The demonstration is a major milestone in creating economically competitive renewable n-butanol for the coatings, plastics, personal care, and packaging industries.
"With this achievement, TetraVitae has shown that producing renewable n-butanol in a commercial scale corn dry-mill will be a reality very soon," said Jay Kouba, CEO of TetraVitae. "Corn dry-mills offer the most direct, capital efficient, and low-cost route to large-scale production of renewable chemicals in North America. The industry has built a successful business based on fuel ethanol. TetraVitae is offering dry-mill operators a way to make higher value products using their existing capital base."
In the demonstration, TetraVitae worked with The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) to retrofit NCERC's fully integrated corn dry-mill pilot plant to enable it to run TetraVitae's technology.
The technology performed as expected, producing n-butanol, acetone, and distillers grains, and validating that the production process is economically competitive. The demonstration shows that a corn dry-mill can be retrofitted to efficiently produce n-butanol.
In addition, TetraVitae has demonstrated product purification. Working with the University of Texas in Austin's Separations Research Program, the company took the raw chemical products produced at NCERC and produced purified n-butanol and acetone in a continuous distillation. The products meet standard chemical industry specifications for solvents.
"n-Butanol and acetone are high value chemicals with many applications in the coatings, plastics, personal care, and packaging industries," said Kouba. "TetraVitae is creating partnerships with companies across these value chains that will result in economically competitive renewable products that consumers use every day."
"With this achievement, TetraVitae has shown that producing renewable n-butanol in a commercial scale corn dry-mill will be a reality very soon," said Jay Kouba, CEO of TetraVitae. "Corn dry-mills offer the most direct, capital efficient, and low-cost route to large-scale production of renewable chemicals in North America. The industry has built a successful business based on fuel ethanol. TetraVitae is offering dry-mill operators a way to make higher value products using their existing capital base."
In the demonstration, TetraVitae worked with The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) to retrofit NCERC's fully integrated corn dry-mill pilot plant to enable it to run TetraVitae's technology.
The technology performed as expected, producing n-butanol, acetone, and distillers grains, and validating that the production process is economically competitive. The demonstration shows that a corn dry-mill can be retrofitted to efficiently produce n-butanol.
In addition, TetraVitae has demonstrated product purification. Working with the University of Texas in Austin's Separations Research Program, the company took the raw chemical products produced at NCERC and produced purified n-butanol and acetone in a continuous distillation. The products meet standard chemical industry specifications for solvents.
"n-Butanol and acetone are high value chemicals with many applications in the coatings, plastics, personal care, and packaging industries," said Kouba. "TetraVitae is creating partnerships with companies across these value chains that will result in economically competitive renewable products that consumers use every day."
Ethanol And Biodiesel Tax Credits Approved
Last night the House of Representatives passed the Bush tax cut package which contained several key ethanol and biodiesel tax incentives by a vote of 277 to 148. The Senate had passed the same measure on Wednesday by a vote of 81 to 19.
The bill contained five key ethanol tax provisions, including:
Blender’s Credit for Ethanol (VEETC). The bill extends the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit through 2011 at the current rate of 45 cents per gallon.
Tariff on Imported Ethanol. The bill also extends through 2011 the existing 54 cent, secondary tariff on imported ethanol and the related tariff on ethyl tertiary-butyl ether.
Small Producer Tax Credit. The bill also extends through 2011 the 10 cent per gallon producer tax credit for small ethanol producers producing no more 60 million gallon of ethanol a year. The tax credit is applicable to just the first 15 million gallons of production for eligible producers.
Excise tax credits for alternative fuel and alternative fuel mixtures. The measure extends through 2011 the $0.50 per gallon alternative fuel credit and the alternative fuel mixture tax credits, excluding black liquor (liquid fuel derived from a pulp or paper manufacturing process) from credit eligibility.
Alternative fuel vehicle refueling property. The measure extends the 30 percent investment tax credit for alternative vehicle refueling property for one year, through 2011.
The bill also includes a retroactive reinstatement and extension of the biodiesel tax credit through 2011. The biodiesel tax credit had expired on December 31, 2009 and up to this point had not been reinstated.
The bill will now be sent to the President for his signature.
The bill contained five key ethanol tax provisions, including:
Blender’s Credit for Ethanol (VEETC). The bill extends the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit through 2011 at the current rate of 45 cents per gallon.
Tariff on Imported Ethanol. The bill also extends through 2011 the existing 54 cent, secondary tariff on imported ethanol and the related tariff on ethyl tertiary-butyl ether.
Small Producer Tax Credit. The bill also extends through 2011 the 10 cent per gallon producer tax credit for small ethanol producers producing no more 60 million gallon of ethanol a year. The tax credit is applicable to just the first 15 million gallons of production for eligible producers.
Excise tax credits for alternative fuel and alternative fuel mixtures. The measure extends through 2011 the $0.50 per gallon alternative fuel credit and the alternative fuel mixture tax credits, excluding black liquor (liquid fuel derived from a pulp or paper manufacturing process) from credit eligibility.
Alternative fuel vehicle refueling property. The measure extends the 30 percent investment tax credit for alternative vehicle refueling property for one year, through 2011.
The bill also includes a retroactive reinstatement and extension of the biodiesel tax credit through 2011. The biodiesel tax credit had expired on December 31, 2009 and up to this point had not been reinstated.
The bill will now be sent to the President for his signature.
December 16, 2010
Wind Turbines On Farmland May Benefit Crops
 |
| Instruments to measure wind speed and turbulence |
Speaking at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union, a scientific society, in San Francisco today, a researcher at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory and his co-researcher from the University of Colorado announced the preliminary findings of a months-long research program aimed at studying how wind turbines on farmlands interact with surrounding crops.
"We've finished the first phase of our research, and we're confident that wind turbines do produce measureable effects on the microclimate near crops," said Ames Laboratory associate and agricultural meteorology expert Gene Takle. According to Takle, who is also a professor of agricultural meteorology and director of the Climate Science Program at Iowa State University, the slow-moving turbine blades that have become a familiar sight along Midwestern highways, channel air downwards, in effect bathing the crops below via the increased airflow they create.
His colleague in the research is Julie Lundquist, assistant professor, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, at the University of Colorado at Boulder, joint appointee at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Fellow of the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute. Lundquist's team uses a specialized laser known as a lidar to measure winds and turbulence from near the Earth's surface to well above the top tip of a turbine blade.
"Our laser instrument could detect a beautiful plume of increased turbulence that persisted even a quarter-mile downwind of a turbine," Lundquist said.
Both Takle and Lundquist stressed that their early findings have yet to definitively establish whether or not wind turbines are in fact beneficial to the health and yield potential of soybeans and corn planted nearby. However, their finding that the turbines increase airflow over surrounding crops, suggests this is a realistic possibility.
"The turbulence resulting from wind turbines may speed up natural exchange processes between crop plants and the lower atmosphere," Takle said.
For instance, crops warm up when the sun shines on them, and some of that heat is given off to the atmosphere. Extra air turbulence likely speeds up this heat exchange, so crops stay slightly cooler during hot days. On cold nights, turbulence stirs the lower atmosphere and keeps nighttime temperatures around the crops warmer.
"In this case, we anticipate turbines' effects are good in the spring and fall because they would keep the crop a little warmer and help prevent a frost," said Takle. "Wind turbines could possibly ward off early fall frosts and extend the growing season."
Other benefits of wind turbines could result from their effects on crop moisture levels. Extra turbulence may help dry the dew that settles on plants beginning in late afternoon, minimizing the amount of time fungi and toxins can grow on plant leaves. Additionally, drier crops at harvest help farmers reduce the cost of artificially drying corn or soybeans.
Another potential benefit to crops is that increased airflows could enable corn and soybean plants to more readily extract atmospheric CO2, a needed "fuel" for crops. The extra turbulence might also pump extra CO2 from the soil. Both results could facilitate the crops ability to perform photosynthesis.
Takle's wind turbine predictions are based on years of research on so-called agricultural shelter belts, which are the rows of trees in a field, designed to slow high-speed natural winds.
"In a simplistic sense, a wind turbine is nothing more than a tall tree with a well-pruned stem. For a starting point for this research, we adapted a computational fluid model that we use to understand trees," said Takle. "But we plan to develop a new model specific to wind turbines as we gather more data."
The team's initial measurements consisted of visual observations of wind turbulence upwind and downwind of the turbines. The team also used wind-measuring instruments called anemometers to determine the intensity of the turbulence. The bulk of the wind-turbulence measurements and the crop-moisture, temperature and CO2 measurements took place in the spring of 2010.
"We anticipate the impact of wind turbines to be subtle. But in certain years and under certain circumstances the effects could be significant," said Takle. "When you think about a summer with a string of 105-degree days, extra wind turbulence from wind turbines might be helpful. If turbines can bring the temperature down below 100 degrees that could be a big help for crops."
Source : Ames Laboratory
Clean Fuels Foundation And USDA Expand FlexFuel Vehicle Awareness Campaign
The Clean Fuels Foundation announced today that they are working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand public awareness on fueling options available to owners of flexible fuel vehicles (FFV).
The FFV awareness effort is targeting several areas across the country to increase the use of ethanol blends in flex fuel vehicles. "Breaking through the blend wall begins with the 8 million FlexFuel vehicles on the road today, and reaching these drivers to make sure they know they can use ethanol blends up to 85%,” said Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager. Tonsager also noted FFVs of any age can use E15 or any other gasoline ethanol blend up to E85 and can take advantage of favorable market pricing on these blends when offered.
Organizers of the awareness effort say they will be focusing on several different areas that already have flexfuel pumps as well as areas with a high concentration of flexfuel vehicles. Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and the Washington, D.C. areas will be among the states targeted in the initial phase of the campaign. The awareness effort compliments a recent announcement by the US Department of Energy that funds provided to the states under the American Recovery Act can be used for ethanol refueling infrastructure. Stakeholder meetings have been held in Ohio and Nebraska in recent weeks with several more scheduled in the coming months.
Paul Argyropoulos of the US Environmental Protection Agency, which is supporting the campaign, said, "More frequent use of higher blends of ethanol in flex fuel vehicles is one avenue that can further support meeting the volume requirements of the renewable fuel standard, which in turn results in additional greenhouse gas reductions. When fully implemented, the program will reduce GHG emissions equivalent to taking 27 million cars off the road," he said. “This awareness effort is another avenue which federal and private interests can work together to attain these goals.”
According to a number of private and government surveys, as many as 75% of current flexfuel vehicle owners do not know their vehicle has this capability. The FFV awareness effort will employ a number of innovative techniques to reach these owners and encourage them to use high ethanol blends in their FFVs. Such measures include coordinating with automotive manufacturers to distribute information at dealerships, working with Governors to inform people through registration renewals and emission stations, and holding rallies and special events.
According to Douglas A. Durante, Director of the Clean Fuels Foundation, a little effort goes a long way in terms of consumer education. “We have found when consumers realize their vehicles have this capability and we inform them where they can get the fuel, ethanol sales increase dramatically.” While it will be a challenge to reach the millions and millions of FFV owners, Durante said they are up to the challenge. "Every gallon of renewable ethanol we place in the market means we are displacing predominantly imported petroleum with a renewable, predominantly domestic product that creates jobs here at home and strengthens our energy and national security.
National FFV Awareness Campaign
The FFV awareness effort is targeting several areas across the country to increase the use of ethanol blends in flex fuel vehicles. "Breaking through the blend wall begins with the 8 million FlexFuel vehicles on the road today, and reaching these drivers to make sure they know they can use ethanol blends up to 85%,” said Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager. Tonsager also noted FFVs of any age can use E15 or any other gasoline ethanol blend up to E85 and can take advantage of favorable market pricing on these blends when offered.
Organizers of the awareness effort say they will be focusing on several different areas that already have flexfuel pumps as well as areas with a high concentration of flexfuel vehicles. Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and the Washington, D.C. areas will be among the states targeted in the initial phase of the campaign. The awareness effort compliments a recent announcement by the US Department of Energy that funds provided to the states under the American Recovery Act can be used for ethanol refueling infrastructure. Stakeholder meetings have been held in Ohio and Nebraska in recent weeks with several more scheduled in the coming months.
Paul Argyropoulos of the US Environmental Protection Agency, which is supporting the campaign, said, "More frequent use of higher blends of ethanol in flex fuel vehicles is one avenue that can further support meeting the volume requirements of the renewable fuel standard, which in turn results in additional greenhouse gas reductions. When fully implemented, the program will reduce GHG emissions equivalent to taking 27 million cars off the road," he said. “This awareness effort is another avenue which federal and private interests can work together to attain these goals.”
According to a number of private and government surveys, as many as 75% of current flexfuel vehicle owners do not know their vehicle has this capability. The FFV awareness effort will employ a number of innovative techniques to reach these owners and encourage them to use high ethanol blends in their FFVs. Such measures include coordinating with automotive manufacturers to distribute information at dealerships, working with Governors to inform people through registration renewals and emission stations, and holding rallies and special events.
According to Douglas A. Durante, Director of the Clean Fuels Foundation, a little effort goes a long way in terms of consumer education. “We have found when consumers realize their vehicles have this capability and we inform them where they can get the fuel, ethanol sales increase dramatically.” While it will be a challenge to reach the millions and millions of FFV owners, Durante said they are up to the challenge. "Every gallon of renewable ethanol we place in the market means we are displacing predominantly imported petroleum with a renewable, predominantly domestic product that creates jobs here at home and strengthens our energy and national security.
National FFV Awareness Campaign
Energy Quest to Build Modular Biomass to Energy Power Plant
Energy Quest, Inc. (EQI) announced today it is to begin preliminary work on a modular biomass (Agricultural Waste) to Power Energy plant producing 6.4 megawatt (6 net). The plant will consist of four 1.6 megawatt (1.5 net) modular power systems. Project is to be located in Lee County, Georgia.
The modular gasification bio-energy plant will consume 10 to 12 tons per hour of agricultural waste biomass which will be provided from the surrounding area. The plant will produce approximately 6 MW of electrical power which will be sold to the area utility or Co-Op.
The gasification system used to produce gas for the power plant generator engines will also produce 16 to 18 thousand tons per year of a high quality Biochar which will be sold as a soil enhancement product. The plant will operate 24 hours a day and when completed provide 20 full time jobs. EQI would be an owner and operate this facility.
Energy Quest's advanced modular gasification design will result in lower set up costs and increased efficiencies. The gasifiers will provide clean syngas fuel for the power generators.
Estimated cost of the bio-energy project is $12 million USD. A rudimentary pay out time (POT) calculation based on conditions of 2010 using gross revenues of $6,500,000 with net revenues after tax of $3,200,000 annually will be less than 4 years. It is felt that the project is economically more attractive than this figure may initially indicate as various government grants, recyclables and incentives (not taken in consideration in the POT calculations) are available for projects of this nature.
December 15, 2010
Researchers Discover Promising Hydrogen Producing Strain Of Algae
Washington University researchers have discovered a strain of algae capable of producing hydrogen under normal atmospheric conditions.
Source : Nature News
The single-celled cyanobacterium Cyanothece 51142 can make hydrogen in air, Himadri Pakrasi of Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, and his colleagues report in Nature Communications. Until now, the only organisms known to make hydrogen could only produce it in an oxygen-free environment — making it a potentially expensive process to scale-up.
Cyanothece 51142 was discovered in 1993, off the coast of Texas, by Louis Sherman of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, a co-author on the study. Pakrasi later discovered that the bacterium has a two-stage daily cycle. During the day it undergoes photosynthesis, using sunlight and carbon dioxide to make oxygen and branching chains of glucose molecules called glycogen. When the Sun goes down, the microbe's nitrogenase enzyme kicks into action, using the energy stored in the glycogen to fix nitrogen from the air into ammonia. Hydrogen is formed as a by-product.
The two mechanisms are different in that photosynthesis is an aerobic process — one that requires oxygen — whereas nitrogen fixation, and, consequently, hydrogen production, can take place only anaerobically, because contact with oxygen destroys the nitrogenase enzyme. But Cyanothece 51142 manages to fix nitrogen even in the presence of atmospheric oxygen by burning cellular oxygen to produce energy. Because no photosynthesis is taking place, the bacterium uses up its cellular oxygen so that the nitrogenase enzyme is effectively in a largely oxygen-free environment.
Source : Nature News
Saskatchewan Biodiesel Research Shows Positive Results
Results are in on a year-long biodiesel demonstration project that was undertaken by Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) and supported by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) under the National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative (NRDDI).
The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the suitability of biodiesel blends in the agricultural sector prior to the proposed renewable fuels regulation that would require an average annual two per cent renewable content in diesel fuel.
During the 16-month demonstration period from August 2009 to November 2010, eight agriculture producers operated their equipment using canola-based biodiesel blended with diesel to determine whether the blended fuel affected engine performance. In total, over 30,000 litres of neat biodiesel were used to produce the B2 to B10 biodiesel blends that were consumed during 18,000 hours of use.
“Projects such as this represent an important step in ensuring the seamless integration of renewable diesel in the Canadian fuel market,” said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources. “The Government of Canada supports biofuels and other alternative fuels as part of our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating jobs for Canadians.”
SRC evaluated 72 pieces of agricultural equipment including tractors, combines and farm fuel storage tanks. The agricultural producers in the study did not experience any equipment performance or maintenance issues from the use of biodiesel-blended fuels. The biodiesel fuel was closely monitored and tested at SRC’s Biofuels Test Centre™ in Regina, Saskatchewan, to ensure it maintained adequate and consistent quality throughout the year-round farming cycle.
Regardless of whether equipment was stored indoors or outdoors, full or nearly empty of fuel, throughout the off-season, the study shows that the blended fuels continued to maintain the standards specified by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
“Western Canadian farmers face extreme weather conditions over the course of the year,” said Grant McVicar, Director of Energy Conservation at SRC. “This demonstration project has confirmed that canola-based biodiesel, blended with ultra low sulphur diesel fuel, can maintain its fuel quality during storage, can be used seamlessly by the farm community without making any changes to their operations and does not cause any operability issues for farmers or distributors of this fuel.”
The study indicates that using biodiesel, up to a B10 level in warmer months and B5 in colder months, has little impact on normal operation of agricultural equipment and does not necessarily require any changes for long-term fuel storage as long as it is blended to meet the CGSB recommended temperature specifications.
“This project has demonstrated in a real world situation what many producers have believed for some time” said Zenneth Faye, Executive Manager of Milligan Bio-Tech Inc. “A valuable, high quality, renewable and environmentally-friendly fuel can be produced from canola seed that is unsuitable for the food industry and blended for use throughout the year in diesel powered equipment.”
Final Report
The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the suitability of biodiesel blends in the agricultural sector prior to the proposed renewable fuels regulation that would require an average annual two per cent renewable content in diesel fuel.
During the 16-month demonstration period from August 2009 to November 2010, eight agriculture producers operated their equipment using canola-based biodiesel blended with diesel to determine whether the blended fuel affected engine performance. In total, over 30,000 litres of neat biodiesel were used to produce the B2 to B10 biodiesel blends that were consumed during 18,000 hours of use.
“Projects such as this represent an important step in ensuring the seamless integration of renewable diesel in the Canadian fuel market,” said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources. “The Government of Canada supports biofuels and other alternative fuels as part of our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating jobs for Canadians.”
SRC evaluated 72 pieces of agricultural equipment including tractors, combines and farm fuel storage tanks. The agricultural producers in the study did not experience any equipment performance or maintenance issues from the use of biodiesel-blended fuels. The biodiesel fuel was closely monitored and tested at SRC’s Biofuels Test Centre™ in Regina, Saskatchewan, to ensure it maintained adequate and consistent quality throughout the year-round farming cycle.
Regardless of whether equipment was stored indoors or outdoors, full or nearly empty of fuel, throughout the off-season, the study shows that the blended fuels continued to maintain the standards specified by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
“Western Canadian farmers face extreme weather conditions over the course of the year,” said Grant McVicar, Director of Energy Conservation at SRC. “This demonstration project has confirmed that canola-based biodiesel, blended with ultra low sulphur diesel fuel, can maintain its fuel quality during storage, can be used seamlessly by the farm community without making any changes to their operations and does not cause any operability issues for farmers or distributors of this fuel.”
The study indicates that using biodiesel, up to a B10 level in warmer months and B5 in colder months, has little impact on normal operation of agricultural equipment and does not necessarily require any changes for long-term fuel storage as long as it is blended to meet the CGSB recommended temperature specifications.
“This project has demonstrated in a real world situation what many producers have believed for some time” said Zenneth Faye, Executive Manager of Milligan Bio-Tech Inc. “A valuable, high quality, renewable and environmentally-friendly fuel can be produced from canola seed that is unsuitable for the food industry and blended for use throughout the year in diesel powered equipment.”
Final Report
December 14, 2010
OPEC holds back on oil to keep prices up
OPEC nations kept crude oil production in check to ensure prices remained strong, a strategy that was in evidence as markets edged upward in response to the producer group's weekend talks in Ecuador.
Leading producer and Western ally Saudi Arabia sought to reassure consumer countries it would restrain price hawks within the 12-member Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries as Venezuela led calls for prices to hit $100 a barrel.
Venezuela, Iran and other hard-line advocates for higher prices argued the prices could go beyond the current $80-90 level but Saudi Arabia ruled out moves -- including further output cuts -- that could encourage a further price spike. OPEC expects higher global demand in 2011 but won't change current oil production quotas.
UPI.com
I am really glad that Saudi Arabia is our ally and that they are keeping the more radical members of OPEC in check. With the fragile state that the economy is in, the last thing we need at this point is even higher oil prices.
Leading producer and Western ally Saudi Arabia sought to reassure consumer countries it would restrain price hawks within the 12-member Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries as Venezuela led calls for prices to hit $100 a barrel.
Venezuela, Iran and other hard-line advocates for higher prices argued the prices could go beyond the current $80-90 level but Saudi Arabia ruled out moves -- including further output cuts -- that could encourage a further price spike. OPEC expects higher global demand in 2011 but won't change current oil production quotas.
UPI.com
I am really glad that Saudi Arabia is our ally and that they are keeping the more radical members of OPEC in check. With the fragile state that the economy is in, the last thing we need at this point is even higher oil prices.
Aloha Petroleum Awarded $45 Million Military Fuel Supply Contract
Aloha Petroleum, Ltd. announced today that it has been awarded a $45 million, one year contract to supply gasoline and diesel to select military bases on Oahu.
Under the contract with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, also known as Exchange, Aloha Petroleum will supply six Exchange locations on the island. The contract goes into effect in January 2011.
"Aloha Petroleum has been working with the military for several years, supplying gas, diesel, and alternative fuels for fleet, tactical and transport vehicles. We're looking forward to this new opportunity to provide fuel to military members and their families," said Richard Parry, Aloha Petroleum president and CEO.
Exchange is a joint military activity that provides merchandise and services to active duty, guard and reserve members, military retirees and their families. Exchange operates more than 3,100 facilities worldwide, providing military communities with convenience, specialty stores and movie theaters.
Aloha Petroleum has been supplying fuel to the military through the Defense Energy Support Center contract for a number of years. The company recently delivered the state's first supply of E85, a renewable ethanol based fuel, to Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The company also donated several hundred gallons of B20 biodiesel fuel in June to the base, which is testing the biodiesel blend in its tactical vehicles. B20 supplied by Aloha Petroleum is also used in the ferryboats that transport visitors across Pearl Harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial.
See Also :
Hawaii Hydrogen Infrastructure Gets Boost
Aloha Petroleum Delivers First Supply of E85 in Hawaii
Under the contract with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, also known as Exchange, Aloha Petroleum will supply six Exchange locations on the island. The contract goes into effect in January 2011.
"Aloha Petroleum has been working with the military for several years, supplying gas, diesel, and alternative fuels for fleet, tactical and transport vehicles. We're looking forward to this new opportunity to provide fuel to military members and their families," said Richard Parry, Aloha Petroleum president and CEO.
Exchange is a joint military activity that provides merchandise and services to active duty, guard and reserve members, military retirees and their families. Exchange operates more than 3,100 facilities worldwide, providing military communities with convenience, specialty stores and movie theaters.
Aloha Petroleum has been supplying fuel to the military through the Defense Energy Support Center contract for a number of years. The company recently delivered the state's first supply of E85, a renewable ethanol based fuel, to Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The company also donated several hundred gallons of B20 biodiesel fuel in June to the base, which is testing the biodiesel blend in its tactical vehicles. B20 supplied by Aloha Petroleum is also used in the ferryboats that transport visitors across Pearl Harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial.
See Also :
Hawaii Hydrogen Infrastructure Gets Boost
Aloha Petroleum Delivers First Supply of E85 in Hawaii
Prudent Energy Announces California Energy Storage Project
Prudent Energy announced today that it will install a 600-kilowatt Vanadium Redox Battery (VRB™) energy storage system at one of the largest fresh-cut onion processing plants in the world. Gills Onions, located in Oxnard, California, will use Prudent Energy's patented VRB™ technology and know-how to reduce electricity costs and build on its award-winning sustainable energy program, which serves as a model for the food industry.
Prudent's VRB Energy Storage System (VRB-ESS™) will improve the efficiency of an existing Advanced Energy Recovery System (AERS) located on Gills' 14-acre property that turns daily onion waste into biogas, which in turn feeds into two 300-kilowatt fuel cells to produce ultra-clean heat and power. The VRB-ESS™ will also provide the Gills facility with emergency backup power and reduce the company's need to draw electricity from the grid when rates are highest. As a result, Gills Onions is expected to save hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in operating expenses.
Prudent Energy Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bethesda, Maryland-based Prudent Energy Corporation, will build, own and operate the VRB-ESS™ in return for a share of the energy savings resulting from the project. Those energy savings are calculated as the avoided charges, costs and fees that would otherwise be paid by Gills to the local utility. These charges can be very high given the facility's energy-intensive, round-the-clock operation.
"We are extremely pleased to host a VRB™ system at Gills as an expansion of our Advanced Energy Recovery System," said Steve Gill, the company's President. "Energy storage has become an absolutely essential part of integrating renewables into the electricity grid reliably and efficiently, and Prudent Energy's system does this very well. Prudent has also shown it will stand behind its product and share the financial risk of putting these projects into the field, so their commercial and environmental benefits can be realized as quickly as possible."
Prudent Energy's VRB-ESS™ will provide clean power on demand for maximum periods of six hours, equivalent to 3.6 megawatt-hours of capacity. To build the installation, Prudent will use low-cost, proprietary system components from its manufacturing facility and source other manufactured products and services from California and elsewhere in the United States.
Jeff Pierson, Senior Vice President at Prudent Energy, indicated that Prudent will begin construction on the Gills project by the end of the year. "With our first megawatt-class VRB™ project in California, we'll look toward similar projects in the US that will expand renewable energy facilities and reduce electricity costs," said Pierson.
Prudent's VRB Energy Storage System (VRB-ESS™) will improve the efficiency of an existing Advanced Energy Recovery System (AERS) located on Gills' 14-acre property that turns daily onion waste into biogas, which in turn feeds into two 300-kilowatt fuel cells to produce ultra-clean heat and power. The VRB-ESS™ will also provide the Gills facility with emergency backup power and reduce the company's need to draw electricity from the grid when rates are highest. As a result, Gills Onions is expected to save hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in operating expenses.
Prudent Energy Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bethesda, Maryland-based Prudent Energy Corporation, will build, own and operate the VRB-ESS™ in return for a share of the energy savings resulting from the project. Those energy savings are calculated as the avoided charges, costs and fees that would otherwise be paid by Gills to the local utility. These charges can be very high given the facility's energy-intensive, round-the-clock operation.
"We are extremely pleased to host a VRB™ system at Gills as an expansion of our Advanced Energy Recovery System," said Steve Gill, the company's President. "Energy storage has become an absolutely essential part of integrating renewables into the electricity grid reliably and efficiently, and Prudent Energy's system does this very well. Prudent has also shown it will stand behind its product and share the financial risk of putting these projects into the field, so their commercial and environmental benefits can be realized as quickly as possible."
Prudent Energy's VRB-ESS™ will provide clean power on demand for maximum periods of six hours, equivalent to 3.6 megawatt-hours of capacity. To build the installation, Prudent will use low-cost, proprietary system components from its manufacturing facility and source other manufactured products and services from California and elsewhere in the United States.
Jeff Pierson, Senior Vice President at Prudent Energy, indicated that Prudent will begin construction on the Gills project by the end of the year. "With our first megawatt-class VRB™ project in California, we'll look toward similar projects in the US that will expand renewable energy facilities and reduce electricity costs," said Pierson.
December 13, 2010
Kinney Construction Services. Installs 3,838 KYOCERA Solar Modules at Sedona Red Rock High School
Kinney Construction Services, Inc. and Kyocera Solar, Inc. today announced the completion of a major solar electric system at Sedona Red Rock High School in Sedona, Ariz., which will be unveiled this afternoon during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Sedona-Oak Creek Unified School District campus at 3:30 p.m. The installation utilizes 3,838 of Kyocera’s KD210 high-efficiency multicrystalline solar panels.The 806-kilowatt photovoltaic system is part of the Sedona-Oak Creek Unified School District Alternative Energy Project, an effort to significantly reduce utility expenses while simultaneously preserving the environment by installing photovoltaic systems, a solar hot water heater system, and geothermal technologies.
“Kinney Construction Services is proud to have designed and built this solar electricity generation system at Sedona Red Rock High School,” said Tim Kinney, president and CEO of Kinney Construction Services (KCS). “The students, the school district and the community have been extremely supportive of this project, and we’re glad to help the school district lower its utility expense while proactively protecting the beautiful natural environment in Sedona.”
The photovoltaic system will produce about 1.45 million kilowatt hours of electricity from the sun each year – enough to power about 126 typical homes. Using solar power instead of conventional power reduces carbon dioxide emissions; this 806-kilowatt system reduces annual greenhouse gas emissions at a rate equivalent to taking 199 fossil-fuel burning passenger cars off the road.
“KCS recommended Kyocera solar panels for this important project with confidence because they are proven to be efficient, reliable and cost-effective,” Tim explained. “Kyocera has been in the solar energy field for more than 35 years and the company stands behind its warranty, which helps to ensure that the school district will continue producing clean, renewable energy with these modules for decades to come.”
KCS is already designing and building additional photovoltaic systems for the school district using Kyocera solar modules, including a 42-kilowatt system on the district office and a 60-kilowatt system at West Sedona School.
“Kyocera is excited to be a part of this significant and educational installation in Sedona by supporting the award-winning design-build firm of Kinney Construction Services,” said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. “Educating our youth about the benefits of renewable energy is the first step toward a more environmentally conscious future.”
An educational PV monitoring system is included with the system to show students exactly how much power is being produced in real time. The entire alternative energy project is scheduled for completion by June 2011.
“The educational component for the students is going to be really intriguing,” explained Mike Thomas, KCS Project Manager. “Students will be able to compare different types of photovoltaic systems, including thin-film and multicrystalline technologies, and see the difference in electricity production of fixed versus tracking solar arrays.”
December 12, 2010
October 2010 Crude Oil Imports Total $18.88 Billion
The latest numbers from the Commerce Department show that the trade deficit for October was $38.7 billion, down from $44.6 billion in September. Crude oil imports accounted for $18.88 billion, down from $20.96 billion in September.
Source : MarketWatch
The value of U.S. crude-oil imports fell to $18.88 billion in October from $20.96 billion in September despite a rise in the price of a barrel of oil to $74.18 from $72.36 in the previous month. The quantity of crude imports fell to 254.5 million barrels from 289.7 million in September.
Economists noted that oil prices increased sharply in October which should boost the value of petroleum imports next month.
Source : MarketWatch
Soy Energy Biodiesel Plant Destroyed By Fire
The Soy Energy, Inc biodiesel plant in New Oxford, Pennsylvania was destroyed by fire on Saturday. The fire broke out around 2:25 PM Saturday afternoon and was responded to by as many as 16 fire units from 4 counties. Only one minor injury was reported.
According to the National Biodiesel Board, the Soy Energy biodiesel plant was capable of producing 2.5 million gallons of biodiesel per year and began producing in February of 2007.
Sources : WHTM
Pennsylvania's Fox News
According to the National Biodiesel Board, the Soy Energy biodiesel plant was capable of producing 2.5 million gallons of biodiesel per year and began producing in February of 2007.
Sources : WHTM
Pennsylvania's Fox News
December 11, 2010
Exelon Generation Completes Purchase Of John Deere Renewables
Deere & Company announced that it has completed the sale of John Deere Renewables LLC, its wind energy business, to Exelon Generation Company, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Exelon Corporation.
In August, Deere announced the two companies had signed a definitive agreement for the transaction.
Deere said it sold the wind energy business as part of the company's increased focus on investing the company's resources to grow the core equipment businesses around the world.
See Also :
Vestas Receives 90 MW Wind Turbine Order From John Deere Wind Energy
Wind turbines spinning at ethanol plant
In August, Deere announced the two companies had signed a definitive agreement for the transaction.
Deere said it sold the wind energy business as part of the company's increased focus on investing the company's resources to grow the core equipment businesses around the world.
See Also :
Vestas Receives 90 MW Wind Turbine Order From John Deere Wind Energy
Wind turbines spinning at ethanol plant
December 10, 2010
Advanced Biofuels Association Urges Senate Tax Bill Passage
As the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on a bipartisan tax package released last night, the Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) is calling the measure a step in the right direction.
"This is an important bipartisan move that will strengthen our nation's energy security and help put Americans back to work," said ABFA President Michael McAdams. "It's pretty simple; if the Hill sits on its hands and doesn't get this done, then it puts a virtual hold on our nation's energy and economic security."
"Congress has a real opportunity now to help accelerate the timing when Americans could actually start seeing the benefits of advanced biofuels in their daily life through cars and trucks to buses, trains and planes," McAdams added.
McAdams applauded the tax measure for its action to extend the biodiesel tax credit, the renewable diesel tax credit and the alternative fuels mixture credit. "It has been over two years of waiting that have resulted in job losses among our member companies, so this may be the best news of the holiday for those who might now be able to go back to work building better fuels."
McAdams noted that more short-term assistance is needed that would add certainty to a continuing skittish market. It was important for Congress to continue to support the Investment Tax Credit under section 1603 for other forms of renewables; however, McAdams said now is the time to add advanced biofuels to the list of energy technologies that may choose between the investment tax credit and a production tax credit under section 1603.
"We don't need a lifetime of federal assistance, but without short-term pragmatic incentives, advanced biofuels and its promise of long-term job creation and strengthening our energy security, could be in jeopardy."
"This is an important bipartisan move that will strengthen our nation's energy security and help put Americans back to work," said ABFA President Michael McAdams. "It's pretty simple; if the Hill sits on its hands and doesn't get this done, then it puts a virtual hold on our nation's energy and economic security."
"Congress has a real opportunity now to help accelerate the timing when Americans could actually start seeing the benefits of advanced biofuels in their daily life through cars and trucks to buses, trains and planes," McAdams added.
McAdams applauded the tax measure for its action to extend the biodiesel tax credit, the renewable diesel tax credit and the alternative fuels mixture credit. "It has been over two years of waiting that have resulted in job losses among our member companies, so this may be the best news of the holiday for those who might now be able to go back to work building better fuels."
McAdams noted that more short-term assistance is needed that would add certainty to a continuing skittish market. It was important for Congress to continue to support the Investment Tax Credit under section 1603 for other forms of renewables; however, McAdams said now is the time to add advanced biofuels to the list of energy technologies that may choose between the investment tax credit and a production tax credit under section 1603.
"We don't need a lifetime of federal assistance, but without short-term pragmatic incentives, advanced biofuels and its promise of long-term job creation and strengthening our energy security, could be in jeopardy."
December 09, 2010
Sale Of The Gateway Ethanol Plant Appears Near
There is an interesting article in the Pratt Tribune about the possible sale of the Gateway Ethanol plant in Pratt, Kansas.
The 55 million gallon per year Gateway Ethanol plant has been out of operation since February 2008 when a combination of financial problems and damage from an ice storm led the company to file bankruptcy.
A company is close to a point where they are expected to submit a definitive offer agreement for the Gateway Ethanol Plant.
A few elements of due diligence, less than 10, have to be completed but the company is expected to make an offer when that is done, said Ted Loomis, Gateway Ethanol chairman of the board.
“There are a couple of issues to work out but we hope they will make an offer,” Loomis said.
Because the company has not submitted an offer, Loomis was not at liberty to name the company but he said the company has just a few do diligence topics to clarify before they are expected to make an offer.
“I’m optimistic there will be a definitive agreement,” Loomis said.
The 55 million gallon per year Gateway Ethanol plant has been out of operation since February 2008 when a combination of financial problems and damage from an ice storm led the company to file bankruptcy.
Port of Los Angeles Completes One Megawatt Solar PV Project on Rooftop of World Cruise Center
The solar photovoltaic installation, which is expected to result in an annual $200,000 energy cost savings, is the first phase of a multi-location solar power program that will eventually produce 10 megawatts of solar system generation capacity. The $10.8 million project includes a total of 1.16 million square feet of rooftop solar panels, larger than the size of a football field. Three additional project phases are slated for completion over the next five years.
“Clean energy is essential if we are to meet the future growth and development needs of Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “This solar project and others being initiated within our city will not only reduce our carbon footprint, but also add meaningful new jobs to our green sector workforce.”
“Solar power is one of many technologies being used at the Port of Los Angeles to promote environmentally responsible operations and development,” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. “We are thrilled to now be harnessing the power of the plentiful Southern California sun to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and increase economic opportunities for Los Angeles businesses and residents.”
Over the solar system's lifetime, it will reduce roughly 22,800 metric tons of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere, the equivalent of cutting the annual greenhouse gases of 4,367 cars, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The system is comprised of 5,140, 210-watt solar modules. It was installed by the Energy Alternatives Division of San Jose-based Cupertino Electric Inc. The roof-mounted system, which collects and converts solar radiation to electrical energy, features high-efficiency crystalline modules and utilizes a self-ballasted racking system that does not penetrate the terminal’s existing roof. Electricity generated is then routed back to the LADWP through an existing electric meter at the World Cruise Center facility.
Home of the original “Love Boat” in the 1970s, the World Cruise Center is an inner-harbor facility just south of the Vincent Thomas Bridge. The solar panel project is part of a $42 million upgrade at the World Cruise Center. Earlier this year, state-of-the-art walkways were installed to travel between the terminal building and cruise ships. Painting, lighting and audio-video upgrades have been completed, as well as a new fendering system and cushion-like bumpers on the wharf to protect the cruise ships and the wharf.
Additionally, Alternative Maritime Power (AMP), currently used at some container ship terminals, will soon be available so that cruise ships can “plug in” to shoreside electrical power instead of running on diesel power while at berth. Depending on the size of the ship, estimates are that AMP will reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by one ton (2,000 pounds) and reduce 85 percent of sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions out of the air each day a ship is at berth and plugged in.
The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 919,000 regional jobs and $39.1 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.
Source : Press Release
December 08, 2010
OriginOil Announces Successful First Phase of Commercial Pilot Program
“We are very pleased with OriginOil’s flawless demonstration of its CO2 feeding and algae extraction systems to date,” said Andrew Lawson, MBD Energy’s managing director. “We are also impressed with the quality of the engineering and the expertise of the team as algae growers and harvesting specialists.”
“Completing this first phase is a major milestone for us. We are excited to move on to the next stage of our multi-phase commercialization program with our global partner, MBD Energy, culminating in the deployment of OriginOil systems in full-scale power plant operations,” said Riggs Eckelberry, OriginOil CEO.
Earlier this year, MBD became OriginOil’s first customer for the first of progressively larger systems to serve its three major power station projects in Australia. According to MBD Energy, each of its power station projects has the potential to grow to 80-hectare commercial plants, each capable of producing 11 million liters of oil for plastics and transport fuel. MBD Energy estimates that, subject to performance and joint approvals, the projects have potential at full scale to consume more than half of each power station’s flue-gas emissions.
Source : OriginOil
See Also :
OriginOil Selected to Help Build New Advanced Algae Center in New Mexico
OriginOil Achieves Hydrogen Production Comparable to Photovoltaics
OriginOil Enters Strategic Partnership with Major Bio-Capture Player
Hawaii Hydrogen Infrastructure Gets Boost
Ten companies, agencies and universities have joined an initiative between The Gas Company (TGC), and General Motors to make hydrogen-powered vehicles and a fueling infrastructure a reality in Hawaii by 2015.
The plan, called the Hawaii Hydrogen Initiative (H2I), aims to integrate hydrogen as an essential building block for Hawaii's sustainable energy ecosystem. The effort to reduce the state's 90 percent dependence on imported oil is expected to make hydrogen available to all of Oahu's 1 million residents by 2015. The goal is for 20 to 25 hydrogen stations to be installed in strategic locations around the island.
The plan builds on a May 2010 memorandum of understanding between TGC, one of Hawaii's major utilities, and GM. TGC today produces enough hydrogen to power up to 10,000 fuel cell vehicles and has the capacity to produce much more hydrogen. GM is a leader in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and fielded the world's largest fuel cell demonstration fleet – more than 100 vehicles – beginning in 2007.
The hydrogen initiative partners are evaluating methods to distribute hydrogen through existing natural gas pipelines, addressing the long-standing problem of how to cost effectively produce and distribute hydrogen.
In addition to GM and TGC, the hydrogen initiative partners include the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT); U.S. Department of Energy; FuelCell Energy; Aloha Petroleum Ltd; Louis Berger Group; U.S. Pacific Command, supported by the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Army Pacific, and U.S. Marine Forces, Pacific; National Renewable Energy Laboratory; the County of Hawaii; University of California – Irvine, and the University of Hawaii.
Source : Press Release
The plan, called the Hawaii Hydrogen Initiative (H2I), aims to integrate hydrogen as an essential building block for Hawaii's sustainable energy ecosystem. The effort to reduce the state's 90 percent dependence on imported oil is expected to make hydrogen available to all of Oahu's 1 million residents by 2015. The goal is for 20 to 25 hydrogen stations to be installed in strategic locations around the island.
The plan builds on a May 2010 memorandum of understanding between TGC, one of Hawaii's major utilities, and GM. TGC today produces enough hydrogen to power up to 10,000 fuel cell vehicles and has the capacity to produce much more hydrogen. GM is a leader in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and fielded the world's largest fuel cell demonstration fleet – more than 100 vehicles – beginning in 2007.
The hydrogen initiative partners are evaluating methods to distribute hydrogen through existing natural gas pipelines, addressing the long-standing problem of how to cost effectively produce and distribute hydrogen.
In addition to GM and TGC, the hydrogen initiative partners include the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT); U.S. Department of Energy; FuelCell Energy; Aloha Petroleum Ltd; Louis Berger Group; U.S. Pacific Command, supported by the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Army Pacific, and U.S. Marine Forces, Pacific; National Renewable Energy Laboratory; the County of Hawaii; University of California – Irvine, and the University of Hawaii.
Source : Press Release
December 07, 2010
Department of Defense Selects Skyline Solar to Install High Gain Solar Arrays on U.S. Military Bases
During a recent Energy Security Forum speech, Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the need for the military to take a serious look at renewable energy from an energy security standpoint. “Failing to secure, develop and employ new sources of energy or improving how we use legacy-energy systems creates a strategic vulnerability and, if left unaddressed, could threaten national security.”
In an effort to promote U.S. energy independence, the DoD launched the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) to promote innovative, cost-effective environmental technologies through demonstrations on DoD sites. Skyline Solar has been awarded an ESTCP project in a competitive solicitation intended to identify technologies that solve key DoD needs and have the highest potential for widespread deployment.
“The ESTCP is a terrific program that encourages the adoption of renewable energy by the Department of Defense in order to bolster national security and accelerate energy independence,” said Thomas Rohrs, CEO of Skyline Solar. “The competitive bid process and the resulting DoD contract validate Skyline Solar’s ability to deliver proven performance, upgradability and rapid scale. The projects on U.S. bases will demonstrate the unique effectiveness of Skyline’s HGS technology in helping to meet the energy needs of our military and government institutions.”
The ESTCP project by the DoD is the most recent example of Skyline Solar winning in competitive solicitations for its innovation in delivering cost-effective, renewable energy at scale. Recently, Skyline Solar was one of the first companies to be awarded two patents through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Green Technology Pilot Program, a 2010 federal initiative to speed up the patent process for crucial green innovations. In 2008, the company won a highly competitive PV Incubator sub-contract from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) through the Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP; formerly, the Solar America Initiative). The federally-funded program accelerated promising technology into pilot production and recognized Skyline Solar for developing a technology that “could make solar energy cost-competitive with conventional forms of electricity.”
ZeaChem Meets Key Financial Milestones in Cellulosic Ethanol Biorefinery Construction
“Since 1898 we have built a reputation of making our customers successful with practical technology advancements and predictable costs,” said John Nobles, President, Process & Industrial Group at Burns & McDonnell. “We look forward to helping ZeaChem deploy their technology.”
The core unit of the biorefinery is currently under construction at the site location in Boardman and foundations are being poured.
“ZeaChem has successfully completed the financial milestones to ensure that our biorefinery project can be completed on budget and on schedule,” said Jim Imbler, president and CEO of ZeaChem Inc. “We look forward to beginning cellulosic ethanol production in 2011.”
ZeaChem will develop commercial scale biorefineries upon successful operations at the Boardman facility.
See Also :
ZeaChem Announces Cellulosic Ethanol Production
Sale Of E3 Biofuels Ethanol Plant Closes
Spectrum Business Ventures, Inc. ("SBV") and affiliates have closed the purchase of the assets in Chapter 11 bankruptcy of E3BioFuels - Mead, LLC ("E3 Mead"). With closing, SBV properly collateralized all the necessary aspects of the patented, closed-loop ethanol production facility.
As part of the purchase, SBV secured a super senior position in the facility, as well as, financially restructured the facility so it can operate profitably.
The Mead plant is the first-ever closed-loop system for distilling commercial quantities of ethanol using methane gas recaptured from cow manure, instead of fossil fuels. This virtually eliminates the need for fossil fuels in the production of ethanol.
The patented, closed-loop system combines a 25-million-gallon ethanol refinery, beef cattle feedlot, and anaerobic digesters to maximize energy efficiencies unavailable to each component on a stand-alone basis. This system eliminates the potential for manure to pollute watersheds, and it enables the wet distillers grain from ethanol production to be fed on-site to cattle without energy-intensive drying and transportation costs.
AltEn is pursuing the necessary permits to begin ramping the facility up for production, which is anticipated in 2011.
Amit Raizada, CEO of SBV, commented, "This deal is unique in that we were able to secure a super senior investment and make the company healthy again. We solved an extremely complicated problem and still positioned our capital on top of the stack. Although these deals are difficult to accomplish, they are our trademark."
"Without SBV's expertise in deal structuring and negotiations, this deal would not have gotten done. This is a win for the plant, a win for SBV and a win for the industry," stated Dennis Langley, former Chairman and CEO of E3 Mead.
Source Press Release
See Also :
Sale Of E3 Biofuels Ethanol Plant Near Closing
As part of the purchase, SBV secured a super senior position in the facility, as well as, financially restructured the facility so it can operate profitably.
The Mead plant is the first-ever closed-loop system for distilling commercial quantities of ethanol using methane gas recaptured from cow manure, instead of fossil fuels. This virtually eliminates the need for fossil fuels in the production of ethanol.
The patented, closed-loop system combines a 25-million-gallon ethanol refinery, beef cattle feedlot, and anaerobic digesters to maximize energy efficiencies unavailable to each component on a stand-alone basis. This system eliminates the potential for manure to pollute watersheds, and it enables the wet distillers grain from ethanol production to be fed on-site to cattle without energy-intensive drying and transportation costs.
AltEn is pursuing the necessary permits to begin ramping the facility up for production, which is anticipated in 2011.
Amit Raizada, CEO of SBV, commented, "This deal is unique in that we were able to secure a super senior investment and make the company healthy again. We solved an extremely complicated problem and still positioned our capital on top of the stack. Although these deals are difficult to accomplish, they are our trademark."
"Without SBV's expertise in deal structuring and negotiations, this deal would not have gotten done. This is a win for the plant, a win for SBV and a win for the industry," stated Dennis Langley, former Chairman and CEO of E3 Mead.
Source Press Release
See Also :
Sale Of E3 Biofuels Ethanol Plant Near Closing
December 03, 2010
Siemens Energy Opens Wind Turbine Nacelle Assembly Plant In Kansas
The new 300,000-square-foot facility is located in the heartland of the U.S. with great highway and rail access to ship completed nacelles to wind farms in the U.S. and throughout the Americas. The factory will produce nacelles for the company's 2.3-MW and 3.0-MW wind turbines. The nacelle is the structure atop of a wind turbine tower that holds the electricity generating components. The first nacelles are scheduled to be shipped from the plant to Puget Sound Energy's 343-MW Lower Snake River project in Washington State. The factory currently employs 130 people, a number that is expected to triple when the factory is fully operational.
"We're investing in wind in America because we believe that wind power is here to stay. The U.S. is one of the most important wind power markets in the world and by opening our first nacelle assembly facility in the U.S., we are closer to our customers, allowing us to better meet the strong demand for clean energy right where it's used," stated Eric Spiegel, CEO of Siemens Corporation. "We are optimistic that there will continue to be a long-term support system for wind power in the U.S., which will serve to solidify our country's growing energy independence using this clean and abundant natural resource to fulfill a sustainable electricity demand." With a five-year average growth rate of 39 percent and nearly 37 GW of installed wind power capacity, the U.S. is currently ranked number one globally in terms of installed capacity.
Senator Sam Brownback said, "The grand opening of the Siemens wind nacelle manufacturing plant is great news for the Hutchinson community and the state of Kansas. The expansion of renewable energy infrastructure is critical as America looks for ways to decrease its dependence on foreign, non-renewable energy resources. I look forward to all the ways my home state of Kansas will take the lead on increasing national access to wind energy as we continue to grow the Kansas economy and create jobs."
Since 2005, Siemens has made significant strides to grow its presence in the wind energy industry in the U.S. and now enjoys a number three position in the market in terms of installed capacity. In addition to the new nacelle assembly plant, Siemens also opened in 2007, and subsequently expanded, its 600,000-square-foot wind turbine blade manufacturing facility in Fort Madison, Iowa. Other U.S. wind power operations include a Houston-based wind turbine service operation, an R&D center in Boulder, Colorado, two gearbox factories in Elgin, Illinois, and the company's Americas headquarters in Orlando, Florida. In the U.S., Siemens now employs close to 1,500 people in the wind business and has installed wind turbines with a combined capacity of more than 3,600 MW in the U.S., which is enough to supply power to more than one million average homes.
Source : Press Release
Greenbelt Resources Corporation Conducts First Beverage Waste-to-Ethanol Conversion Study at Operational Pilot Plant
The pilot plant has a capacity of 70,000 proof gallons per year. Energy efficient custom plants can be designed with capacities ranging from 50,000 to five million gallons per year. The company’s primary purpose for the plant is to pilot third party feasibility studies for customers including food and beverage waste generators, cellulosic enzyme developers, waste management companies, universities and other organic waste producers.
The plant processing equipment can process virtually any feedstock and extends its versatility with the load-in set-up to allow for varied physical requirements and source material. In addition to the success of the current beverage waste study, pilot studies can also be conducted on cellulosic feedstocks such as switchgrass or sorghum as well as starch-rich grains and fruits and vegetables. Future studies will continue to provide information instrumental in scaling-up efficient processing capacity.
See Also :
California Company to Produce Ethanol From Waste Sugars
December 02, 2010
American Ethanol Led by Growth Energy Becomes Official Partner of NASCAR
In preparation for the 2011 season and as part of its long-term commitment to “going green,” the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced a major long-term partnership with American Ethanol led by ethanol advocacy group Growth Energy.
Growth Energy, a coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters including farmers and members of the ethanol supply chain, becomes an official partner of NASCAR, using the sport to bring its message of American ethanol to millions of race fans. American Ethanol will support drivers, teams and tracks with marketing, promotional activities, advertising and a season-long weekly contingency award in 2011.
NASCAR made the American Ethanol partnership announcement just weeks after announcing a switch in its major national series to Sunoco Green E15, a new 15-percent ethanol blend fuel made with corn grown in the United States.
Financial terms of the six-year agreement were not disclosed.
“NASCAR and American Ethanol are ideal partners,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “NASCAR is a great American sport in its third generation of family ownership, and ethanol is produced from the harvest of family-owned farms across our country’s heartland.
“American Ethanol’s new partnership with NASCAR is much larger and more ambitious than a typical sports sponsorship. Here we have an entire industry looking to NASCAR to communicate its message that America is capable of producing its own renewable, greener fuel. The entire NASCAR industry will benefit from American Ethanol’s multi-faceted support of NASCAR, as well as from thousands of farmers and members of the ethanol supply chain now serving as new ambassadors for the sport.”
Led by Growth Energy, nearly 100 different entities – from individual ethanol plants to the National Corn Growers Association to biotech companies – are rallying around NASCAR to communicate their ethanol message.
“E15 is an enormous opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create U.S. jobs, and strengthen national energy security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy. “There is nothing more American than NASCAR, and there is no fuel more American than ethanol. We are so proud that the bounty of American farming will be used in NASCAR racing.”
“NASCAR is leading by example and showing that American ethanol-blended fuel works in the most challenging engine environment,” said Jeff Broin, CEO of POET, a network of 27 ethanol plants producing more than 1.6 billion gallons of ethanol annually. “When the race cars take the green flag at Daytona, the whole world will see we are developing our own domestic energy sources right here in America with jobs that can’t be outsourced.”
“Grain ethanol is at least 59 percent cleaner than conventional gasoline. Growth Energy has officially petitioned to increase the allowable blend of ethanol in transportation fuel for everyday American motorists from 10 percent to 15 percent, which would help create 136,000 new American jobs.” Broin said.
Source : American Ethanol
Growth Energy, a coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters including farmers and members of the ethanol supply chain, becomes an official partner of NASCAR, using the sport to bring its message of American ethanol to millions of race fans. American Ethanol will support drivers, teams and tracks with marketing, promotional activities, advertising and a season-long weekly contingency award in 2011.
NASCAR made the American Ethanol partnership announcement just weeks after announcing a switch in its major national series to Sunoco Green E15, a new 15-percent ethanol blend fuel made with corn grown in the United States.
Financial terms of the six-year agreement were not disclosed.
“NASCAR and American Ethanol are ideal partners,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “NASCAR is a great American sport in its third generation of family ownership, and ethanol is produced from the harvest of family-owned farms across our country’s heartland.
“American Ethanol’s new partnership with NASCAR is much larger and more ambitious than a typical sports sponsorship. Here we have an entire industry looking to NASCAR to communicate its message that America is capable of producing its own renewable, greener fuel. The entire NASCAR industry will benefit from American Ethanol’s multi-faceted support of NASCAR, as well as from thousands of farmers and members of the ethanol supply chain now serving as new ambassadors for the sport.”
Led by Growth Energy, nearly 100 different entities – from individual ethanol plants to the National Corn Growers Association to biotech companies – are rallying around NASCAR to communicate their ethanol message.
“E15 is an enormous opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create U.S. jobs, and strengthen national energy security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy. “There is nothing more American than NASCAR, and there is no fuel more American than ethanol. We are so proud that the bounty of American farming will be used in NASCAR racing.”
“NASCAR is leading by example and showing that American ethanol-blended fuel works in the most challenging engine environment,” said Jeff Broin, CEO of POET, a network of 27 ethanol plants producing more than 1.6 billion gallons of ethanol annually. “When the race cars take the green flag at Daytona, the whole world will see we are developing our own domestic energy sources right here in America with jobs that can’t be outsourced.”
“Grain ethanol is at least 59 percent cleaner than conventional gasoline. Growth Energy has officially petitioned to increase the allowable blend of ethanol in transportation fuel for everyday American motorists from 10 percent to 15 percent, which would help create 136,000 new American jobs.” Broin said.
Source : American Ethanol
September 2010 Ethanol Production Declines Slightly
Ethanol production dipped slightly in September to 869,000 barrels per day, down from 870,000 barrels per day in August. Total ethanol production for the month of September was 1,094,562,000 gallons compared to 1,132,446,000 gallons in August.
Ethanol imports declined to 210,000 gallons, down from 420,000 gallons in August.
Source : Energy Information Administration
Ethanol imports declined to 210,000 gallons, down from 420,000 gallons in August.
Source : Energy Information Administration
E85 Stations Continue To Grow Reaching 2,329
The number of E85 stations across the country continues to increase, reaching a total of 2,329 on December 1. For the month of November, 28 new stations were added.
There are also 254 blender pump locations across the country.
December 1, 2010 - 2329
November 1, 2010 - 2301
October 1, 2010 - 2259
September 1, 2010 - 2235
June 29, 2010 - 2160
May 1, 2009 - 1991
The current number plus the locations of all E85 stations can be found at the E85 Refueling.
There are also 254 blender pump locations across the country.
December 1, 2010 - 2329
November 1, 2010 - 2301
October 1, 2010 - 2259
September 1, 2010 - 2235
June 29, 2010 - 2160
May 1, 2009 - 1991
The current number plus the locations of all E85 stations can be found at the E85 Refueling.
August 2010 Biodiesel Production Declines
Biodiesel production in August declined to 23 million gallons produced, down from 28 million gallons produced in July.
Biodiesel consumption was also declined to 18 million gallons, down from 27 million gallons consumed in July.
Source EIA Biodiesel Overview
Biodiesel consumption was also declined to 18 million gallons, down from 27 million gallons consumed in July.
Source EIA Biodiesel Overview
2010 Amazon Deforestation Rate Lowest Ever Recorded
Remember a couple of years back when headlines such as these were popping up all over the place?
U.S. ethanol may drive Amazon deforestation May 17, 2007
Switch to Corn Promotes Amazon Deforestation December 27, 2007
Since 2007 ethanol production has increased by more than 4 billion gallons per year, going from 6.5 billion gallons produced in 2007 to 10.6 billion gallons produced last year. And we are on pace to produce close to 13 billion gallons this year.
And yet according to news out of Brazil, Amazon deforestation is at record low levels.
The theory that diverting a portion of the corn crop to produce ethanol would cause farmers in other parts of the world to plant more corn, possibly clearing rainforests and other sensitive ecosystems to do so, is the backbone of the Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) theory. And the ILUC theory is incorporated in several fuel related policies such as California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and in the Renewable Fuel Standard II (RFS2).
As you can image learning that deforestation rates in Brazil are falling even as ethanol production increases deals a serious blow to the ILUC theory. But I can hear the critics now saying that this is just one country and deforestation could be on the increase elsewhere.
Not according to a recent paper published in Nature Geoscience by the Global Carbon Project.
The ILUC theory is a nice theory but the facts just keep piling up that show it to be incorrect. The question is why do we keep using it to form policy decisions even after it has been proven wrong again and again.
U.S. ethanol may drive Amazon deforestation May 17, 2007
Switch to Corn Promotes Amazon Deforestation December 27, 2007
Since 2007 ethanol production has increased by more than 4 billion gallons per year, going from 6.5 billion gallons produced in 2007 to 10.6 billion gallons produced last year. And we are on pace to produce close to 13 billion gallons this year.
And yet according to news out of Brazil, Amazon deforestation is at record low levels.
Deforestation rates in the Brazilian Amazon declined 14 percent from August 2009 to July 2010, reaching the lowest rates ever recorded for the second consecutive year, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced today in BrasÃlia. Satellite images analyzed by Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE) show that an estimated 6,450 square kilometers of forests were cleared in the 12-month period, bringing rates to their lowest since monitoring started in 1988.
The theory that diverting a portion of the corn crop to produce ethanol would cause farmers in other parts of the world to plant more corn, possibly clearing rainforests and other sensitive ecosystems to do so, is the backbone of the Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) theory. And the ILUC theory is incorporated in several fuel related policies such as California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and in the Renewable Fuel Standard II (RFS2).
As you can image learning that deforestation rates in Brazil are falling even as ethanol production increases deals a serious blow to the ILUC theory. But I can hear the critics now saying that this is just one country and deforestation could be on the increase elsewhere.
Not according to a recent paper published in Nature Geoscience by the Global Carbon Project.
The study also found that global CO2 emissions from deforestation have decreased by over 25% since 2000 compared to the 1990s, mainly because of reduced CO2 emissions from tropical deforestation.
The ILUC theory is a nice theory but the facts just keep piling up that show it to be incorrect. The question is why do we keep using it to form policy decisions even after it has been proven wrong again and again.
December 01, 2010
Sempra Generation Completes Largest U.S. Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant
The 48-megawatt (MW) Copper Mountain Solar facility, located in Boulder City, Nev., about 40 miles southeast of Las Vegas, is now generating enough emission-free electricity to power about 14,000 average homes.
"Completing Copper Mountain Solar is a major accomplishment. It demonstrates that large-scale solar can be developed at a rapid pace to help this country meet its clean energy needs, and further solidifies our position as one of the leading solar developers in the U.S.," said Jeffrey W. Martin, president and chief executive officer of Sempra Generation. "We have a focused plan aimed at developing more than 1,000 MW of solar projects in California, Arizona and Nevada that will provide solid returns well into the future."
Construction on Copper Mountain Solar began in January 2010 at the 380-acre desert site. About 350 construction workers at peak installed nearly 775,000 thin-film photovoltaic solar panels, which convert sunlight directly into electricity.
First Solar of Tempe, Ariz., supplied the solar panels and served as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.
"Safely completing construction on a solar power facility of this magnitude in less than a year is an unprecedented achievement," said William R. Engelbrecht, Sempra Generation's vice president of planning and construction. "This is a massive project, and Sempra Generation's construction team, working with First Solar, did an outstanding job of meeting our aggressive goal to build the entire project by the end of the year."
The power from Copper Mountain Solar and Sempra Generation's adjacent 10-MW El Dorado Solar plant has been sold to Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) under separate 20-year contracts. California utilities are required to procure 20 percent of their energy supply from alternative sources by the end of 2010, increasing to 33 percent by 2020.
Life Cycle Analysis Shows Camelina-Based Renewable Jet Fuel Reduces Emissions by 75 Percent
"This peer-reviewed analysis proves what we've known for a long time -- that camelina is an ideal feedstock for renewable jet fuel," said Scott Johnson, President of Sustainable Oils. "The peer-review process demonstrates without a doubt the significant CO2 reductions that camelina-based jet fuel offers. Our airline and military partners can be even more confident about the benefits of using camelina-based fuels."
The research, in collaboration with UOP, a Honeywell company, was conducted at Michigan Tech University, a leading research university. The study was based on camelina grown in Montana and processed into biojet fuel using UOP hydroprocessing technology.
Camelina-based biojet fuel is well positioned to be the renewable fuel of choice for airlines and the U.S. military once the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) approves a specification for renewable jet fuel, known as Hydrotreated Renewable Jet (HRJ). The standard is expected to be fully approved in 2011.
In addition to camelina's low carbon footprint, a range of other factors make it an attractive choice as a feedstock for renewable, domestically-produced advanced biofuels. Camelina grows in rotation with wheat and/or on marginal land, so it does not compete for agricultural land. Camelina "meal" has been approved for use as livestock and poultry feed, so growing camelina actually contributes to overall food supply.
Camelina-based jet fuel has been among the most, if not the most, heavily tested of any renewable jet fuel, with successful tests by the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, and Japan Airlines. These groups have conducted multiple tests of the fuel on different aircraft types, engines, and at different speeds. Camelina-based fuels have passed every test.
In November 2010, Sustainable Oils' camelina-based biofuel met another key performance milestone with the Navy's successful test of the camelina in a MH-60S helicopter. The test represented another step toward the certification of camelina-based fuels for use in all Navy and Marine aircraft.
Lastly, camelina does not require additional research and development or pilot scale programs. It can be planted and harvested with existing equipment, and refined into HRJ with technology that is widely available today.
In 2009, the U.S. Navy and the Air Force contracted with Sustainable Oils for more than 140,000 gallons of camelina biojet fuel. Just recently, both groups exercised contract options for additional camelina biojet fuel, bringing the total to nearly 500,000 gallons to be delivered in 2010 and early 2011.
Source : Press Release