CNG Conversion Provider, BAF Technologies, Earns Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) Designation

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced today that its subsidiary, BAF Technologies, Inc., has been officially designated by the Ford Motor Company as a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) for gaseous-fueled vehicles. BAF’s alternative fuel vehicle upfitting capabilities include aftermarket compressed natural gas (CNG) conversions of Ford-manufactured vans, cutaway shuttles, taxis, pick-ups and light-duty trucks.

John Bacon, President, BAF Technologies, said, “We are very proud to have earned this special designation from Ford. BAF is the first CNG vehicle upfitter in the United States to be named a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier for gaseous fuels — an honor that recognizes the success of our continuing efforts over time to deliver the best quality product to our natural gas fleet customers.”

To ensure that modified Ford vehicles meet strict vehicle warranty and QVM standards, the authorization program focuses on the aftermarket vendor’s design, manufacturing and quality control processes. In-depth evaluations by Ford include crash testing, demonstrated commitment to continuous quality improvement, and reviews of representative vehicles and customer support systems.

BAF Technologies is the leading provider of natural gas vehicle systems and conversions in the United States and supports clients with alternative fuel systems. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, BAF was acquired by Clean Energy in October 2009.

BAF provides alternative fuel systems, application engineering, service and warranty support and research and development. The company’s aftermarket systems ensure that current natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are available for domestic light-duty fleets. Its vehicle conversions include taxis, vans, pick-up trucks and shuttle buses. BAF utilizes advanced natural gas system integration technology and has certified NGVs under both EPA and CARB standards achieving Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle emissions.

November 2010 Ethanol Production Increases

November ethanol production increased to 925,000 barrels per day, up from 884,000 barrels per day in October. Total ethanol production for the month of November increased to 1,165,290,000 gallons, up from 1,151,220,000 gallons in October.

Ethanol imports for November totaled 378,000 gallons, down from 882,000 gallons in October.

Source : Energy Information Administration

HR Biopetroleum To Acquire Shell's Shareholding In Cellana Algae Joint Venture

HR BioPetroleum, Inc. (HRBP) announced that it will acquire Shell’s shareholding in Cellana, a joint venture between Shell and HRBP. On January 31, 2011, HRBP will become the sole owner of Cellana, including its six-acre demonstration facility in Kona, Hawaii.

In 2007, HRBP and Royal Dutch Shell PLC, the international energy company, formed Cellana as a separate joint venture to build and operate a demonstration facility to grow marine algae and produce vegetable oil for conversion into biofuel. To date, it is one of the most advanced operational demonstration facilities among algae-to-biofuel organizations and companies in the United States.

‘‘The acquisition of Cellana represents a significant opportunity for HRBP and its corporate and project stakeholders, including the University of Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric Company, Maui Electric Company, the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts consortium, the U.S. Department of Energy and others,’’ said Ed Shonsey, HRBP CEO.

‘‘We will continue to operate Cellana’s Kona demonstration facility and to continuously improve the economics for growing marine algae using HRBP’s patented process. Based on HRBP’s and Cellana’s results to date, we believe this technology holds great potential for the economical production of algae and algae-derived products for applications within the aquaculture and animal feed markets, as well as for the production of algal oil for conversion into biofuels.”

To support the transition Shell has agreed to provide short-term funding to advance and focus the algae technology development program. HRBP will further develop the technology at the Kona demonstration facility with the objective of first commercial deployment at the Ma’alaea site the company has selected on Maui, Hawaii.

Algae, the fastest growing plant on the planet, can produce substantially greater oil per acre than traditional oil seeds while simultaneously recycling industrial emissions of CO2, greatly reducing the carbon footprint as compared to other processes. Many strains of algae can grow optimally using brackish water, seawater or wastewater.

Marquis Energy - Wisconsin Licenses GreenShift’s Corn Oil Extraction Process

GreenShift Corporation today announced the execution of a license agreement with Marquis Energy – Wisconsin, LLC providing for the use of GreenShift’s patented corn oil extraction technologies in Marquis Energy – Wisconsin’s 50 million gallon per year ethanol plant in Necedah, WI.

Marquis Energy – Wisconsin will be GreenShift’s second license with Marquis Energy, the first being for Marquis Energy, LLC’s 110 million gallon per year ethanol production facility in Hennepin, IL.

Tom Marquis, Vice President & Marketing Manager of Marquis Energy stated that “working with GreenShift’s marketing arm has proven to be a valuable addition to our marketing strategy. Their contacts and understanding of the industry have become integral to the bottom line.”

David Winsness, GreenShift’s Chief Technology Officer stated that “we truly appreciate our relationship with Marquis Energy, we have worked together to increase yields and have proven that higher yields are achievable when both parties work together.”

See Also :
Calgren Licenses GreenShift’s Corn Oil Extraction Processes
GreenShift Receives Notice of Allowance for Corn Oil Refining Patent
Corn LP To License GreenShift Corn Oil Extraction Technology

Calgren Licenses GreenShift’s Corn Oil Extraction Processes

GreenShift Corporation today announced the execution of a license agreement with Calgren Renewable Fuels providing for the use of GreenShift’s patented corn oil extraction technologies in Calgren’s 57 million gallon per year ethanol plant in Pixley, California.

GreenShift and Calgren also agreed that GreenShift would provide engineering and construction services for the replacement of Calgren’s existing Tricanter-based corn oil extraction equipment with an Alfa Laval disc stack centrifuge in order to increase yields, reliability and uptime.

In addition, Calgren has agreed to install GreenShift’s first Method II Corn Oil Extraction System to extract corn oil from Calgren’s whole stillage. With Method I (thin stillage extraction) and Method II (whole stillage extraction), Calgren will have taken the first step to achieving corn oil yields that could be as high as 1.33 pounds per bushel and having at least one advanced technology as described in the final rule for the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on December 21, 2010.

Lyle Schlyer, CEO of Calgren stated that “working with GreenShift fits into our business model of increasing efficiency and mitigating risk. We expect our corn oil yields will significantly increase with GreenShift’s technical support, and we expect to get a premium for our product with GreenShift’s marketing arm.”

Duke Energy and SunEdison Announce Completion of 17.2MW Solar Farm

Duke Energy and Sun Edison LLC announced today the activation of the final phases of a 17.2 megawatt (MW) solar farm in Davidson County, N.C.

Constructed in five phases and covering over 200 acres of land, the project is comprised of more than 63,000 photovoltaic solar panels and is expected to generate an estimated 28 million kilowatt-hours annually—enough energy to power more than 2,600 homes a year.

"Solar energy continues to increase in its importance to North Carolina customers," said Brett Carter, President, Duke Energy North Carolina. "Partnerships, like the one with SunEdison, have allowed Duke Energy to comply with North Carolina's solar requirements in a cost effective way."

The solar farm was made possible through a solar energy service agreement between SunEdison and Duke Energy where SunEdison designed and deployed the project and will be responsible for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility. Financing was made possible through lease financing provided by MetLife and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. The project is rated at 17.2MW as measured in direct current, or 15.5MW as measured in alternating current.

"SunEdison is proud to be working with Duke Energy in meeting its solar energy goals," stated Robert Reichenberger, U.S. Vice President of Utilities for SunEdison. "By bringing together the right people, technologies and financing solutions, SunEdison is able to make large-scale solar a reality for utilities and their customers across the globe."

Senator Harkin introduces “Biofuels Market Expansion Act of 2011”

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today introduced the “Biofuels Market Expansion Act of 2011,” legislation that ensures an increasing number of automobiles in the U.S. be Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), expands the number of blender pumps, and makes renewable fuel pipelines eligible for the federal loan guarantee pipeline program. The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Tim Johnson (D-SD), Richard Lugar (R-IN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Al Franken (D-MN).

Brian Jennings, Executive Vice President of the American Coalition for Ethanol, released the following statement:

“While we appreciate the fact that the EPA is taking steps to approve E15, the ensuing litigation by opposing groups and red tape of the agency’s E15 pump labeling rule is creating a great deal of uncertainty about when E15 will be made available. Consumers deserve the kind of fuel choice that can only be achieved if there is a blender pump on every corner and an FFV in every garage. We must begin building flexibility into our nation’s fuel system so the power to choose the best fuel is put into the hands of the consumer – and not decided by EPA bureaucrats or by the oil industry through a de facto 90 percent petroleum mandate. Flexible fuel vehicles and blender pumps allow a wide range of fuels to be offered by the gas stations and selected by the motorists, ensuring that homegrown renewable fuels have access to the marketplace and that motorists have the ability to choose the best fuel for their own vehicle. We fully support the Harkin-Johnson market expansion bill and encourage their colleagues to sign on in support so that the legislation can move forward.”

The bill would require 50 percent of vehicles for sale in the U.S. to be flex-fuel vehicles in model years 2014 and 2015, and 90 percent to be FFVs in model year 2016 and after. The legislation also authorizes a grant program for the installation of blender pumps.

U.S. Wind Energy Installations Down 50% In 2010

America's wind industry built 5,115 megawatts of wind power last year, barely half of 2009's record pace, but entered 2011 with over 5,600 megawatts currently under construction - and with wind cost-competitive with natural gas for new electric generation, utilities are moving to lock in favorable rates.

"Wind power is a great deal right now in many areas of the country," said Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). "However, our industry continues to endure a boom-bust cycle because of the lack of long-term, predictable federal policies, in contrast to the permanent entitlements that fossil fuels have enjoyed for 90 years or more.

"Now that we're competing with natural gas on cost, we need consistent federal policies to ensure we have a diverse portfolio of energy sources in this country, and don't become overreliant on one source or another."

AWEA reported today that 3,195 megawatts (MW) of wind-powered electric generating capacity came online in the fourth quarter of 2010. That performance was below the 4,113 MW installed in the same period in 2009, but a leap from the third quarter of 2010, when only 670 MW were installed. The U.S. finished the year with a total of 5,115 MW of new wind power.

Buoyed by a one-year extension of the 1603 Investment Tax Credit for renewable energy in the final days of the 111th Congress, the industry entered the new year with over 5,600 MW of electric power currently under construction, well above the same time a year earlier. Further projects are expected to start up in time to meet the new construction deadline for the tax credit, now set to expire at the end of 2011. The industry is likely to finish 2011 ahead of 2010 numbers, according to Elizabeth Salerno, AWEA Director of Industry Data & Analysis.

"Wind's costs have dropped over the past two years, with power purchase agreements being signed in the range of 5 to 6 cents per kilowatt-hour recently." Salerno said. "With uncertainty around natural gas and power prices as the economy recovers, wind's long-term price stability is even more valued. We expect that utilities will move to lock in more wind contracts, given the cost-competitive nature of wind in today's market."

Total U.S. wind capacity now stands at 40,180 MW, an increase in capacity of 15% over the start of 2010, AWEA reported today. For the first time, U.S. capacity fell second to China's; China now has 41,800 MW in operation, an increase of 62% in capacity over a year ago, according to a Jan. 13 report from the Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association.

With uncertainty over national policies still holding back the U.S. industry, state targets for renewable energy continue to drive wind installations in many areas of the country. "We'll continue to work for a strong federal energy policy that drives the deployment of renewable energy technologies in the 112th Congress," Bode said, "but we'll also be defending and improving on state renewable targets, as well as promoting other sources of demand - such as more distributed and community wind projects, and corporate purchasing under the new WindMade trustmark."

The top five states for cumulative wind energy capacity at the close of 2010 all have such state targets:

Texas 10,085 MW

Iowa 3,675

California 3,177

Minnesota 2,192

Washington 2,105

Texas, the leading wind power state in America for several years running, achieved a major milestone by surging past the 10,000-megawatt mark for total installations, a quarter of all wind capacity in the U.S., with the addition of 680 MW in 2010. Known as the hub of the oil-and-gas industry, Texas achieved the mark thanks to aggressive pursuit of renewable energy and a renewable electricity standard passed in 1999 and strengthened in 2005. On average, wind now generates 7.8% of the electricity in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) which covers most of the state, peaking as high as 25%.

Other states active in pursuing targets for renewable energy last year were Illinois (498 MW added), California (455 MW), South Dakota (396), and Minnesota (396 MW). Five more states, which generally began tapping their inexhaustible wind resources more recently than the leaders, showed growth rates above 100%. The list starts with Delaware and Maryland, which added their first utility-scale wind turbines in 2010:

Delaware & Maryland First utility-scale installation

Idaho +140%

South Dakota +126%

Arizona +103%

With the addition of Delaware and Maryland, 38 states now have utility-scale wind projects, and 14 of those have now installed more than 1,000 MW of wind power.

Terrabon Inc. Reports Successful Production Of Cellulosic Gasoline

Terrabon, Inc., announced today that it has been successful in the production of an economical cellulosic gasoline fuel blend stock by leveraging CRI/Criterion’s renewable fuel catalyst technologies.

The use of catalysts are necessary to efficiently convert inedible feedstocks like garbage, sorghum, corn stover or woodchips into renewable cellulosic gasoline, diesel and jet fuel using Terrabon’s patented acid fermentation technology, MixAlco®. These catalysts have enabled Terrabon to capture yield improvements from the MixAlco® acid fermentation process at its Bryan, Texas demonstration plant, known as Energy Independence I. In fact, Terrabon actually exceeded the target yield threshold of 70 gallons of green gasoline per dry ton of garbage that it received from the cafeteria dumpsters and paper shredders at Texas A&M University. Normally, this garbage would have been shipped to a landfill for disposal.

“Terrabon is proud to work with world-class companies such as CRI/Criterion who provide innovative solutions to foster the production of alternative energy resources such as green gasoline,” said Gary Luce, CEO, of Terrabon. “Through the use of CRI/Criterion’s renewable fuel catalyst technologies, and their global resource base, Terrabon will continue to achieve its milestones to help the United States find renewable pathways to supply its ever-growing energy demand of advanced drop in bio-fuels.”

GreenShift Receives Notice of Allowance for Corn Oil Refining Patent

GreenShift Corporation today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a Notice of Allowance for GreenShift’s corn oil refining process.

The new notice of allowance covers refining processes that are designed to integrate directly into systems based on GreenShift’s patented and patent-pending corn oil extraction processes, on-site at ethanol production facilities.

GreenShift’s corn oil refining process drastically reduces refining times using off the shelf components, allowing smaller, integrated biodiesel systems to be built, installed and operated directly on-site at ethanol production facilities more cost-effectively as compared to larger, off-site greenfield facilities.

The new allowed patent on GreenShift’s integral refining process offers increased optionality to GreenShift corn oil extraction licensees that desire to produce more fuel from corn and further expands GreenShift's value to dry mill corn ethanol producers.

EPA Approves E15 For Use In 2001-2006 Vehicles

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today waived a limitation on selling gasoline that contains more than 10 percent ethanol for model year (MY) 2001 through 2006 passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and light pickup trucks. The waiver applies to fuel that contains up to 15 percent ethanol – known as E15. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson made the decision after a review of the Department of Energy’s thorough testing and other available data on E15’s effect on emissions from MY 2001 through 2006 cars and light trucks.

“Recently completed testing and data analysis show that E15 does not harm emissions control equipment in newer cars and light trucks," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Wherever sound science and the law support steps to allow more home-grown fuels in America’s vehicles, this administration takes those steps."

On October 13, 2010, EPA approved a waiver allowing the use of E15 for MY 2007 and newer cars and light trucks. At that time, EPA denied a request to allow the use of E15 for MY 2000 and older vehicles and postponed its decision on the use of E15 in MY 2001 to 2006 cars and light trucks until DOE completed additional testing for those model years.

The Agency also announced that no waiver is being granted this year for E15 use in any motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles, or non-road engines because current testing data does not support such a waiver.

These waivers represent one of a number of actions that are needed from federal, state and industry to commercialize E15 gasoline blends. Also, EPA is developing requirements to ensure that E15 is properly labeled at the gas pump. The label will be designed to prevent refueling into vehicles, engines, and equipment not currently approved for the higher ethanol blend.

Ethanol is an alcohol that can be mixed with gasoline to result in a cleaner-burning fuel. E15 is a blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline. The primary source of ethanol is corn, but other grains or biomass sources may be used such as corn cobs, cornstalks, and switchgrass.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandated an increase in the overall volume of renewable fuels into the marketplace, reaching a 36 billion gallon total in 2022. Ethanol is considered a renewable fuel because it is produced from plant products or wastes and not from fossil fuels. Ethanol is blended with gasoline for use in most areas across the country.

EPA granted the waiver after considering the E15 petition submitted by Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers in March 2009. In April 2009, EPA sought public comment on the petition and received about 78,000 comments.

The petition was submitted under a Clean Air Act provision that allows EPA to waive the act’s prohibition against the sale of a significantly altered fuel if the petitioner shows that the new fuel will not cause or contribute to the failure of engine and other emission-related parts that ensure compliance with emission standards.

USDA Announces Loan Guarantees For Three Cellulosic Ethanol Projects

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that biofuels and biomass energy projects across America have been selected for funding to continue the Administration's support for the development of renewable fuels. Vilsack highlighted the various investments USDA made since he laid out a broad vision to spur rural revitalization through renewable energy production in a speech at the National Press Club in October 2010.

"Building an active biofuels and biomass industry in every region of the country will help to create jobs and provide economic opportunity for people who live in rural communities," said Vilsack. "The Obama Administration knows these investments will benefit all of America because renewable energy provides the opportunity for a cleaner environment and greater energy security for our country."

The announcement includes three projects totaling $405 million in guarantee loans.

• Coskata, Inc. has received a letter of intent for a $250 million loan guarantee to construct and operate a cellulosic ethanol biorefinery facility. This 55-million gallon-per-year renewable biofuel project will use woody biomass to produce ethanol.
  
• Enerkem Corporation has been selected to receive an $80 million loan guarantee to build and operate a biorefinery that will be capable of producing 10 million gallons of advanced biofuel (cellulosic ethanol) per year by refining some 100,000 metric tons of dried and post-sorted municipal solid waste through a thermo-chemical cellulosic process.
  
• INEOS New Planet BioEnergy, LLC. has been selected to receive a $75 million loan guarantee to construct and operate a biorefinery capable of producing 8 million gallons-per-year of cellulosic ethanol and gross electricity production capacity of 6 MW. The feedstock for the process will include primarily vegetative waste (citrus and agricultural wastes), yard wastes, wood waste, and municipal solid waste.

Each company has specified conditions that they must meet in order to complete the loan.

EPA To Allow The Use Of E15 In 2001 Through 2006 Vehicles

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the EPA is expected to announce today that it will allow the use of E15 in 2001 through 2006 model year light duty vehicles.

The Obama administration has decided to approve the use of higher levels of ethanol in automobiles made between 2001 and 2006, handing a victory to corn farmers and deepening a conflict with auto makers, oil refiners and other interests who oppose such a step.

The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to announce Friday that it will allow ethanol levels in gasoline blends to be as high as 15% for vehicles made between 2001 and 2006, up from the current 10% maximum, according to two people familiar with the matter.

(H/T North Dakota ENERGY)

Diamond Green Diesel Offered Conditional Commitment for a DOE Loan Guarantee

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the offer of a conditional commitment to Diamond Green Diesel, LLC, the proposed joint venture between Valero Energy Corporation and Darling International Inc., for a $241 million loan guarantee.  The loan guarantee will support the construction of a 137-million gallon per year renewable diesel facility in Norco, Louisiana, about 20 miles west of New Orleans.  Valero Energy Corporation plans to direct the design, construction and operation of the project and market all of its output, while Darling International Inc. will supply feedstock to the project.


"Today's announcement reflects this Administration's commitment to promoting the development of advanced biofuels," said Secretary Chu.  "Strong biofuels projects like Diamond Green Diesel can help to diversify our transportation fuel supply while creating jobs and strengthening our economy."

"This announcement by the Department of Energy demonstrates the dedication of the Obama Administration to building a robust, domestic renewable fuels industry," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Made-in-America biofuels will increase our energy security, economic security and environmental security - while creating jobs - and help build a brighter future for all Americans."

"This announcement is a great example of something we have been saying at EPA for a very long time -- we can protect our health, preserve our environment and improve our economy at the same time," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Clear environmental standards and strong government support have given these companies the certainty they need to invest in new technology and new jobs. It demonstrates the power of American innovators to create a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous future."

"Today's announcement of a $241 million loan guarantee to Diamond Green Diesel in Norco is good for Louisiana and good for our nation's future," Senator Mary Landrieu said.  "Oil has paid tremendous dividends to our country.  It helped us win World War II, it helped create an industrial revolution and it built the greatest middle class the world has ever seen.  But, as we move to new technologies beyond oil, we must embrace the transition to clean renewable energy.  Projects like Diamond Green Diesel are a step in the right direction, and I appreciate the commitment Secretary Chu and Administrator Jackson are making to this effort."

The company estimates that the project will create 700 jobs during peak construction and over 60 jobs during operation.  The project will reduce greenhouse gases by more than 80 percent over conventional petroleum-based diesel and is expected to nearly triple the amount of renewable diesel produced in the U.S.   In addition, the facility will fulfill almost 14 percent of a national mandate to boost production for biomass-based diesel.  Approximately 95 percent of the project components are expected to be produced in the United States. 

The project will produce renewable diesel fuel primarily from animal fats, used cooking oil and other waste grease streams.  The project will be the first application of its kind in the U.S. to use an innovative hydrotreating/isomerization process from Universal Oil Products (UOP), known as EcofiningTM, and a pretreatment process from Desmet Ballestra Group, which converts processed feedstock into high-quality diesel.

Source : Press Release

NRG Energy Solar Project Receives DOE Conditional Commitment for a Loan Guarantee

NRG Energy, Inc. today announced that the 290-megawatt Agua Caliente solar project has received an offer of a conditional commitment for a loan guarantee of up to $967 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. NRG’s acquisition of the project from First Solar was announced last month. The Yuma County, Arizona project, which began in 2010 and is expected to be complete by 2014, is expected to create up to 400 construction jobs.

“The public private partnership between NRG Solar, First Solar and the Department of Energy will be instrumental in adding an unprecedented amount of emission-free solar power to America’s energy portfolio,” said Tom Doyle, President of NRG Solar. “Together, we will create hundreds of jobs and reduce the nation’s fossil fuel dependence and carbon intensity. Since clean solar generation availability tends to align with the periods of highest electricity demand, projects like Agua Caliente add natural peaking capacity to the grid.”

“The DOE Loan Programs Office is important to enabling the deployment of utility-scale renewable energy resources such as Agua Caliente, supporting financing terms commensurate with the long-lived nature of a photovoltaic solar power plant,” said Frank De Rosa, First Solar Senior Vice President of Project Development, North America. “These cost advantages allow renewable energy sources to scale faster towards grid parity.”

See Also :
NRG Solar and SunPower Agree to Build 250-Megawatt California Valley Solar Ranch

Solar Installation at Perdue to Be One of East Coast’s Largest

More than 11,000 solar panels will be installed at two Perdue facilities this summer, resulting in one of the largest commercially-owned solar power systems in the eastern United States.

Perdue has entered into a 15-year agreement with Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc. (WGES) to purchase electricity generated by the solar panels at guaranteed prices.

By September 2011, Standard Solar Inc. of Rockville, Md. will install the ground-mounted solar panels, covering the equivalent of approximately 10 football fields, on Perdue property. Almost half will be at the Perdue corporate offices in Salisbury and will be visible to passers-by on westbound U.S. Route 50. The others will be at the company’s feed mill in Bridgeville, Del.

The systems, which will be owned and operated by WGES, will generate an average of 3,700 megawatt hours of electricity each year, or the amount of power used by 340 typical U.S. homes. At peak production, the panels will produce as much as 90 percent of the electrical demand for each facility.

“Stewardship is one of our company’s core values, so this is a perfect fit for the way we do business,” said Steve Schwalb, Perdue’s Vice President of Environmental Sustainability. “Using solar power means we’ll have a clean energy source that doesn’t pollute or create greenhouse gases, while lowering Perdue’s energy costs over the life of the project.”

Schwalb estimated the clean electricity from the solar panels will reduce Perdue’s carbon footprint by 3,000 tons per year, the equivalent of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from 300,000 gallons of gasoline per year, or nearly 4.5 million gallons through the life of the contract.

The agreement is Perdue’s latest step in its commitment to being environmentally friendly. Last year, Perdue announced a renovation of its corporate office that is expected to earn a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating for environmental leadership from the U.S. Green Building Council. Three years ago, Perdue signed a first-in-the-industry Clean Waters Environmental Initiative with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help poultry growers adopt best pollution prevention practices. Ten years ago, Perdue built the nation’s first commercial poultry litter processing plant, the only process that is verifiably removing excess nutrients from the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

“By hosting this project, Perdue is also helping both Maryland and Delaware achieve their statewide solar energy goals,” said Harry Warren, president of WGES of Herndon, Va. “The Maryland and Delaware Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Acts call for a growing contribution from solar energy each year through at least 2022, and Perdue’s project will contribute significantly to Maryland’s and Delaware’s total solar power production goals for 2012 and beyond.”

“We applaud Perdue for taking such a significant step toward energy independence and are pleased to be part of one of the largest solar installations on the East Coast,” said Scott Wiater, President of Standard Solar.

University of Illinois study confirms glycerin as a feasible feedstuff for swine

An increased interest in biofuel production and a growing need to find cost-effective livestock feedstuff alternatives has led University of Illinois researchers to further evaluate the use of glycerin in swine diets.

This study, led by U of I graduate research assistant Omarh Mendoza, was published in the Journal of Animal Science and reports that swine diets may include up to 15 percent glycerin and achieve similar performance to a conventional corn:soybean diet.

"Glycerin is not a new product, but little is known about its role as a feed ingredient for swine," said Michael Ellis, U of I professor in the Department of Animal Sciences. "Previous studies have shown variable results."

Glycerin is a major co-product of biodiesel production. This resulting liquid energy source is sweet and palatable, Ellis said. While it's more commonly used by humans, it has the potential for greater inclusion in livestock diets.

"We performed a standard feedstuff digestibility evaluation," Ellis said. "We determined its energy digestibility and metabolizable energy value. We used this value to formulate diets in a controlled study here at the U of I Swine Research Center."

The study determined that glycerin could be fed up to levels of 15 percent of the swine diet.

"We didn't test it at higher levels because the efficiency of use of the energy may decrease so we don't recommend using glycerin at levels higher than 15 percent," he said.

Previous studies suggested that feeding glycerin could improve meat quality, Ellis added. However, the U of I study revealed no effect of feeding glycerin on meat quality. The glycerin diet had comparable results to the corn:soybean diet.

Although glycerin looks to be a promising alternative, as with any feedstuff, it depends upon current market prices.

"Glycerin has alternative uses beyond being used as a feed ingredient," Ellis said. "It is available, but the demand for this ingredient sometimes causes it to be too expensive to use in a diet. But there are occasions when it's economically feasible to use. If the biofuels industry keeps growing, that could make it even more accessible in the future."

Source : Press Release

ACCIONA Energy Begins Construction on Dempsey Ridge Wind Farm

ACCIONA Energy announced today that it has commenced construction on the Dempsey Ridge Wind Farm located in Roger Mills County, Oklahoma. The 132-megawatt (MW) wind farm will take approximately one year to build and is expected to generate hundreds of temporary construction jobs and bring added business to the community.

The Dempsey Ridge Wind Farm will be ACCIONA Energy’s sixth wind farm in the United States and the third in Oklahoma. The project is located just 15 miles west of ACCIONA Energy’s 123-MW Red Hills Wind Farm that was put into service in June 2009. The project will create enough clean energy to power around 46,000 homes in Oklahoma and surrounding states and will avoid the emission of approximately 339,000 metric tons of CO2 per year from conventional power plants.

“Oklahoma is a state that understands energy and has embraced wind as a plentiful and lucrative resource for the future. We are pleased to extend our commitment to this state and this community with the construction of the Dempsey Ridge project. Oklahoma already ranks in the top 10 U.S. states for wind energy potential and this project is another step in the direction of realizing that potential,” said Dan Foley, Chief Development Officer, ACCIONA Energy North America.

ACCIONA Energy’s Dempsey Ridge Wind Farm is expected to generate more than $20 million in tax revenue for Roger Mills County. The project will consist of 66 2.0 MW wind turbines located over 10,888 rural acres. There are 44 lease agreements in place that will provide added income to landowners during the development and operation of the project. Additionally, the wind farm will provide increased revenues for Roger Mills County and vicinity through investments in local infrastructure and property tax revenues paid over the life of the project.

ACCIONA Energy has selected M.A. Mortensen to lead the construction of the Dempsey Ridge Wind Farm. Mortensen built ACCIONA’s Red Hills Wind Farm and has deep expertise in wind farm construction and Roger Mills County.

ACCIONA Energy currently operates 489.6 MW of wind power capacity in the U.S. in five wind farms, four of them 100 percent owned. These include Tatanka Wind Farm (180 MW, North and South Dakota), Velva Wind Farm (11.8 MW, North Dakota), EcoGrove Wind Farm (100.5 MW, Illinois) and Red Hills Wind Farm. The company also has a stake in the Blue Canyon Wind Farm (74.25 MW) in Oklahoma.

350 kW Rooftop Solar System Begins Construction Atop Florida Mall

The rooftop of a Publix-anchored shopping center in Gainesville, Fla., will be transformed into a solar farm populated with nearly 1,500 panels.

The 46,000 square-foot installation, atop The Exchange shopping center, will be among the five largest rooftop solar systems in Florida and one of the largest to use the regional utility's feed-in tariff renewable energy program. The 350 kW system is under construction and will be generating electricity by the close of the first quarter of 2011.

Several parties are playing integral roles within the project.

BrightPath Energy and The Real Thing Solar Energy Services developed and structured the project before selling their interest in the solar plant to Nautilus Solar. Nautilus Solar, the permanent owner of the system, will manage the construction process with Inman Solar. Inman Solar is designing, engineering and constructing the system. Stafford Properties, of Atlanta, Ga., owns the fully leased 88,000 square-foot Publix-anchored shopping center.

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU), the local utility, will buy the power under its feed-in tariff program, begun in 2009 to foster renewable energy growth. Under the program, GRU will pay a fixed price for the power generated by the solar system over the next 20 years with the developers providing the financing for the system. This structure allows the solar facility to be built at no upfront cost to either GRU or Stafford Properties.

Stafford is receiving lease payments in exchange for hosting the system on its roof. At the same time, a more reflective and better insulated roof is being installed at The Exchange shopping center which should help lower electricity bills for tenants. The roof work is being provided by Superior Commercial Roofing.

In addition to saving money on electricity bills, Exchange tenants will soon occupy one of the most progressive and environmentally friendly commercial buildings in the state of Florida.

WMECo Selects Springfield Solar Energy Site

Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo) today announced plans to develop its second large-scale solar energy facility. The selected site is on Cottage Street in Springfield will accommodate some 17,000 solar panels, producing up to 4.2 megawatts (MW) of solar energy.

WMECo officials joined local officials in announcing the agreement to develop the capped landfill into a large-scale solar energy facility. Upon completion, the Springfield facility will join WMECo’s Silver Lake Solar Facility as two of the largest in the region.

“The Springfield facility continues to build on the experience we gained in developing our recently completed project in Pittsfield. Our approach enables us to deliver large scale solar at a level of cost effectiveness that no one would have thought possible a few short years ago.” said Peter J. Clarke, WMECo president and chief operating officer.

“Our solar program helps stimulate development of large scale solar facilities and the demand for regional construction and engineering services. Our use of a capped landfill creates a new and viable use for an otherwise challenged property within our home city,” Clarke said.

"We are delighted to partner with WMECO to advance this important solar project,” said Mayor Domenic Sarno. “My Administration has been working to advance this project and other important conservation and sustainability efforts to take a lead in the 'green' economy. I look forward to growing the City's partnership with WMECO," he said.

The project will bring $22M of construction to the region and is expected to contribute several hundred thousand dollars of annual property tax revenue to the city of Springfield. Springfield is one of the two Gateway Communities in WMECo’s service territory and is home to some 65,000 WMECo customers.

The Commonwealth has a goal to install 250 megawatts of solar by 2017. Under the landmark Green Communities Act (GCA), each Massachusetts electric utility may own up to 50 MW of solar generation, subject to approval by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU).

WMECo was the first utility to receive DPU approval and is currently authorized to install 6 MW of solar. Local permitting for the project is underway and WMECo expects to begin construction in the second quarter of this year. Construction of the Springfield facility will complete the initial 6 megawatt authorization received from the DPU.

Range Fuels to Shut Down Plant

A South Georgia plant that turns wood waste into fuel is stopping production right after they make their first batch of ethanol. Range Fuels in Soperton is also laying off most of its employees.

Source : Georgia Public Broadcasting

The plant began producing cellulosic methanol from woody biomass in August 2010. The plan is to keep four employees on to maintain the plant while additional investment is secured.

See Also :
Range Fuels Produces Cellulosic Methanol

November 2010 Crude Oil Imports Total $19.8 Billion

The latest numbers from the Commerce Department show that the trade deficit for November was $38.3 billion, down from $38.4 billion in October. Crude oil imports accounted for $19.8 billion, up from $18.9 billion in October.

The value of crude oil purchases increased to $19.8 billion from $18.9 billion in October. The price per barrel of imported crude reached the highest level since May.

Source : Bloomberg

Springboard Biodiesel Announces 50th School System Installation Milestone

Springboard Biodiesel, a clean-tech manufacturer located in Chico, CA, announced today that more than 50 universities and school systems in the United States now own and operate a BioPro™ biodiesel processor.

Arkansas State University topped the list when it purchased The BioPro™ 190, a fully-automated machine that converts 50 gallons of vegetable or animal oil into ASTM-grade biodiesel for approximately $0.95/gallon.

Announcing this milestone, Springboard Biodiesel's CEO Mark Roberts explained, "Now, more than ever, universities, colleges and high school systems across the US are looking for ways to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. Making biodiesel out of cooking oil collected from a school's cafeterias and restaurants gives any college, university or high school system the opportunity to make ASTM-grade biodiesel in a fully-automated machine, for only $0.95 cents a gallon." Roberts added: "From a budget perspective, that's compelling. But many of these same institutions are striving to reduce their campus greenhouse gas emissions and by converting waste cooking oil into a fuel that burns up to 90% cleaner than regular diesel, BioPro™ biodiesel production is an immediate and effective way to help institutions meet their goals."

Biodiesel is a diesel-replacement fuel that will run in any diesel engine without the need to convert the engine. It can be made from any vegetable or animal oil. Buses, trucks, tractors, generators and other engines that run on diesel fuel can easily mix biodiesel into that fuel blend, or run the biodiesel neat (B100).

"Safety was a very important consideration when we chose to purchase a BioPro™," said Dr. Kevin Humphrey, The Director for Agricultural Education at Arkansas State University. "After all, students are the ones who will be working with this equipment, so we are obviously very safety conscious." He added, "When you take into account the automation and the rugged construction of the BioPro™, then you know that safety was an important factor in its design."

Dr. Humphries, who first saw the BioPro™ in use at Truman State University in Missouri, plans to use the equipment to convert crop oils, some of which will be grown at the University farm. Three crops they will work with are Soybean, Canola and Camelina. Cooking oils from the college cafeterias will also be collected and converted. The plan is to run the finished biodiesel in diesel irrigation motors, tractors and on-campus utility trucks. "We're really excited about our biodiesel and biofuels program here. It's an area of growing interest for our college and our region," said Humphrey. "Ultimately we want our farm to be self-sustaining."

Mascoma and Valero Sign Deal to Develop Commercial Cellulosic Ethanol Biorefinery

Mascoma Corporation announced today that Valero Energy Corporation, the nation’s largest independent oil refiner, has invested in Mascoma Corporation. Further, Mascoma, Valero, and Mascoma’s operating subsidiary, Frontier Renewable Resources LLC, jointly owned with natural resource management company, J.M. Longyear LLC, have signed a non-binding letter of intent to support the construction of one of the world’s first commercial scale wood-based cellulosic ethanol biorefineries, slated to break ground in 2011 in Kinross Charter Township, Michigan. Under the terms of the letter of intent, Valero would potentially invest up to $50 million of the equity required to finance the project through Frontier Kinross LLC, a subsidiary of Frontier, and would enter into an off-take agreement for the project’s ethanol production.

Valero’s participation in the project strengthens the financing package for the Kinross biorefinery, complemented with funds from the State of Michigan, through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). As further support of the project, Valero would provide project development and construction oversight services. The biorefinery is planned to have an annual production of 40 million gallons of low-carbon cellulosic ethanol, to be covered by the off-take arrangement with Valero. Frontier will use hardwood pulpwood, which is selectively harvested, naturally regenerated, and is an underutilized, abundant resource in the area surrounding the Kinross biorefinery. Mascoma’s 200,000 gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year demonstration facility in Rome, New York, has demonstrated the viability of the technology over the past two years and sets the stage for the commercial facility.

“Valero’s proposed investment in our first commercial-scale production facility proves the economic practicality of Mascoma’s technology for the conversion of woody biomass into ethanol,” said Bill Brady, Chief Executive Officer of Mascoma. “We are also thrilled to have Valero as a shareholder in Mascoma Corporation as there are many synergies even beyond the Kinross facility, where the technologies we have developed could be helpful to Valero’s business.”

“Adding Valero as a partner is the perfect addition to complete this project,” said Steve Hicks, Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Renewable Resources and President & CEO of J.M. Longyear, LLC. “The culmination of Mascoma’s leading Consolidated Bioprocessing (CBP) technology, coupled with Longyear’s expertise in supplying the raw materials, is the perfect compliment for a leading oil company to come in as an equity and off-take partner.”

Mascoma recently announced the acquisition of SunOpta BioProcess Inc. (SBI), a world-leading fiber preparation and pretreatment company, creating a company with comprehensive capabilities for converting non-food cellulose (wood chips, energy crops and organic solid waste) into ethanol and high value co-products. With the addition of SBI and Valero, Mascoma has now covered the entire process of commercializing cellulosic ethanol, from raw materials supply, to pre-processing, through Mascoma’s CBP process and into final distribution.

See Also :
Mascoma Acquires SunOpta BioProcess
Mascoma Demonstration Scale Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Starts Up
Valero Begins Selling E85 In San Antonio

Abengoa Bioenergy Announces Restart of Portales Ethanol Plant

Abengoa Bioenergy, a worldwide leader in advance biofuels technology and production, formally announced the restart of its Portales New Mexico bioethanol plant, which is located in the Portales Industrial Park, is New Mexico’s only commercial-scale bioethanol plant, and is designed to produce up to 30 million gallons per year of fuel ethanol, produced primarily from sorghum grown on the High Plains of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico.

Javier Salgado, President and CEO of Abengoa Bioenergy, said that the Portales plant became viable again due to more favorable market conditions, supported by an increasing demand scenario. Recent legislative and administrative actions supporting the industry and expanding ethanol blend levels are also expected to have a positive impact. "Abengoa is a worldwide leader in sustainable fuel technologies and we are proud to have our operations up and running again in Portales", said Salgado.

Ethanol produced from the Portales facility is also expected to have a higher value than ethanol produced at some other grain based facilities under the provisions of both the Energy Investment and Security Act of 2005 (which established a Renewable Fuel Standard) and under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard being implemented by the state of California this year. Salgado explained that, "due to its energy efficient production setup and the unique sorghum feedstock, which is typically grown without irrigation in Roosevelt County and the surrounding region, Abengoa’s Portales plant is a model for sustainable American fuel production that can help our rural farmers maintain their way of life while also preserving our precious water resources."

Salgado also stated that the restart of the Portales facility was assisted by the strong support from New Mexico’s political leadership, including New Mexico’s United States Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall. New Mexico Senator Jeff Bingaman welcomed the reopening of Abengoa Bioenergy’s Portales facility stating, "The resumption of operations and the hiring of 40 new employees for this facility will bring a tremendous economic benefit to the Portales and Roosevelt County areas. Not only does this bring new jobs back to the area, but the benefits from local grain purchases and feed sales, as well as the additional contributions to the area’s tax base, will be dramatic as they filter through the local economy."

OriginOil Focusing on Algae Extraction Technology

OriginOil, Inc. (OOIL) today announced that it has adopted an operating plan that focuses on commercializing its industry leading algae extraction technology platform. This new single focus on extracting oil from algae strategically positions the company to provide the critical connection between algae growers and refiners.

“It’s becoming clear the algae industry will be massive – as you’d expect a true petroleum alternative would be,” said Riggs Eckelberry, OriginOil CEO. “No one company is going to do it all, and that’s why we have decided to focus on extraction, a highly specialized technology that we can embed in algae production systems worldwide.”

Extraction is a critical bottleneck in commercial algae production. At time of harvest, algae live in a great volume of water. Conventional extraction, adequate for specialty products, such as pharmaceuticals, is far too energy-intensive for large-scale uses such as fuel and chemicals. A scalable and proven solution to the extraction challenge is vital to the future of the fast-growing algae industry.

“Upstream, algae producers are beginning to invest in very large growing facilities and are finding success,” said Brian Goodall, OriginOil CTO. “Downstream, some very savvy companies are learning how to convert algae into fuel and many other products.”

“At the critical connection between them is what we call the ‘midstream’, where efficient harvesting, dewatering and oil extraction remain major challenges. That’s our new, long-term specialization,” Goodall said.

“Extraction is relatively less capital-intensive than growth or refining, and can generate very high returns on investment,” added Eckelberry.

“We are confident that this is the best area of focus for OriginOil. Capitalizing on our market leading competitive advantage will lead to long term business success.”

OriginOil has developed three extraction processes: Single Step Extraction™, Live Extraction™ and the Hydrogen Harvester™.

Single Step Extraction is currently implemented in the field at MBD Energy’s James Cook University site in North Queensland, Australia. It can be deployed in two ways: dewatering only for conversion of the entire algae mass to a refinable bio-oil, or full separation of lipids and biomass to create more valuable products along with fuels.

Live Extraction is OriginOil’s process for extracting very high quality lipids on a continuous basis from algae that heals after it has been ‘milked’ of its oil content. Live Extraction is in a prototype stage and further developments are expected in 2011.

The Hydrogen Harvester is OriginOil’s most recent development. It is a continuous, passive extraction system for removing hydrogen gas from algae. It is also at the prototype stage and further developments are expected in 2011.

The value of OriginOil’s hydrogen extraction process lies in recovering more energy from algae production systems than simply oil and biomass. Hydrogen is also essential to the refining process, enabling algae producers to refine algae at the place where they grow it.

See Also :
OriginOil Announces Successful First Phase of Commercial Pilot Program
OriginOil Achieves Hydrogen Production Comparable to Photovoltaics

Greenwave Biodiesel Facility in Fort Lauderdale Operational

Raptor Fabrication and Equipment, Inc. has started up its newest biodiesel plant for its customer, Greenwave Biodiesel of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The facility successfully produced its first batch of ASTM certified biodiesel and will now begin its commercial production of biodiesel fuel.

The Greenwave facility utilizes Raptor's flagship mid-sized, multi-feedstock production system and is capable of producing 3.6 million gallons of biodiesel per year. System production can be remotely monitored by Raptor to insure maximum efficiency and up-time.

"The Greenwave plant is our first launch of the new year and we have introduced exciting new remote monitoring technology in the plant giving us the ability to monitor production and diagnose any problems increasing overall production and customer satisfaction," said Tom Gleason, President and CEO of Raptor Fabrication and Equipment. "With the reinstatement of the federal biodiesel tax-credit and facilities we currently have in production for customers, 2011 is expected to be a strong year for Raptor," added Gleason.

Green Plains Renewable Energy Signs Purchase Agreement to Acquire Otter Tail Ag Enterprises

Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. (GPRE) announced today it has signed an asset purchase agreement with Otter Tail Ag Enterprises, LLC to acquire its 55 million gallon per year capacity dry-mill ethanol plant near Fergus Falls, MN. The proposed transaction is anticipated to progress through a court-approved bankruptcy proceeding initiated by Otter Tail Ag Enterprises, LLC. If confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court, Green Plains' bid would then be considered the stalking horse in an asset auction to be held in the next 60 days. There can be no assurances that Green Plains' bid will be the winning bid among qualifying bids.

"We remain focused on our growth strategy of acquiring operating assets that expand our ethanol platform and contribute immediately to our financial results," stated Todd Becker, President and CEO of Green Plains Renewable Energy. "If we are successful in the auction process, we believe our proven management capabilities will add value for all stakeholders."

If completed, the acquisition would increase Green Plains' ethanol production capacity by approximately 8% to an annual capacity of 712 million gallons. Green Plains plans to finance the transaction through a mix of available cash on hand and debt financing from existing lenders.

See Also :
Green Plains Renewable Energy Completes Acquisition of Global Ethanol, LLC
Green Plains Renewable Energy to Implement Corn Oil Extraction Technology
Green Plains Renewable Energy and BioProcess Algae to Break Ground on Phase II of Algae Project

Southern California Edison Signs Contracts for More Than 800 Megawatts of Solar Photovoltaic Power

Southern California Edison (SCE) has signed contracts with SunPower Corp. and Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, Inc. (FRV) for more than 800 megawatts of electricity created from sunlight that will go directly to the California power grid. The contracts will include one of the country’s largest single solar photovoltaic installations.

Electricity generated as a result of these contracts will total 831 megawatts. Three contracts with SunPower will total 711 megawatts and include one of the largest single solar photovoltaic installations – 325 megawatts – in the United States. Contracts with FRV allow for the delivery of 120 megawatts of solar energy from four projects.

“This is an unprecedented time for solar photovoltaic,” said Marc Ulrich, SCE’s vice president, Renewable and Alternative Power. “We’re seeing growth in technological advances and manufacturing efficiencies that result in competitive prices for green, emission-free energy for our customers.”

The solar photovoltaic projects are located in California’s Kern, Los Angeles and Merced counties. SCE estimates that when the projects all come online, the 831-megawatt capacity will be enough to power more than 540,000 average California homes.

The three contracts with SunPower include:

* 110 megawatts from Solar Star California XIII, LLC, located in Los Banos, scheduled to be operational by Dec. 31, 2014.
* 325 megawatts from Solar Star California XIX, LLC, located in Rosamond, scheduled to be operational by Oct. 31, 2016.
* 276 megawatts from Solar Star California XX, LLC, located in Rosamond, scheduled to be operational by Oct. 31, 2016.

The four contracts with FRV include:

* 60 megawatts from Regulus Solar L.P., located in Lamont, scheduled to be operational by Dec. 31, 2013.
* 20 megawatts from Cygnus Solar L.P., located in Arvin, scheduled to be operational by Sept. 30, 2013.
* 20 megawatts from Mojave Solar L.P., located in Mojave, scheduled to be operational by Dec. 31, 2013.
* 20 megawatts from Mojave Solar 4 L.P., located in Lancaster, scheduled to be operational by Dec. 31, 2013.

The projects will interconnect with existing and forthcoming transmission lines.

These contracts are a result of SCE’s competitive renewables solicitation, and are contingent on approval by the California Public Utilities Commission.

DuPont to Acquire Danisco for $6.3 Billion

DuPont has entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Danisco, a global enzyme and specialty food ingredients company, for $5.8 billion in cash and assumption of $500 million of Danisco net debt. Upon closing, this transaction would establish DuPont as a clear leader in industrial biotechnology with science-intensive innovations that address global challenges in food production and reduced fossil fuel consumption.

“Danisco is a premier company, a long-time successful partner of DuPont and a proven innovator committed to sustainable growth,” said DuPont Chair and CEO Ellen Kullman. “Danisco has attractive, market-driven science businesses that offer clear synergies with DuPont Nutrition & Health and Applied BioSciences.”

“This transaction is a perfect strategic fit with our growth opportunities and will help us solve global challenges presented by dramatic population growth in the decades to come, specifically related to food and energy. In addition, biotechnology and specialty food ingredients have the potential to change the landscape of industries, such as substituting renewable materials for fossil fuel processes and addressing food needs in developing economies, that will generate more sustainable solutions and create growth for the company,” Kullman said.

The acquisition is expected to be financed with about $3 billion in existing cash and the remainder in debt. The transaction is expected to close early in the second quarter and be cash and earnings accretive in 2012, the first full year of the combined entity.

DuPont has set its 2011 earnings per share outlook at a range of $3.30 to $3.60 per share. The anticipated impact of this transaction would reduce that outlook by $.30 to $.45 per share on a reported basis.

“Danisco has two well-positioned global businesses that strongly complement our current biotechnology capabilities, R&D pipeline, and specialty food ingredients, a combination that offers attractive long-term financial returns. This also would create new opportunities across other parts of the DuPont portfolio, including traditional materials science offerings,” said Kullman.

Danisco is a leading technology-driven organization, with outstanding research and application development capabilities. The company has specialty food ingredients, including enablers, cultures and sweeteners, that generate about 65 percent of total sales; and Genencor, its enzymes division, represents 35 percent of total sales. Danisco and DuPont are already joint venture partners in the development of cellulosic ethanol technology. Danisco has nearly 7,000 employees globally with operations in 23 countries.

The acquisition is to be effected through a public tender offer by a subsidiary of DuPont for all of Danisco's outstanding shares at a price of DKK 665 in cash per share. Danisco has stated its intention to recommend the offer to its shareholders subject to and upon publication of the Offer Document relating to the tender offer following review by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including certain regulatory approvals and the tender of more than 90 percent of the Danisco shares in the tender offer. DuPont has the right to waive such tender offer conditions and accept a lesser number of shares in certain cases.

Fulcrum BioEnergy Announces Supply Partnership With Waste Connections

Fulcrum BioEnergy Inc. announced an earlier arrangement to partner with Waste Connections of California, Inc., for the supply of post-sorted municipal solid waste ("MSW") to Fulcrum's Sierra BioFuels Plant, the company's first commercial-scale production facility for converting waste into low carbon ethanol, renewable electricity and other high value chemical products.

"We are pleased to be partnering with Waste Connections, on this first-of-its-kind project," said Fulcrum's President and Chief Executive Officer E. James Macias. "Their support over the past couple of years has played a key role in the successful development of our Sierra BioFuels project and demonstrates their commitment to the environment. We look forward to working with Waste Connections on this milestone project that will convert household garbage that would otherwise be landfilled, into a clean, renewable transportation fuel," added Macias.

"We are proud to be a part of this exciting renewable energy project," said Waste Connections' President, Steve Bouck. "The Sierra BioFuels Plant is an example of how companies can work together to create economically and environmentally responsible solid waste management solutions and convert waste into a resource for clean energy," added Bouck.

Earlier this year, Fulcrum launched engineering activities with Fluor on the fully-permitted Sierra BioFuels Plant. With commercial operations planned for late 2012, the project is expected to be the Nation's first commercial-scale production facility for converting post-sorted MSW into ethanol, renewable electricity and propanol.

Last month, Fulcrum announced that the Sierra BioFuels Plant was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") to advance to the final phase of the DOE's Loan Guarantee Program. Fulcrum has received a detailed term sheet and has begun the negotiation process with a goal of closing and funding the loan during the first quarter of 2011. Following the completion of the financing, Fulcrum will immediately begin construction on the $120 million project located approximately 20 miles east of Reno, Nevada in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center in Storey County. The plant will provide the Reno market with a much needed low-cost, reliable and environmentally clean source of transportation fuel and will help stimulate economic growth in Northern Nevada by creating more than 500 new green jobs.

The Sierra BioFuels Plant is the first of several projects that Fulcrum is developing across North America. With a pipeline of opportunities that have a future capacity to produce over one billion gallons of ethanol annually, Fulcrum's process will produce low carbon ethanol that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 75% compared to traditional gasoline production and mitigates our country's dependence on foreign oil.

See Also :
Fulcrum BioEnergy Project Selected to Advance to the Final Stage for a DOE Loan Guarantee
Fulcrum BioEnergy Begins Construction On Municipal Solid Waste To Ethanol Plant

Hawkeye Renewables Announces Sale of Ethanol Plants to Flint Hills Resources Renewables

Hawkeye Renewables, LLC announced today that it entered into an agreement to sell its ethanol plants located in Iowa Falls and Fairbank, Iowa, to Flint Hills Resources Renewables, LLC in an all-cash transaction. Flint Hills Resources Renewables is an affiliate of Koch Industries, Inc. and Flint Hills Resources, LLC, a leading provider of transportation fuels used in the Upper Midwest. The purchase price for the transaction is not being disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close early in the first quarter of 2011. Hawkeye Renewables has received the requisite consent from its equity holders to approve the transaction.

Hawkeye Renewables emerged from its Chapter 11 restructuring on June 18, 2010, under new equity ownership. "Over the past six months we have made significant progress in improving Hawkeye Renewables' operations," said James V. Continenza, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hawkeye Renewables. "Our agreement with Flint Hills builds on this solid foundation and represents a successful conclusion to the strategic review that our Board began to maximize equity holder value." Mr. Continenza added, "It is my belief that Flint Hills Resources Renewables will be a committed operator in the Iowa community and will work diligently to develop and maintain relationships with Hawkeye Renewables' existing vendors, suppliers, and farmers."

*NOTE* In August, Flint Hills announced that they were buying two Iowa ethanol plants from Hawkeye Growth. The two plants are located in Menlo and Shell Rock, Iowa.

When I first saw today's announcement I thought it was probably talking about the same two plants but calling them by different names for the communities that they are located in. According to this press release issued when Hawkeye Renewables exiting bankruptcy reorganization, the two plants in today's announcement are different from those involved in the August announcement and Hawkeye Renewables and Hawkeye Growth are two separate entities. Here are a couple of exerts from that press release.

"Hawkeye Renewables, LLC (“Renewables”) with ethanol plants in Iowa Falls and Fairbank, Iowa, announced it successfully emerged on June 18, 2010 from its Chapter 11 restructuring under new equity ownership."

"The restructuring process did not include Hawkeye Growth plants in Menlo and Shell Rock, Iowa."

GreenShift’s Patented Corn Oil Extraction Process Demonstrates Record Performance

GreenShift Corporation today announced that its patented corn oil extraction processes have demonstrated record levels of added profit for ethanol producers.

A new corn oil extraction system at a 110 million gallon per year ethanol facility would pay for itself within less than 6 months, producing additional profit of about $0.08 per gallon of ethanol produced and about $9 million per year at current corn oil market prices.

DOE Delivers Final E15 Test Results To EPA

The U.S. DOE has delivered the final results of its tests using E15 in vehicle models 2001-2006 to the U.S. EPA, but interested parties will have to wait a bit longer before they can access the data. According to the U.S. EPA, the agency received the DOE’s final test results in the final hours of 2010. The EPA said it expects to release the additional data “within the next couple of days” but declined to comment further on the test results, adding that it remains on track to issue a decision on expanding the use of E15 soon.

Source : Ethanol Producer Magazine

INEOS Bio JV Receives $75 Million USDA Loan Guarantee for Florida BioEnergy Center

INEOS Bio and its joint venture partner, New Planet Energy, announced today that they have received a conditional commitment for a $75 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) 9003 Biorefinery Assistance Program. Funds will be used for the construction of the world's first INEOS BioEnergy Center to be situated near Vero Beach, Florida. The BioEnergy Center will produce eight million gallons of advanced biofuel per year together with six megawatts (gross) of renewable power from biomass including yard, vegetative and wood wastes and municipal solid waste. Financing from the USDA program is provided to advance the next generation bioenergy technologies into the commercial sector.

"We are encouraged by the continued confidence and commitment the U.S. Government has shown in assisting with the commercial development of this new bioenergy technology," said Peter Williams, CEO of INEOS Bio and Chairman of INEOS New Planet BioEnergy. "These programs are providing the funds needed to enable the U.S. to achieve a leading position in the bioenergy sector through projects such as ours. As well as directly assisting construction of the INEOS New Planet BioEnergy commercial plant, the loan guarantee also represents an important step along the road to replication of this exciting new technology through INEOS Bio's licensing program."

The USDA 9003 program provides guaranteed loans for the development and construction of commercial-scale biorefineries or for the retrofitting of existing facilities using eligible technology for the development of advanced biofuels.

Site preparation and construction are underway at the BioEnergy Center, which has created 55 new jobs to date. The BioEnergy Center, slated to begin production in 2012, is anticipated to provide 175 jobs during construction and 50 full-time jobs once the facility is completed.

The heart of the INEOS Bio technology is a patented anaerobic fermentation step, through which naturally occurring bacteria convert gases derived directly from biomass into ethanol. Unlike other technologies that rely on one primary source of feedstock, the INEOS Bio process can produce ethanol and renewable energy from numerous feedstocks, including construction waste, municipal solid waste and forestry and agricultural waste, while breaking the link between food crops and ethanol production. This flexibility allows facilities, like the Florida BioEnergy Center, to be built anywhere in the world, wherever there is biomass waste, providing jobs and locally sourced renewable energy for urban and rural communities.

See Also :
INEOS Bio Picks AMEC To Construct Its BioEnergy Center

Pacific Ethanol Restarts Stockton Ethanol Plant

Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (PEI) has resumed production at the 60 million gallon per year ethanol production facility located in Stockton, CA. The first corn grind occurred on December 9th and the facility is now operating at close to operating capacity shipping ethanol and feed to local markets.

Neil Koehler, PEI’s president and CEO, stated, “We achieved our goal of successfully restarting the Stockton ethanol facility in December 2010, which we believe increases our opportunity to benefit from the commencement of the California Low-Carbon Fuel Standard this month. The Stockton facility produces low carbon renewable fuel and high value feed to local California markets. With the recent signing of the participation agreement with the California Energy Commission, the facility is eligible for payments under the California Ethanol Producer Incentive Program.”

See Also :
Pacific Ethanol And AE Biofuels Enter Into Ethanol Marketing A
Pacific Ethanol To Restart Stockton, CA Ethanol Production Facility

Ethanol Groups Propose Alternative E15 Labels

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy have each proposed an alternative to the E15 label the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed.

This is the label proposed by the EPA. Many, including myself, feel that the label is overly aggressive in it's warning. Just after the EPA proposed this label, I compared this label to a similar situation in the diesel market.

This is the label proposed by the Renewable Fuels Association.

This is the label proposed by Growth Energy.


















Both of the labels proposed by the ethanol groups are in my opinion preferable to the label proposed by the EPA. But to be honest, both of the proposed ethanol groups labels may not be aggressive enough in their warning. As I mentioned before, the diesel fuel market went through a similar situation just a couple of years ago.

This is the label that the EPA approved in that situation. The warning level conveyed is somewhere in the middle of that which is conveyed by the E15 label proposed by the EPA and the two labels proposed by the ethanol groups. This is more in line with what I would expect the approved label to look like. There is a need to adequately warn people so that misfueling doesn't occur but ethanol shouldn't be subjected to a higher level of warning because it isn't a product of the petroleum industry.

Petroleum Groups Ask Court to Overturn EPA Approval of E15

The National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) today joined with two organizations to ask a federal appeals court to overturn a recent decision by the Environmental Protection Agency that authorizes the sale of gasoline with 50 percent more ethanol for late-model vehicles.

Organizations joining NPRA in the legal challenge to EPA are the International Liquid Terminals Association and the Western States Petroleum Association.

EPA’s Oct. 13 decision boosted the amount of ethanol permitted in gasoline used by cars and light trucks in the 2007 model year and later from the current 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15).

NPRA and the other organizations today filed a petition asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to review and overturn the EPA decision, contending EPA violated the Clean Air Act and the Administrative Procedure Act.

The lawsuit by the groups will argue that EPA does not have authority under the Clean Air Act to approve a partial waiver that allows the use of E15 in some engines but not in others.

In addition, the lawsuit will contend that EPA based its partial waiver decision on new data submitted to the public rulemaking docket on the day before EPA announced the partial waiver, providing no time for the stakeholder review or meaningful public comment required under the Administrative Procedure Act.

NPRA and the other organizations will file more details and written arguments regarding their lawsuit in coming weeks.

“NPRA is taking this action because our members are committed to consumer protection and providing safe, efficient, affordable and reliable fuel to the American people,” NPRA President Charles T. Drevna said. “The organizations challenging EPA’s decision believe the agency has acted unlawfully in its rush to allow a 50 percent increase in the amount of ethanol in gasoline without adequate testing and without following proper procedures. As a result, we had no choice but to take this issue to court.”

NPRA and other groups have previously raised concerns about engine damage in cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, and outdoor power equipment such as lawnmowers and chainsaws that might be caused by E15.

The groups have said that while E15 is not recommended for anything but 2007 model vehicles and later under the EPA decision, many consumers will inevitably use E15 in other engines, a problem known as misfueling.

E85 Stations Continue To Increase, Reaching 2,354

The number of E85 pumps across the country finished out 2010 on a strong note, with 25 new locations added in December, bringing the total to 2,354.

I didn't keep track of the monthly totals at the beginning of the year because the numbers had somewhat stagnated and to be honest it was kind of depressing to just see a few added each month. So I can't really say what the total is for 2010.

The big change that caused the numbers to start moving again happened on June 24, 2010 when the first E85 dispensers received UL certification. As you can see by the numbers below, from May 1, 2009 through June 29, 2010, a span of almost 14 months, there was a total of 69 new E85 locations added. In the 6 months since certification, there has been 194 new locations added.

January 1, 2011 - 2354
December 1, 2010 - 2329
November 1, 2010 - 2301
October 1, 2010 - 2259
September 1, 2010 - 2235
June 29, 2010 - 2160
May 1, 2009 - 1991

There are also currently 273 blender pump locations across the country.

The current number of E85 and blender pump locations can be found at the E85 Refueling.