Cargill propels shipping forward with largest kite-powered vessel

Cargill has signed an agreement with SkySails GmbH & Co. KG (SkySails) to use wind power technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry. SkySails, based in Hamburg, has developed innovative, patented technology that uses a kite which flies ahead of the vessel and generates enough propulsion to reduce consumption of bunker fuel by up to 35 percent in ideal sailing conditions.

Next December Cargill will install the 320m2 kite on a handysize vessel of between 25,000 and 30,000 deadweight tonnes, which the company has on long-term charter, making it the largest vessel propelled by a kite in the world. Cargill and SkySails aim to have the system fully operational in the first quarter of 2012. Cargill is currently helping SkySails develop and test the technology and has identified a ship-owner – supportive of environmental stewardship in the industry – with whom it will partner on the project.

The SkySails kite will be connected to the ship by rope and is computer-controlled by an automatic pod to maximise the wind benefits. The kite functions at a height of between 100 to 420 metres and flies in a figure of eight formation. The SkySails system is automated and requires only minimal action by the crew. An automatic control system steers the kite and adjusts its flight path. All information related to the system's operation is displayed on the monitor of the SkySails' workstation on the ship's bridge.

"For some time, we have been searching for a project that can help drive environmental best practice within the shipping industry and see this as a meaningful first step", said G.J. van den Akker, head of Cargill's ocean transportation business. "The shipping industry currently supports 90 percent of the world's international physical trade. In a world of finite resources, environmental stewardship makes good business sense. As one of the world's largest charterers of dry bulk freight, we take this commitment extremely seriously. In addition to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, the SkySails technology aims to significantly reduce fuel consumption and costs. We are very impressed with the technology and see its installation on one of our chartered ships as the first part of an ongoing, long-term partnership."

"We are delighted that Cargill is the first company to embrace our technology on a vessel this large as part of its commitment to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry", said Stephan Wrage, managing director of SkySails. "We are excited that our technology will shortly be used on a handysize vessel for the first time and see great potential to incorporate it on larger ships in the future."

According to a United Nations (International Maritime Organisation) study, up to 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) could be saved every year by the broad application of the SkySails' technology on the world merchant fleet. This figure would equate to 11 percent of the CO2 emissions of Germany.

Cargill is a significant global transporter of agricultural, energy and industrial commodities. Although the company does not today own or operate ships, its ocean transportation business ships more than 185 million tonnes of commodities each year, in the process connecting supply from areas of surplus with demand in areas of deficit.

2010 Gasoline Consumption

Update : 2012 Gasoline Consumption

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) released the 2010 fuel consumption numbers recently. With these numbers we can see what the total amount of gasoline consumed for 2010 was. The number that the EIA reports for Finished Motor Gasoline includes all the ethanol blended into the gasoline supply. By subtracting out the ethanol we can see how ethanol is adding to the fuel supply and the extent to which the portion of gasoline derived from petroleum is being displaced.

Finished Motor Gasoline

2010 - 3,282,319,000 barrels x 42 = 137,857,398,000 gallons
2009 - 3,283,730,000 barrels x 42 = 137,916,660,000 gallons
2008 - 3,290,057,000 barrels x 42 = 138,182,394,000 gallons
2007 - 3,389,269,000 barrels x 42 = 142,349,298,000 gallons
2006 - 3,377,174,000 barrels x 42 = 141,841,308,000 gallons
2005 - 3,343,131,000 barrels x 42 = 140,411,502,000 gallons
2004 - 3,332,579,000 barrels x 42 = 139,968,318,000 gallons
2003 - 3,261,237,000 barrels x 42 = 136,971,954,000 gallons
2002 - 3,229,459,000 barrels x 42 = 135,637,278,000 gallons

After years of steady increases the amount of Finished Motor Gasoline consumed peaked in 2007.

The number that the EIA provides for Finished Motor Gasoline includes all the ethanol blended into the gasoline supply. So to get the number for just the amount of gasoline derived from petroleum that is consumed, the ethanol needs to be subtracted out.

Ethanol Used : Domestic Production + Imports - Exports

2010 - 12,915,084,000 gallons
2009 - 11,143,272,000 gallons
2008 - 9,838,374,000 gallons
2007 - 6,960,240,000 gallons
2006 - 5,615,484,000 gallons
2005 - 4,040,190,000 gallons
2004 - 3,551,142,000 gallons
2003 - 2,816,688,000 gallons
2002 - 2,153,004,000 gallons

In years past, ethanol exports were such a small number that they were never factored in. But in 2010 exports rose considerably, so the 2010 number includes subtracting out the exports.

Gasoline Used : Finished Motor Gasoline - Ethanol

2010 - 124,942,314,000 gallons
2009 - 126,773,388,000 gallons
2008 - 128,344,020,000 gallons
2007 - 135,389,058,000 gallons
2006 - 136,225,824,000 gallons
2005 - 136,371,312,000 gallons
2004 - 136,417,176,000 gallons
2003 - 134,155,266,000 gallons
2002 - 133,484,274,000 gallons

The amount of Finished Motor Gasoline consumed that is derived from petroleum peaked in 2004 and has been in steady decline ever since.

Updated : December 4, 2013

Source : Energy Information Administration

Update : 2012 Gasoline Consumption 

December 2010 Ethanol Production Increases

December ethanol production declined slightly to 918,000 barrels per day, down from 925,000 barrels per day in November. Total production for the month was slightly higher at 1,195,194,000 gallons, up from 1,165,290,000 gallons in November. The reason that daily production is lower while overall production is higher is due to December having 31 days and November having 30 days.

Source : Energy Information Administration

POET Cloverdale Ethanol Plant Schedules Grand Opening

POET will hold a Grand Opening on Tuesday, March 15 for its 27th ethanol plant, POET Biorefining -- Cloverdale, a 90 million gallon-per-year grain ethanol plant near Cloverdale, Ind. The plant's opening will put Indiana's total ethanol production above the state's goal of 1 billion gallons.

POET purchased POET Biorefining - Cloverdale in 2010 and is now completing approximately $30 million in upgrades including BPX, POET's patented fermentation process that uses enzymes instead of heat, reducing energy costs. The plant also has a water recovery system and new pollution control equipment. It will employ more than 40 local team members upon startup.

The event will feature public tours and a program with keynote speakers POET CEO Jeff Broin, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis. Lunch will be provided. Media and the public are welcome to attend.

Schedule of events:
9:30 -- 10:45 a.m. Public tours
11:00 a.m. -- noon Speaking program
Noon -- 1:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. -- 2:30 p.m. Public tours

Source : POET Press Release

W2 Energy Begins Construction Of Biobutanol Reactor

W2 Energy, Inc. today announced that it has begun construction on a biobutanol reactor.

Currently, biobutanol is commercially produced from petroleum. W2 Energy can make biobutanol simply by modifying its SunFilter Algae Reactor to grow a mixture of 60% biobutanol, 30% acetone and 10% ethanol.

W2 Energy will grow these alcohols in a modified SunFilter which has been seeded with the bacterium Clostridium acetobutylicum rather than with algae. The Clostridium bacteria will grow on the syngas produced by the NT Plasmatron rather than the SunFilter's combination of air and carbon dioxide. W2 Energy will build the biobutanol reactor with glass tubes rather than the current SunFilter's acrylic tubes, because the Clostridium bacteria can damage acrylic.

In addition to its potential as a transportation fuel, biobutanol is a popular industrial product with a worldwide market of approximately 350 million gallons per year and a price approaching $4 per gallon, yielding an aggregate worldwide sales figure of more than $1 billion. Biobutanol is used in commercial products ranging from paint to cupcakes.

"Biobutanol may become one of the transportation fuels of the future, and it already has a robust worldwide market for a variety of industrial uses," says Mike McLaren, President and CEO of W2 Energy. "Making biobutanol with our existing technology is a recipe for success."

On Farm Renewable Energy Production Shows Tremendous Growth

The number of solar panels, wind turbines and methane digesters on America's farms and ranches has increased significantly over the past decade and there are now 8,569 operations producing their own renewable energy, according to the results of the 2009 On-Farm Renewable Energy Production Survey released today. Conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service, this was the first-ever nationwide survey that looked at renewable energy practices on America's farms and ranches.

"These results indicate that farmers and ranchers are increasingly adopting renewable energy practices on their operations and reaping the important economic and environmental benefits," said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "At USDA we are committed to natural resource conservation, prosperity and energy independence in rural America. This survey gives us a benchmark against which we can measure our future successes."

According to the survey results, solar panels were the most prominent way to produce on-farm energy. In 2009, farmers on 7,968 operations nationwide reported using photovoltaic and thermal solar panels. The use of wind turbines was reported by farmers on 1,420 operations across 48 states. The use of methane digesters was reported by 121 operations in 29 states.

On the state level, California leads the nation with 1,956 operations producing renewable energy, accounting for nearly a quarter of all operations in the United States participating in this practice. Texas, Hawaii and Colorado were the other major states where farmers on at least 500 or more operations were producing their own renewable energy.

The survey results also show an economic upside to producing energy on the farm. Farmers in nearly every state reported savings on their utility bills. The savings were especially noticeable in New York, where utility bill savings reported by respondents topped $5,000 for 2009.

Conducted as a follow-on to the most recent Census of Agriculture, the 2009 On-Farm Renewable Energy Production Survey focused on three principal renewable energy systems: solar panels, wind turbines and methane digesters. The survey expanded upon the energy questions asked in the census to provide a deeper analysis of American on-farm renewable energy production practices.

Full results of the 2009 On-Farm Renewable Energy Production Survey are available online at www.agcensus.usda.gov.

Study Shows Benefits of Jatropha Plant Oil for Electric Power Generation and Industrial Heating

SG Biofuels and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) today released results of a study revealing the performance and emissions benefits of using Jatropha oil as a drop-in replacement for diesel fuel in industrial furnaces used for electric power generation and industrial heating.

Testing by BNL of Jatropha oil provided by SG Biofuels revealed that crude Jatropha oil can be blended with residual oil without any problems in separation or modifications to existing burners. Testing also reveals that crude Jatropha oil has less than 3 percent of the sulfur content of typical heating oil resulting in significant reductions in sulfur dioxide emissions– a major contributor to acid rain-related environmental impacts - and a 50 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.

"From these results, we can conclude that the blending of Jatropha oil with residual oil is a viable option for fueling industrial furnaces, with significant reductions in pollutant emissions such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulates," said C.R. Krishna, the lead researcher at Brookhaven National Laboratory for the study. BNL is one of ten national laboratories overseen and primarily funded by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

The majority of the work involved testing blends of Jatropha oil with residual oil in a 1.5 million Btu/hr boiler with a burner modified to burn residual oil. Blends of 20 percent and 60 percent, in addition to 100 percent Jatropha oil, were burned in the combustion performance tests.

Jatropha oil was found to have a much lower viscosity, meaning blends do not need to be heated to as high a temperature, which translates into overall energy savings when residual oil is blended with Jatropha oil.

The study was conducted using funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

"The results of the study provide further validation of the quality, performance and broad-ranging benefits of Jatropha oil," said Kirk Haney, president and chief executive officer of SG Biofuels. "Use of Jatropha oil for electric power generation opens a significant new market in many regions of the world that continue to struggle with the challenge to identify locally-produced, sustainable and cost-effective sources of energy."

2011 Buick Regal Turbo Gets Industry First Turbo Direct Injected Engine with Flex Fuel Capability

The 2011 Buick Regal Turbo is the first direct-injected turbocharged production car capable of running on any blend of gasoline or E85 ethanol, joining more than 5 million flex-fuel models General Motors has produced over the last 15 years.

The turbocharged Ecotec 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that powers the Regal will help GM reach its goal of offering more than 50 percent of its production in flex-fuel models by the end of 2012.

Attendees at the National Ethanol Conference in Phoenix will have the opportunity to drive the Regal and the flex-fuel GMC Terrain during conference breaks today.

Compared to earlier versions of the 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo, GM powertrain engineers have significantly upgraded the new engine to accommodate both E85 and to incorporate refinements.

Since ethanol requires a richer air-fuel mixture than gasoline, flex-fuel engines need higher flow-rate injectors. However, a flex-fuel engine can potentially have any combination of gasoline or up to 85 percent ethanol in the tank, so a sensor in the fuel system measures the blend in real-time. This allows the engine management system to automatically adjust the mixture to provide improved performance and reduced emissions and fuel consumption. Stainless steel fuel lines provide extra corrosion resistance to ensure that the Regal Turbo meets GM's stringent durability requirements.

In the past, improving power output and reducing fuel consumption and emissions were often conflicting goals. By delivering fuel directly to the combustion chamber, the high-pressure injectors can now provide a more precise mixture for optimum combustion.

Turbochargers use the energy in the hot exhaust gas flow to drive a compressor that forces more air into the combustion chamber for on-demand power delivery. The twin-scroll turbocharger on the Ecotec engine provides two inlet paths to the turbine to maximize the kinetic and thermal energy delivered to the turbine.

"Lag and reduced vehicle launch response is one of the age-old concerns with previous turbo engines," said Ecotec chief engineer Mike Anderson.

"Drivers would step on the gas to accelerate and then have to wait for boost and power to be generated," he said. "The twin-scroll turbocharger helps the engine generate power and torque when the driver needs it for passing maneuvers or merging onto a highway even at low engine speeds."

"The 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo produces 258 pound-feet of torque from 2,000 to 5,500 rpm making it feel like a much-larger V6 engine while still delivering four-cylinder efficiency."

Other changes to the turbo engine for 2011 go well beyond the addition of flex-fuel capability. The 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo has a new precision sand cast aluminum cylinder block that provides better durability while transmitting less noise and vibration than lost foam casting used previously.

The end result is a quieter and more refined power plant that helps the Regal achieve best-in-class levels of noise, vibration and harshness while delivering the performance expected of the best import sport sedans and the ability to operate on current and next-generation renewable biofuels.

E Energy Adams Ethanol Plant Adds A Third Cellunator™ Unit

EdeniQ, Inc. announced that it has concluded an agreement to install a third Cellunator device at E Energy Adams, a 50 MGPY (million gallon per year) corn ethanol plant in Adams, Nebraska.

EdeniQ’s Cellunator is an advanced, industrial‐grade milling device that cost effectively reduces the average particle size of milled corn without increasing fines (small particles) that can foul downstream processes.

“We’ve been using two Cellunators to process two‐thirds of our slurry for just over a year now,” said E Energy Adams plant manager, Robert Miller. “The Cellunators are durable, affordable, and have produced excellent results. While every operator knows it is difficult to measure yields day‐to‐day, over the long haul we can attribute at least a 3 percent yield improvement to the Cellunators. We’ve decided to add a third Cellunator so that we can process 100 percent of our feed. This should generate increases in excess of 4 percent.”

“In a business where inputs and outputs are highly volatile, the Cellunator enhances our operational flexibility,” said E Energy Adams CEO Carl Sitzmann. “When corn prices spike, we use the Cellunator to back down on the amount of corn we buy without decreasing production. When corn is low, we use the Cellunator to help push more starch through the plant and make substantially more ethanol. In short, the Cellunator helps us maximize revenue and/or control costs depending upon what market conditions dictate.”

Scoular Purchases Gateway Ethanol Plant

The Scoular Company announced today its acquisition of the assets of Gateway Plant LLC. Scoular’s acquisition includes a 55-million gallon ethanol plant and adjoining 1.8 million bushel shuttle train facility in Pratt, KS. Terms of the transaction were not announced.

Located on the Union Pacific Railroad, the newly acquired Pratt facility is capable of loading 100-car shuttle trains of grain, dried distillers grains (DDG), and ethanol.

“Scoular is pleased to have taken yet another step to serve grain producers and end-users in this area as well as to further expand our presence in the renewable fuels market,” said Chuck Elsea, Scoular’s Chief Executive Officer.

Elsea said Scoular anticipates that by April 1 the grain-handling portion of the facility will be ready to receive grain. Scoular is hopeful the ethanol plant will be operational late third or early fourth quarter of 2011, following extensive plant renovation, according to Elsea.

“It is economically feasible to run this plant, and that’s what we want to do,” said Elsea. He added that Scoular presently is in discussions with companies interested in operating the plant in partnership with Scoular.

In addition to owning the Pratt plant, Scoular is a minority investor in other ethanol plants as well as a service provider of risk management, grain origination, logistics and transportation, and distillers grains marketing. Within the next two weeks, Scoular will further expand its activity in the renewable fuels marketplace to include ethanol transloading with the opening of a new rail-to-truck ethanol transload facility in Ogden, UT.

The Pratt facility will be incorporated into Scoular’s North American grain marketing network, a portion of which includes strategic investment in the state of Kansas. The Pratt acquisition brings the number of Scoular’s Kansas facilities to eight, including shuttle train loading facilities at Coolidge, Downs, Salina, and Wellington. Scoular presently employs more than 150 employees in Kansas, and that number could grow by as many as 40 once the ethanol plant is operating. Jeff Wilkinson will serve as Scoular’s interim manager of the Pratt location.

Green Plains Renewable Energy to Acquire Otter Tail Ag Enterprises Ethanol Plant

Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. announced today that its bid to purchase certain assets of Otter Tail Ag Enterprises, LLC was accepted by the bankruptcy court overseeing the auction process. The addition of the 55 million gallon per year dry-mill ethanol plant near Fergus Falls, MN brings Green Plains' total expected production capacity to approximately 715 million gallons annually. Green Plains will finance the $55 million acquisition with cash and financing from a group of nine lenders, led by AgStar Financial Services.

"The Fergus Falls plant is in a great location with ample feedstock and an excellent workforce," stated Todd Becker, President and CEO of Green Plains Renewable Energy. "We are continually looking for opportunities to expand production at reasonable valuations and adding this operating plant to our business is a solid fit for us. We believe this acquisition will be accretive to 2011 earnings."

Green Plains expects to complete the acquisition in March 2011.

Here Enterprises Begins Construction at Texas Wind Park

Here Enterprises, Inc. today announced the start of construction at the Company's Cycle Ranch wind energy project near Floresville, Texas. In conjunction with the Cycle Ranch Motocross Park, a commercial speedway, the wind farm is being built to maximize the property's revenue generating potential, while reducing energy consumption, costs and greenhouse emissions. With foundations successfully in place, Here Enterprises is pleased to report the project is progressing with the installation of Talon variable pitch turbine systems.

Cycle Ranch is a wholly owned subsidiary of Here Enterprises, acquired on September 9, 2010. The Cycle Ranch wind farm is the initial development of the company strategy to utilize commercial property to generate clean, sustainable energy.

Established wind energy and electrical systems contractor Collier Services, Inc. is conducting the build-out of the Cycle Ranch project. A leader in the industry, Collier Services installs foundations, connections, and highly efficient 40-foot Talon variable pitch turbines.

Mark Ryun, CEO of Here Enterprises, commented: "The Cycle Ranch project is a major step in the realization of Here Enterprises' clean energy business strategy. We expect construction of the facility to be completed by month end and are extremely pleased with our progress to date."

VIASPACE Reports Test Results for Giant King Grass as Cellulosic Ethanol Feedstock

VIASPACE Inc. and its subsidiary VIASPACE Green Energy Inc. reported results of recent independent testing of Giant King Grass as a feedstock for producing second-generation cellulosic biofuels such as ethanol and butanol, and biomass-based chemicals.

In summary, the test data shows that VIASPACE's proprietary Giant King Grass has essentially the same properties as corn stover and wheat straw, which are current leading candidate feedstocks for making not only cellulosic biofuels but also a wide range of biochemicals.

The detailed testing of Giant King Grass included sugar and lignin content, several levels of pretreatment, and enzymatic hydrolysis to sugars. The party that conducted the tests independently and at their own expense was not named.

VIASPACE Chief Executive Dr. Carl Kukkonen commented: "These initial results show that a ton of Giant King Grass can yield as much bio ethanol as a ton of corn stover. This validates Giant King Grass, a nonfood dedicated energy crop, as a competitive feedstock for producing cellulosic biofuels.

"Most importantly, an acre of Giant King Grass yields up to 10 times greater tonnage than an acre of corn stover, which is the stalk and leaves leftover from harvesting an acre of corn," Kukkonen continued, "With our high yield, we believe that Giant King Grass can reduce biofuel feedstock costs by up to 40%, even when compared to projected prices for corn straw as agricultural waste. As a result, Giant King Grass promises the cost-of-production breakthrough that has plagued the second-generation biofuels industry."

"Giant King Grass had already been shown to have excellent properties for direct combustion for electricity generation and for biogas production using anaerobic digestion," Kukkonen added. "This new data on its potential for biofuels places Giant King Grass in a unique position as a low-cost feedstock with universal application in the worldwide push toward clean electricity generation and production of cellulosic ethanol and other liquid biofuels."

Cellulosic ethanol is projected to cost $2.00-$2.25/per gallon, and global demand for cellulosic biofuels is expected to become a multibillion-dollar market in the next few years. Under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard, 12.95 billion gallons of renewable fuel were required to be used in 2010, increasing to 36 billion gallons per year by 2022. Similar requirements are in place in Europe and many other countries.

2010 Ethanol Exports Post New Record

According to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), ethanol exports in 2010 were nearly 4 times that of 2009.

According to government data released today, 2010 was a record-breaking year for exports of ethanol and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Riding a December surge, total ethanol exports ended the year at 397 million gallons, marking a nearly four-fold increase over 2009. Of the 2010 total, 270 million gallons (68%) were classified as denatured ethanol, while the remaining 127 million gallons (32%) were undenatured, non-beverage. These exports are not eligible for the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC), also called the blender’s credit. DDGS exports totaled 9 million metric tons for the year, a 60% increase over 2009 exports and double the level from 2008.

Source : Renewable Fuels Association

ECOtality And Roush Begin Mass Manufacturing of Blink EV Charging Stations

ECOtality, Inc. began the mass manufacturing of its Blink™ Level 2 Charging Stations at Roush Manufacturing. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder will join executives from both companies at a ribbon-cutting event to witness the first Blink units roll off the manufacturing line.

“Throughout each step of The EV Project, we’ve seen unprecedented consumer demand for electric vehicles, and partners like Roush have played a key role as we’ve brought our smart charging stations to market,” said Don Karner, president of ECOtality. “Roush’s stellar reputation and automotive OEM experience made them an ideal partner as we made the move to full-scale manufacturing. Together we are excited to bring an innovative, American-made charging station to EV drivers nationwide.”

ECOtality partnered with Roush in July 2010 to manufacture the company’s flagship Blink home and commercial charging stations. The agreement marked a major move for Roush—a global powerhouse in cutting-edge product development, composition, creation and testing—into the electric vehicle industry. This is an important evolutionary step for Roush and the automotive industry, as an existing Roush automotive facility has been modified to now support the developing EV industry. With the opening of the facility, Roush has been able to rehire employees that were previously laid off.

"Roush is an excellent example of a Michigan company that has reinvented itself and is successfully applying the power of Michigan to the next emerging industry," said Governor Rick Snyder. "Partnerships like these help us to ensure Michigan stays on the leading edge of technology and enhances our economic development efforts."

The Blink charging stations form the centerpiece of the rich charging infrastructure network ECOtality is deploying as part of the DOE-backed EV Project. Recently, the Blink chargers received Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing and production immediately started.

“Roush is very excited about this program,” stated Evan Lyall, CEO of Roush Enterprises, Inc. “ECOtality and the DOE have partnered to develop an outstanding product, we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate our ability to adapt our product development and integrations expertise to an emerging industry sector.”

The home charging stations offer several advantages over conventional charging stations, including advanced energy monitoring capabilities that allow homeowners to optimize their energy usage and charge their vehicles when rates are lowest. The Blink Network charger interface is the hub where users can receive information about their EV and Blink Home Charging Station including charge status, statistics and history.

Blink Home Charging Stations are available now to EV drivers and are free of charge to EV Project participants. The units can be installed indoors or outside at commercial locations, and both hardwire and plug-in charging stations are available.

As part of The EV Project, the largest rollout of EV infrastructure in history, ECOtality will monitor the energy usage and output of charging stations, to determine a viable method for mass adoption of electric vehicles and empower the smart grid.

ECOtality is project manager of The EV Project and will oversee the installation of commercial and residential charging stations in 17 cities and major metropolitan areas in six states and the District of Columbia. The project will provide an EV infrastructure to support the deployment of 8,300 EVs. The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through a federal stimulus grant of $114.8 million, made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The grants are matched by private investment, bringing the total value of the project to approximately $230 million.

December 2010 Crude Oil Imports Total $22.5 Billion

The latest numbers from the Commerce Department show that the trade deficit for December was $40.58 billion, up from $38.32 billion in November. Crude oil imports accounted for $22.54 billion, up from $19.83 billion in November.

The U.S. bill for crude oil imports in December rose to $22.54 billion from $19.83 billion the month before amid a surge in oil prices. The average price per barrel climbed $2.97 to $79.78. Crude import volumes rose to 282.58 million barrels from 258.19 million.

Source : Wall Street Journal

USDA Approves Corn Modified For Improved Ethanol Output

Syngenta announced today it has received full deregulation for its corn amylase trait from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is the first genetically modified output trait in corn for the ethanol industry. By enabling expression of an optimized alpha-amylase enzyme directly in corn, dry grind ethanol production can be improved in a way that can be easily integrated into existing infrastructure. Syngenta will sell corn seed with the amylase trait as Enogen corn seed.

"Enogen corn seed offers growers an opportunity to cultivate a premium specialty crop. It is a breakthrough product that provides U.S. ethanol producers with a proven means to generate more gallons of ethanol from their existing facilities," said Davor Pisk, Chief Operating Officer. "Enogen corn also reduces the energy and water consumed in the production process while substantially reducing carbon emissions."

Enogen corn seed will be available from the coming growing season. This year, Syngenta plans to work with a small number of ethanol plants and corn growers in close proximity and prepare for larger scale commercial introduction in 2012. Production of Enogen corn will be managed by Syngenta using a contracted, closed production system.

The corn amylase trait in Enogen has already been approved for import into Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia and Taiwan, and for cultivation in Canada.

Solazyme and Qantas Launch Collaboration Working Toward Commercial Production of Solajet™

Solazyme, Inc., a leading renewable oils and bioproducts company, announced that it has begun a collaboration with Qantas, one of the world's leading long distance airlines, to pursue the potential for commercial production of Solazyme’s microbial derived aviation fuel, Solajet™, in Australia. This represents the first collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region to explore the use of Solajet™ in commercial aviation.

“Qantas is establishing a leadership position in the airline industry in supporting the commercialization of renewable, sustainable aviation fuels. Through this alliance, we intend to use Solazyme’s technology platform to help provide the Australian market with renewable aviation biofuel,” said Jonathan Wolfson, chief executive officer of Solazyme. “We also believe this alliance is a helpful step towards the commercialization of Solajet™.”

There is currently a six billion liter a year demand for aviation fuel in Australia. Through this collaboration, both Qantas and Solazyme are striving to help meet this demand.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alan Joyce, said the collaboration was an exciting step forward for the airline’s environment strategy.

“Developing cleaner jet fuels is vitally important for the global aviation industry and for the Qantas Group. The costs and environmental impacts associated with traditional jet fuel mean it is imperative that we push hard now for the commercialization of alternative fuel sources,” Mr Joyce said.

“We want to be at the forefront of this growing sector, which is why we have chosen to engage the most innovative companies in the field like Solazyme.

“Over the next year, we look forward to working with Solazyme – and with other important government and private sector stakeholders – to build the case for clean jet fuel production in Australia. We believe this is important not just for Qantas but for the Australian economy as a whole, given the global emergence of green technologies and their potential to drive growth and create jobs.”

INEOS Bio JV Breaks Ground On Florida Waste-to-Fuel Commercial Biorefinery

INEOS New Planet BioEnergy (INPB), a joint venture between INEOS Bio and New Planet Energy, today broke ground on the first U.S. facility to produce advanced biofuels from waste on a commercial scale. The $130 million Indian River BioEnergy Center in Vero Beach, Florida, will convert yard, vegetative and household wastes into cellulosic ethanol and renewable power for the local community. This new facility represents an important step towards achieving more sustainable transportation and greater energy independence.

The BioEnergy Center technology was developed by INEOS Bio, a part of INEOS, the world's fourth largest petrochemicals company. INEOS Bio will license the BioEnergy technology globally utilizing decades of INEOS experience as one of the world's largest licensors of chemical technology.

"We are excited to celebrate this important milestone, which moves advanced biofuels a step closer to achieving significant scale, enabling the U.S. to achieve a leading position in the bioenergy sector," said Peter Williams, Chairman of INPB and CEO of INEOS Bio. "As part of our goal of advancing the biofuels industry, educating people about the benefits of this technology and creating demand for advanced biofuels, we will continue to license this world-changing technology to partners across the U.S. and beyond, bringing secure, renewable fuel and power to communities worldwide."

When production starts in mid-2012, the Indian River BioEnergy Center will produce eight million gallons of bioethanol and six megawatts (gross) of renewable power, of which approximately two megawatts will be exported to the local community. This renewable electricity will be able to power approximately 1,400 homes. Located at a former citrus processing plant site in Vero Beach, Florida, the BioEnergy Center will provide 380 direct and indirect jobs (including 175 construction jobs) over the next two years and 50 full-time jobs in Indian River County, where current unemployment is at 13.6 percent, the 23rd highest metro area in the nation.

"We have received strong support from the Federal and State Government and are pleased that this BioEnergy Center will bring significant economic and environmental benefits to the region," said INPB President David King. "Our goal is to not only create a local source for advanced biofuels and renewable energy, but also to enable people world-wide to learn about this exciting, new clean energy technology."

In addition to support from the State of Florida in the form of a $2.5m grant, the BioEnergy Center has received significant support from the U.S. government as part of its ongoing effort to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, spur the creation of the domestic biorefining industry and provide new cleantech jobs throughout the country. In late 2009, the project received a $50 million Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy as part of its Section 932 Integrated Biorefinery program and it will be the first large-scale commercial project awarded under this program to begin construction. More recently, the project received a conditional commitment for a $75 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of its Biorefinery Assistance Program.

The Indian River BioEnergy Center will be the first commercial scale project in the world using INEOS Bio's patented technology. Using naturally occurring bacteria, the technology is able to convert gases derived directly from biomass into bioethanol. Unlike other technologies that rely on one primary source of feedstock, the INEOS Bio process can produce ethanol and renewable energy from numerous non-food feedstocks, including construction and municipal solid waste, forestry and agricultural waste. This flexibility also allows facilities like the Indian River BioEnergy Center to be built anywhere in the world, wherever there is waste, providing jobs and locally-sourced renewable energy for urban and rural communities.

See Also:
INEOS Bio JV Receives $75 Million USDA Loan Guarantee for Florida BioEnergy Center
INEOS Bio Picks AMEC To Construct Its BioEnergy Center

Campbell Soup Company Plans 9.8 Megawatt Solar System at Ohio Plant

Campbell Soup Company announced that it has entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and Land Lease Agreement (LLA) with BNB Napoleon Solar LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of BNB Renewable Energy Holdings, of Exton, PA, to construct a 9.8 megawatt (MW) capacity PV solar power generation system on 60 acres of the company’s largest plant in Napoleon, Ohio.

Campbell will lease the land to BNB, which will own the system and be responsible for its financing, construction, operation and maintenance. Under the PPA, Campbell will purchase 100 percent of the electrical power generated by the system, which is expected to provide approximately 15 percent of the electricity the Napoleon Plant requires annually. FirstEnergy Solutions will purchase the Solar Renewable Energy Credits from the project. Over the course of the 20-year PPA, Campbell will save up to $4 million dollars based on U.S. Department of Energy projections for the cost of electricity in Northwest Ohio. The project will also eliminate approximately 250,000 metric tons of CO2 greenhouse gas emissions in the region.

“With the signing of the agreements, the detailed design and construction of the system can now begin and we should be in operation by the end of this year,” said Robert Shober, VP – Engineering. “We are excited to be hosting this facility, which when completed will consist of approximately 24,000 high efficiency solar modules, making it one of the largest such systems in the United States.”

The State of Ohio demonstrated its support in October when the Ohio Enterprise Bond Fund agreed to issue $10.5 million in bonds to finance a portion of the Project. BNB is now in final contract negotiations with SunPower Corporation for the engineering, procurement and construction of the project. SunPower will install its SunPower® Tracker system, using high efficiency solar modules. Once financing closes and all permits are secured, construction can begin in early June and will create more than 200 construction jobs in Ohio. When complete, the system is estimated to produce more than 14.7 million kilowatt hours during the first year of operation.

“This project represents the beginning of a strong future for on-site renewable power generation among major U.S. corporations,” said Matthew Baird, a principal and founder of BNB Renewable Energy Holdings. “Campbell is at the forefront of large energy users who are taking action to help communities better meet their peak energy needs.”

The Napoleon community should also benefit from the project. “The planned solar array will benefit the Napoleon community and our Northwest Ohio neighbors. When completed, it will have the equivalent effect, in terms of reduction of carbon, of taking 2,000 passenger cars off the road each year,” said Ray Oldach, Vice President – Manufacturing at Campbell’s Napoleon plant. “This project reaffirms Campbell’s commitment to the Napoleon community and will help us continue to operate at world class manufacturing standards.”

Flint Hills Resources Invests In Benefuel, Inc.

Flint Hills Resources recently closed on an equity investment in Benefuel, Inc., a company that has developed a technology that could dramatically improve the cost effectiveness of biodiesel production.

“We believe this technology has the potential to efficiently expand the range of low cost feedstocks used in biodiesel production,” said Jeremy Bezdek, managing director of innovation for Flint Hills Resources. “As part of our agreement with Benefuel, the company will build and operate an integrated pilot plant to prove its innovative process.”

“Benefuel has developed a novel and patented catalytic process called ENSEL™ for refining renewable feedstocks into a variety of high-margin products,” said Robert Tripp, chief executive officer for Benefuel. “Our biorefinery model updates 75-year-old chemistry with capital-light manufacturing to provide a truly disruptive process for next-generation renewable fuel and industrial chemicals production.”

The ENSEL process combines esterification of free fatty acids and transesterification of triglycerides into a single process, which is a long-standing technology goal of the biodiesel and oleochemical industries.

See Also :
Hawkeye Renewables Announces Sale of Ethanol Plants to Flint Hills Resources Renewables
SG Biofuels Completes $9.4 Million Series A Financing
Flint Hills Resources to Acquire Two Iowa Ethanol Plants

PEER, LLC Launches REV Biofuels

Pure Earth Energy Resources, LLC (PEER) has announced the launch of REV Biofuels, an alternative energy development company based in Arizona. The company made the official announcement at the National 2011 Biodiesel Conference and Expo which began on February 6, 2011 in Phoenix.

The announcement coincides with the public opening of REV Biofuel's new, state-of-the-art biodiesel production and blending facility at 1980 W. Commerce Avenue in Gilbert, Arizona. The REV biodiesel facility expands upon previous biodiesel production models by utilizing new technology to create greater efficiencies. The Gilbert site was selected due to the town's strong commitment to environmental stewardship and proactive approach to attracting green industries, including its favorable zoning and permit regulations.

PEER was co-founded by Bob Flynn and Dan Rees. Rees, founder and former president of AZ Biodiesel, is president of the new company. Flynn, a successful, long-time Arizona businessman and CEO/owner of Genesis Worldwide Enterprises, Inc., is the chief executive officer of PEER. Day-to-day operations at the biodiesel facility are managed by Christopher Rees, operations manager; and Richie Rees, production manager. Building on Dan Rees' previous experience as a dominant local producer of biodiesel, the new company will leverage existing relationships with feedstock providers and distributors to build customer base in regional and national markets.

Dan Rees noted that Arizona uses more than one billion gallons of diesel fuel annually. "To support Clean Air initiatives, Federal mandates require production of more than 900 million gallons of biodiesel in 2011, with total gallon requirements of more than 1.2 billion gallons in subsequent years," he said. "As the fifth largest metropolitan area in the country, it is reasonable to project that a significant percentage of biodiesel fuel will be required in Phoenix and in other large markets in the United States in the coming months. It's our intent to continue to be the major provider to those markets with competitively priced, high quality biodiesel products."

REV Biodiesel uses an extremely efficient process model in its high-yield production line, which commenced operation in December 2010. The facility initially is able to produce 11,200 gallons of biodiesel fuel per day, with projected volumes ramping to 40,000 gal/day by January 2012. Total annual production capacity eventually will be 10 million gal/year using current equipment. The company's marketing and distribution activities will focus on high-demand wholesale accounts including large diesel fuel distributors, municipalities, schools, government facilities and the more than 200 independent truck stops and gas stations in the metro Phoenix area.

Growth Energy Announces American Ethanol “Countdown to Daytona” Campaign

With NASCAR set to run an ethanol-blend fuel in 2011, Growth Energy announced today that it has launched its 15-day “Countdown to Daytona” campaign, leading up to the Daytona 500, the premiere race to open the 2011 NASCAR season and the sport’s partnership with American Ethanol. The 53rd running of “The Great American Race” is on Sunday, Feb. 20, and can be seen on Fox at 1 pm.

“We’re reaching out to our base of ethanol supporters and bringing them along for this exciting ride,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis. “Over the next couple weeks, as we roll up to Daytona 500, you’ll see a series of American Ethanol promotions and outreach efforts. This is really a first-time event for our industry – and an exciting time to be part of ethanol.”

The American Ethanol marketing agreement, led by Growth Energy in partnership with the National Corn Growers Association, allows the U.S. ethanol industry to reach the tens of millions of loyal NASCAR fans with the positive story about ethanol – how it creates jobs here in the United States, helps clean the air by reducing emissions, and strengthens our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

The launch of NASCAR’s 2011 racing season includes the introduction of Sunoco Green E15 as the racing fuel for NASCAR’s three national racing series. This comes just weeks after a final decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Growth Energy’s Green Jobs Waiver, approving E15 for all passenger vehicles made in the last decade.

“Between the Green Jobs Waiver for E15 and the NASCAR deal to promote ethanol, I cannot think of a better reason to celebrate American ethanol,” Buis said. “Using E15 on the track will validate this as the ultimate high test fuel to all the doubters out there, and with EPA’s approval of Growth Energy’s waiver, we’re going to see a substantial expansion of our market. This is all great news.”

The Countdown to Daytona Campaign will highlight events and news around the American Ethanol partnership, with a focus on the new American Ethanol Contingency award to be given to drivers and the use of the American Ethanol logo on the racing vehicles and on the green flag.

To get firsthand information on the Countdown to Daytona Campaign, sign up to become a member of Growth Force.

Buffalo Wild Wings Introduces Florida’s First Restaurant-Based Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Sunshine Restaurant Corp, the Central Florida developer of Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants/sports bars joined Progress Energy Florida and NovaCharge Thursday to introduce Florida’s first restaurant-based electric vehicle charging station and to emphasize Central Florida’s commitment to support electric vehicles. Immediately following the announcement, the group hosted the region’s first electric vehicle showcase, bringing an unprecedented number of electric vehicles together for a free public event.

Buffalo Wild Wings also unveiled plans to install additional ChargePoint® charging stations at its new restaurant located in Daytona Beach and all future Central Florida locations. Guests of the restaurant looking for a charge can find the station locations, check availability and get directions by using the ChargePoint® Network Find Stations live map.

“While electric vehicles are great for environmental reasons, we believe there is a strong business case for providing charging stations for our customers,” says Andrew L. Gross, president/CEO of Sunshine Restaurant Corp. “As the number of electric vehicles grows over the coming years, we know customers will choose Buffalo Wild Wings over our competitors because of the ability to charge their vehicle for free while enjoying their favorite sporting event.”

The showcase included displays and test drives from most of the electric vehicles currently or soon to be available in the United States. Attendees test-drove the Chevrolet Volt, the Nissan LEAF, the Tesla Roadster and more.

During the event, Progress Energy Florida – which is supporting vehicle electrification through several automotive industry partnerships – emphasized the importance of ensuring the infrastructure to support electric vehicles is in place.

“As the ways our customers use electricity evolve, it’s important that we, as a utility, adapt to their changing energy needs,” says David Maxon, regional vice president of Progress Energy Florida. “We’re taking steps to support the adoption of this exciting, environmentally friendly technology today while determining how we can best support electric vehicles in the long term.”

“It was exciting to see how quickly Andrew and the Buffalo Wild Wings team embraced the electric vehicle market,” says Helda Rodriguez, president of NovaCharge. “They were able to show why businesses should be embracing charging stations as part of their business plan.”

Delphi Fuel Pumps Compatible with New E15 Measure from EPA

Delphi announced that its OE quality fuel products are compatible with the new E15 measure approved last Friday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase the amount of ethanol currently blended in fuel from 10 percent to 15 percent for all light-duty vehicles built in the last decade. This includes approximately 166 SKUs covering 32 million vehicles from 2001 to current model year. Due to Delphi's stringent original equipment (OE) validation testing, its fuel pumps can accept up to 20 percent ethanol (E20) for those model years.

"The fact that we are working on these technologies for current and future platforms for global OEMs, we are prepared to quickly meet changes in government regulations such as the E15 measure in the aftermarket," said Frank Ordoñez, president, Delphi Product & Service Solutions. "Delivering green technologies to consumers is a main strategic focus for Delphi; through the vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket. Key drivers in developing these technologies are increased vehicle performance, better fuel economy and maintaining emissions regulations for all fuel types."

Delphi has a long history developing ethanol-friendly components for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). In the United States, Delphi has supplied E85-compatible technology to more than two million vehicles and has delivered E15 compatible fuel pumps to General Motors since 1992, and in South America, Delphi has produced systems and components for more than 430,000 ethanol compatible vehicles since 1991. In fact, Delphi's gasoline fuel injection systems sold worldwide have been upgraded to deliver 100,000 mile plus durability on E25, even with realistic levels of impurities.

Durability testing is critical with ethanol due to its corrosive qualities. Whether it's engineered and designed for OE production or an aftermarket application, every Delphi part must adhere to the company's global technical requirements. Delphi engineers carry out dimensional analysis to ensure geometric compatibility between the OE and aftermarket product, together with stringent analysis of the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the materials used. Further product testing is employed during the manufacturing process including material and dimensional checks, crack detection, and corrosion testing.

"In the aftermarket, collaboration with our OE colleagues ensures our OE engineering and high quality standards go into every one of our parts produced," said Ordoñez. "And with more than 80 percent fuel coverage, Delphi continues to lead the industry with OE technology on all of its fuel pumps and modules."

POET Emmetsburg Plant Recognized For Supporting Our Troops

POET Biorefining -- Emmetsburg was honored last week with the "Patriot Award," by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

The award is a recognition of employers "who support a strong National Guard and Reserve force," according to the ESGR.

The plant was nominated by SSG A.J. Poeppe of Emmetsburg, who is on active duty in Afghanistan with Battery A 1st Battalion 194th Field Artillery 2nd Brigade 34th I.D. of the Iowa National Guard.

"July of 2005 I had just returned home from a one-year tour in Afghanistan and applied for a position at the plant," Poeppe said in the nomination letter. "I started in September. In less than two years I was notified of a Kosovo deployment July 2007-August 2008. While I was gone that year my family never had to worry about snow removal because someone from the plant came by and scooped the drive. I also received care packages from my fellow employees."

Poeppe went on to say that in subsequent deployments, the plant personnel made the transition back and forth "seamless."

POET Biorefining -- Emmetsburg General Manager Daron Wilson said he's glad to be able to work with Poeppe at the plant.

"I am proud of AJ serving his country and honored that we can play a small role in support of our troops," Wilson said.

KiOR Receives Loan Guarantee Term Sheet for over $1 Billion Project from U.S. Department of Energy

KiOR, Inc. announced today that it has received a term sheet for a loan guarantee supporting an over $1 billion biofuels project from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Guarantee Program. The project would convert wood biomass into drop in biofuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel.

KiOR’s project under the DOE loan guarantee program will consist of four biorefineries that will contribute approximately 250 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The first two plants are expected to be in Mississippi, with additional sites planned in Georgia and Texas.

“We are pleased to work with the DOE on reaching this milestone and are excited about the scale and impact of the project. The project’s first facility, planned in Newton, Mississippi, is expected to be the largest cellulosic biofuels facility in the United States. Additionally, the project will have a significant impact on rural communities through the creation of direct, indirect and induced jobs, with over 14,000 jobs created during construction and over 4,000 jobs created during operations. The project also expects to reduce greenhouse gas lifecycle emissions by over 70% as compared to fossil-derived gasoline and diesel fuels,” said Fred Cannon, President and CEO of KiOR.

“While the term sheet is an important step in the process, we recognize that more work lies ahead to finalize the loan guarantee and there is no assurance it will be issued until the loan is closed,” stated Cannon.

Vinod Khosla of Khosla Ventures said, “I hope over time we can resurrect many of the thousands of jobs lost at the hundreds of paper mills that have been shut down in America. Each mill shutdown devastated a community and now we hope to resurrect many of these rural communities while reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”

“Last year Mississippi realized the tremendous potential of the KiOR technology and made a decision to bring it to our state,” said Gov. Haley Barbour. “We're excited the U.S. Department of Energy has come to the same conclusion to support this one-billion-plus dollar project to speed up the construction of two additional KiOR facilities here.”

This project accelerates KiOR’s commercialization strategy. In August 2010, KiOR announced the start of engineering and construction on its first commercial facility in Columbus, MS which is expected to produce over 11 million gallons of fuel per year. KiOR also has additional projects in various stages of development in Arkansas, Alabama and other southern states.

See Also :
KiOR To Build 3 Renewable Crude Plants In Mississippi

Oregon's Biodiesel Blending Requirement Increasing to 5% (B5) On April 1, 2011

Oregon's in-state biodiesel production capacity has reached at least 15 million gallons on an annualized basis. In compliance with Oregon's Renewable Fuel Standard, effective April 1, 2011, all diesel fuel sold or offered for sale in Oregon must contain a minimum of 5% by volume biodiesel, creating a B5 biodiesel blend, except for 1) railroad locomotives, 2) marine engines, and 3) home heating applications.

B5 Notification Letter

North Dakota 2010 E85 Sales More Than Double

The Bismark Tribune is reporting that 2010 E85 sales in North Dakota were more than double that of 2009.

Sales of E85 fuel in North Dakota last year more than doubled. State officials credit a grant program for retailers who install so-called blender pumps.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple said between January and November last year, about 582,000 gallons of the fuel mix that is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline were sold. That was up from about 250,000 gallons in the same period the previous year.

The program to install blender pumps in North Dakota has resulted in 120 blender pumps being installed statewide.

Georgia Power and EPRI to Study How Solar PV Systems Affect Power Transmission

Georgia Power and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) are conducting an 18-month study to evaluate how solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems may affect the utility's distribution system.

Fifty PV systems are being installed in seven cities around the state. Seven-to-eight small systems will be installed on one distribution line in each city. Sites were identified based on a number of environmental parameters. Selecting cities around the state will allow evaluation of a variety of conditions such as temperature, cloud cover and solar intensity.

EPRI will monitor each module's power output and sunlight input at one- second intervals for the entire 18 months to determine how much electricity they generate and how well they perform under diverse weather conditions. The panels will remain in place at the end of the project and Georgia Power will continue to monitor long-term results. This research will help to:

• Identify the effects, if any, on operation of Georgia Power's distribution system
  
• Understand the feasibility of widespread solar PV installations on distribution lines
  
• Determine ranges for overall PV performance in Georgia
  
• Characterize and compare variable issues such as passing clouds

Each panel is about 3-by-5 feet in size, and able to generate about 200 watts of electricity.

"An installation of this size will not create a noticeable increase in the amount of energy on our distribution system," says Scott Gentry, Georgia Power's distributed generation services project manager and coordinator for this project. "However, the data we collect from each module will provide useful information on PV generation as it relates to the utilities grid."

PV panels have been installed in Rome, Valdosta, Macon, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah and Conley. EPRI will own the panels while Georgia Power does the installation.

Solar power uses PV cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity. When sunlight strikes a PV cell, electrons are dislodged, creating an electrical current.

Green Plains Renewable Energy and BioProcess Algae Complete Construction of Phase II Grower Harvester(TM) Technology

Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. announced today that BioProcess Algae has completed construction of Phase II of its commercial scale Grower Harvester(TM) bioreactors in Shenandoah, Iowa. The Grower Harvester bioreactors were successfully started up in January of this year. Housed in a 4,000 square foot facility, the Phase II bioreactors at the project site are 20 times larger than the successful Phase I bioreactors deployed in October 2009.

"We are pleased to begin the algae production and testing process on our Phase II project in Shenandoah," said Todd Becker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Green Plains Renewable Energy. "As we have successfully moved from the lab beaker to the commercial scale bioreactors deployed at the project site, our focus has remained on efficiently and effectively growing and harvesting algae with little to no manual intervention, all while utilizing the carbon dioxide from our ethanol production process," continued Becker. "The algae produced from our reactors have potential uses in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, biofuels and animal feed."

"After achieving 100% uptime in Phase I of the project and exceeding productivity targets at varying harvest intervals, we are excited to have Phase II of this project deployed and fully functional," commented Tim Burns, Chief Executive of BioProcess Algae. "Our goal for Phase II is to satisfactorily demonstrate the commercial viability of our technology. We plan to utilize third-party verification for productivity, harvest densities and product value concerning lipid content and composition."

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

E85 Stations Continue To Increase, Reaching 2,367

The number of E85 locations across the country continued increase in January with 13 new locations added, bringing the total to 2,367.

February 1, 2011 - 2367
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 277 blender pump locations across the country.

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

October 2010 Biodiesel Production Dips Lower

Biodiesel production in October slipped to 21 million gallons, down from 23 million gallons produced in September. Consumption was also lower at 17 million gallons, down from 24 million gallons.

Source : EIA Biodiesel Overview