Tucson Water Department and Trico Electric Dedicate 1-Megawatt SunPower Solar Power System

The City of Tucson, Ariz., Tucson Water Department, Trico Electric and SunPower Corp. today dedicated a 1-megawatt, ground-mounted solar power system, which doubles the solar power system capacity hosted by the city. The system was designed and built by SunPower on city-owned, former agricultural land located within Tucson Water Department's underground water storage and recovery facility, approximately 20 miles west of downtown Tucson.

"With these systems, Tucson is reinforcing its commitment to energy conservation, waste reduction and environmental protection. SunPower's technology will ensure that the system delivers energy in a cost effective manner that benefits the community," stated Interim Director of Tucson Water Andrew Quigley.

The City of Tucson financed the system through a power purchase agreement with SunPower. Under the terms of the agreement, Wells Fargo owns the system that SunPower designed, built, operates, and maintains. Trico Electric, the utility serving the site, provided additional funding via its SunWatts renewable energy incentive program. The city is hosting the system and buying the electricity produced by it. Trico Electric Cooperative will purchase the renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with the system. The city's cost for the energy will be competitive with its current bulk retail rate, with no initial capital investment.

"This system will reliably produce clean energy for years to come," said Jim Pape, president of SunPower's residential and commercial business group. "Tucson is leading the way in Arizona by seizing this opportunity to help meet the state's growing energy demand and renewable energy goals."

On the 10-acre site, SunPower installed a SunPower Tracker® system. The Tracker positions solar panels to follow the sun's movement during the day, increasing sunlight capture by up to 25 percent over conventional fixed-tilt systems, while significantly reducing land use requirements.

The project site is part of the city's Central Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project (CAVSARP), a short and long-term water storage and recovery operation, utilizing water from the Central Arizona Project aqueduct and providing city residents with a renewable source of potable water.

IEA Report Concludes Biofuels Can Provide Up To 27% Of World Transportation Fuel By 2050

A new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) says that the widespread deployment of biofuels can play an important role in reducing CO2 emissions in the transport sector and enhancing energy security, when produced sustainably.

With the transportation sector growing considerably, and demand for transport fuels rising globally, the IEA assesses biofuels – liquid and gaseous fuels derived from biomass (organic material derived from plants and animals) – as one of the key technologies to reduce CO2 emissions and reduce dependency on liquid transport fuels. The report shows how global biofuel consumption can increase in a sustainable way – one in which production of biofuels brings significant life cycle environmental benefits and does not compromise food security – from 55 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) today to 750 Mtoe in 2050; this would mean that the global share of biofuel in total transport fuel would grow from 2% today to 27% in 2050.

“While vehicle efficiency will be the most important and most cost-efficient way to reduce transport-emissions, biofuels will still be needed to provide low-carbon fuel alternatives for planes, marine vessels and other heavy transport modes, and will eventually provide one fifth (2.1 gigatonnes of CO2) of emission reductions in the transport sector,” Bo Diczfalusy, the IEA’s Director of Sustainable Energy Policy and Technology, said at the launch of the report today in Washington.

The IEA prepared the Technology Roadmap Biofuels for Transport in consultation with representatives of government, industry, academia and non-governmental organizations. The roadmap provides an overview of the current status of different conventional and advanced biofuel technologies and the latest research on sustainability issues related to biofuel production. It also charts a course for expanding the production and use of biofuels to 2050, in a sustainable way.

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GM’s Voltec Technology Wins Edmunds.com’s 2011 Green Car Breakthrough Award

General Motors’ Voltec technology, the plug-in system at the core of the company’s new Chevy Volt, will be awarded Edmunds.com’s 2011 Green Car Breakthrough Award this week at the New York International Auto Show.

Voltec is a rechargeable hybrid technology that represents a major achievement in the evolution of electric cars. The system allows for a vehicle to drive 20 to 40 miles on an electric charge at which point an internal combustion engine kicks in to keep providing power. While not entirely emissions-free, the technology is a big step toward helping the U.S. slash greenhouse gas emissions from the passenger vehicle segment.

“Voltec is a game changer for the electric vehicle community and it offers a blueprint for commercial manufacturers to build upon as these types of vehicles continue to develop,” said John O’Dell, senior editor at Edmunds.com. “Applied to a broader base of vehicles, Voltec and other automakers' versions of the extended-range plug-in hybrid technology can have a tremendous impact on U.S. fuel consumption.”

GM’s latest foray into the plug-in market has proven to be a success. A total of 1,200 Chevy Volts have been delivered since they debuted on the market in December, with half of those deliveries coming in the month of March as production has ramped up. GM says that its dealers have sufficient unfilled orders on hand to take care of the first year's production.

The Edmunds.com Green Car Breakthrough Award is provided annually to a vehicle, technology or program that sets new standards in fuel efficiency, emissions reduction and/or sustainability, or that stands out for promoting public use and acceptance of such a vehicle or technology.

AE Biofuels Subsidiary Receives $1.88 Million Advanced Biofuels Grant From California Energy Commission

AE Biofuels, Inc. today announced its wholly-owned advanced ethanol subsidiary AE Advanced Fuels Keyes, Inc. (AE Keyes), has been awarded a $1.88 million matching grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to accelerate the commercial implementation of its patent-pending, enzyme based, cellulosic ethanol production technology. The integrated cellulose/starch pre-development facility will be located near the 55 million gallon per year commercial ethanol facility the company plans to restart and operate in Keyes, California in late April 2011.

The pre-development facility will further optimize the company’s enzyme technology utilizing multiple agri-waste feedstocks in conjunction with traditional corn inputs in order to ready the integrated process for commercial implementation. When fully incorporated into an operating ethanol facility, the company anticipates that the integrated cellulose/starch technology could replace up to 25% of traditional corn inputs with non-edible agricultural waste feedstocks, thus reducing fossil fuel consumption and overall green house gas (GHG) emissions. The CEC grant will enable the company to build upon prior enzyme optimization work conducted at its Butte, Montana cellulose/starch demonstration facility, and help the State of California achieve the goals of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).

“We believe that our integrated cellulose/starch approach is the most cost efficient process to rapidly accelerate the commercialization and adoption of next-generation biofuels in the marketplace,” said Eric McAfee, chairman and CEO of AE Biofuels, Inc.

“By combining the existing ethanol infrastructure with next-generation technology and non-edible agricultural feedstocks, AE Keyes will help drive the industry’s goal of large-volume production of advanced transportation fuels,” said Andy Foster, president of AE Advanced Fuels Keyes, Inc.

AE Keyes was awarded the grant through the Biofuel Production Plants PON-09-604 solicitation, under the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program created by the California Legislature in AB 118, and will be administered by the CEC. The company will meet with the CEC over the coming weeks and months to refine the project’s scope, budget, regulatory compliance requirements, and timeline.

Cobalt Technologies and American Process Partner to Build Cellulosic Biobutanol Refinery

Cobalt Technologies and American Process Inc. (API) today announced an agreement to build the world's first industrial-scale cellulosic biorefinery to produce biobutanol. Additionally, the companies agreed to jointly market a GreenPower+™ Biobutanol solution to biomass power facilities and other customers worldwide.

GreenPower+™  Biobutanol technology selectively converts part of  a boiler cellulosic biomass feedstock into renewable biobutanol, a valuable industrial chemical, widely used in paints and other coatings and a platform for production of renewable jet fuel and other valuable compounds.

Under the agreement, Cobalt Technologies and American Process will integrate Cobalt's patent pending continuous fermentation and distillation technology into American Process's Alpena Biorefinery, currently under construction in Alpena, Michigan. Slated to begin ethanol production in early 2012 with a switch to biobutanol in mid 2012, the API Alpena Biorefinery will produce 470,000 gallons of biobutanol annually, which will be pre-sold to chemical industry partners.

"We are excited to be partnering with American Process to commercialize our technology," said Rick Wilson, Ph.D., and CEO of Cobalt Technologies. "The American Process Alpena Biorefinery plant gives us a great opportunity to demonstrate our technology at a commercial scale and provides an excellent model for how GreenPower+ Biobutanol technology can add value to biomass power facilities.  We expect to move quickly from running the Alpena plant to building multi-million gallon facilities."

NREL And Industry Leaders Join Forces to Help Consumers Plug In

U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Google Inc., and more than 80 leading organizations in electric vehicle (EV) deployment will collaborate to provide consumers and industry with accurate and up-to-date information on the locations of electric vehicle charging stations. The data generated through the partnership will be housed on DOE’s online Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC), which is managed by NREL and funded by DOE’s Clean Cities initiative.

The partnership, called the GeoEVSE Forum, links Google’s mapping technologies and experience together with the industry leaders that are installing charging stations in communities across the nation. This goal of this new collaboration is to establish a primary data source for GPS and mapping services tracking electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) locations – or charging stations.

“Through this collaboration, key players from the electric vehicle and online mapping industries are coming together to ensure a consistent source of charging station location data that will allow consumers to find every charging station throughout the country,” said NREL Project Manager Witt Sparks.

Although most EV charging will take place at drivers’ homes, publicly accessible charging stations extend the range of plug-in electric vehicles, giving consumers more choices for charging while on trips. The partnership will ensure consumers have access to charging station location data that’s inclusive of all equipment manufacturers and charging networks.

The GeoEVSE Forum is made up of more than 80 public- and private-sector organizations, including charging equipment manufacturers, installers, and charging networks; vehicle manufacturers; Internet and GIS companies; and major consumer goods retailers planning to offer storefront charging. Participants include companies such as Coulomb, Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Tom Tom, and Best Buy.

“Google is excited to be part of the GeoEVSE Forum and to share EVSE location data with users through Google Maps,” said Cynthia Yeung of Google’s Strategic Partnerships team. “We’re proud to help give drivers the power to plug in.”

DOE’s Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center already provides consumers with the locations of more than 600 EV charging stations through the Alternative Fueling Station Locator. The EV and alternative fuel station information through the AFDC is available to third parties for use at www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/data_download.

The GeoEVSE Forum will enhance the collection, cataloguing, and publishing of information on charging stations found on the AFDC website. For more information on the partnership, visit www.afdc.energy.gov/geoevse.

NREL is the Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is operated for DOE by The Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

Growth Energy Partners with Crossroads General Stores to Install Flex Fuel Pump in Bowling Green, Mo

Growth Energy, the leading voice for U.S. ethanol supporters, has teamed up with Crossroads General Stores to install a Flex Fuel pump in Bowling Green, Mo. The new pump is located at 1001 Business 61 South in Bowling Green, and was installed with assistance from Missouri Corn Growers Association and Growth Energy’s 2010 E85 and Flex Fuel Pump Program.

“Providing consumers with greater access to ethanol will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and strengthen our energy security. Growth Energy is pleased to have been able to assist Crossroads General Stores in their efforts and we know Bowling Green residents will appreciate their newfound choice at the pump,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis.

The pump opened in January of 2011 and pumps 800 gallons of ethanol blends each week. To celebrate the grand opening of the pump, Missouri Corn Growers Association gave a $10.00 gift card to everyone who purchased an E-85 or E-30 blend on April 28 or 29. Crossroads General Stores also pumped customers’ fuel for them for free and offered giveaways and promotions on items like coffee, donuts, pizza, chicken, and all kinds of beer, liquor & soda.

“I was excited to install the Flex Fuel pump at this Crossroads General Store, to give that option to my customers and help educate them on ethanol products. I am especially pleased that the pump helps our local farmers – what a perfect opportunity to promote a locally produced product that my neighbors, my family and my customers all had a hand in,” said Crossroads General Stores owner and manager Shelley Wiler. “I was thrilled to have the 2010 E85 and Flex Fuel Pump Program offered by Growth Energy and Missouri Corn Growers. Their input and assistance was essential during this process and the installation and future sales will be a huge success thanks to their guidance.”

Cornerstone Announces New BioCNG Alternative Vehicle Fuel System

Cornerstone Environmental Group, LLC announced that its new BioCNG™ alternative vehicle fuel system is up and running. The patent-pending biogas conditioning system economically produces biogas-based fuel to power compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. The first full scale project, at Rodefeld Landfill, in Dane County, Wisconsin, began operations in March 2011.

The landfill's BioCNG vehicle fueling station will operate in conjunction with an existing landfill gas electrical generation system. The BioCNG system will fuel site vehicles, with the potential to expand to supply fuel to waste trucks and other county vehicles.

"The BioCNG system is the first truly economic use for small quantities of biogas," said Richard A. Peluso, PE, President of Cornerstone. "This system provides a simple technology for private industries and municipalities to produce their own vehicle fuel at a fraction of the cost of gasoline or diesel and get similar or better engine performance."

BioCNG can be produced from a variety of biogas sources, including landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and agricultural and food waste digesters. The fuel can be used in vehicles that are manufactured or converted to use CNG vehicle fuel.

The basic BioCNG system uses 20 to 200 scfm of biogas to produce 100 to 1,000 gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) of BioCNG per day and can be expanded if necessary. After cleaning and conditioning, BioCNG fuel meets SAE J 1616 and engine manufacturers' fuel specifications. It can be used directly or mixed with natural gas to produce a blended vehicle fuel. The cost of installing a BioCNG system depends upon actual site conditions, but is expected to be substantially less than earlier systems developed to convert biogas to CNG vehicle fuel.

Advanced Biofuels Leader Tells Senate Committee That Consistency Is Key

A consistent commitment by Congress that avoids the ups and downs of public opinion will be crucial to the success of transforming America's energy policy to cleaner and renewable sources, that's what Michael McAdams, president of the Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA), told members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee at a hearing on Capitol Hill this morning.

McAdams testified at the Committee's Oversight Hearing on Domestic Renewable Fuels: From Ethanol to Advanced Biofuels and told its members, "I urge you to reject the naysayers on advanced biofuels. They simply are not telling you the truth. These fuels are real, some are here today, and more are on the way."

McAdams testified, "We now have several new plants operating both in the United States and around the world which are producing advanced drop-in biofuels.  These plants are making renewable fuels for the first time, and can be used without changes to the transportation fleet or requiring any infrastructure changes to deliver them."

McAdams shared success after success of ABFA companies readying their advanced technologies for commercial development and added, "These developments would simply not be occurring if it were not for the vision of this Committee and the Congress from 2005 to date to enact a framework to expedite the development of advanced and cellulosic biofuels."

But McAdams also cautioned senators that the federal government should not be picking winners and losers as the market matures, "Currently the EPA in their RIN certification process is showing a tendency to be very prescriptive and narrow in allowing some of the determinations of new qualified pathways as well as qualifying some significant potential feedstocks.  We would urge the Congress to stay closely engaged with the Agency on these determinations.  Many are moving forward at this time and could have a significant chilling effect if not resolved correctly."

McAdams testimony emphasized consistency in public policies, "Advanced and Cellulosic biofuels tax policy has been too inconsistent and is not tailored currently to provide parity or the right form of tax options to enable some companies to take advantage of the current law.  In addition, other sectors of the renewable energy sector were afforded provisions such as a refundable investment tax credit which were not afforded the biofuels industry."

February 2011 Crude Oil Imports Total $21.3 Billion

The latest numbers from the Commerce Department show that the trade deficit for February was $45.76 billion, down from $46.97 billion in January. Crude oil imports accounted for $21.13 billion, down from $24.51 billion in January.

The U.S. bill for crude oil imports in February fell to $21.13 billion from $24.51 billion the month before, despite a $2.83 jump in the average price per barrel to $87.17 -- its highest level since October 2008. That’s because crude import volumes tumbled to 242.37 million barrels from 290.67 million.

Source : Wall Street Journal

Green Plains Renewable Energy and BioProcess Algae to Host Agriculture Secretary Vilsack at Grand Opening of Phase II Grower Harvester Bioreactors

Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. (GPRE) announced today that U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will deliver the keynote address at the Grand Opening of Phase II of BioProcess Algae's Grower Harvester^TM bioreactors in Shenandoah, Iowa.

"We are honored to have Secretary Vilsack deliver the keynote address at this important event for BioProcess Algae and to see firsthand our bioreactor technology growing and harvesting algae," said Todd Becker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Green Plains Renewable Energy. "The next step for us is to take our commercial scale reactors and build out an algae farm at our ethanol plant in Shenandoah, which can produce inputs needed for feed, food and next generation algae-based fuels. The co-location at an ethanol plant has proven to be the right platform to rapidly commercialize this technology."

The grand opening will take place at 4:30 pm central daylight time on Friday April 15, 2011 at Green Plains' ethanol plant located at 4124 Airport Road, Shenandoah, Iowa.

National Boat Racing Association Adopts E10 Ethanol Blend As Official Fuel For 2011

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the National Boat Racing Association (NBRA) announced yesterday that Hydroplane and Runabout racing boats will be flying across the lakes of the Midwest on a new fuel:  E10 ethanol.  The newly-formed partnership between the RFA and NBRA will provide all powered boats competing in the 2011 NBRA series event races with E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline).

“American boaters have been utilizing ethanol-blended fuel safely and effectively for years,” said Vernon Barfield, NBRA Spokesperson. “Ethanol-blended fuel provides the high-performance engines in this series with the horsepower and performance they need to win.  We are excited to show that our racing boats are able to perform to their best capability using E10 fuel, shaking the myths that ethanol harms marine engines.”

Today, nearly every gallon of gasoline sold in the United States is blended with ethanol, most commonly in the E10 formulation.  This blend of fuel has been approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in all engine types, including marine equipment, automobiles, and small or non-road engines. These two-stroke engine boats will be taking engine performance to the next level, reaching top notch speeds operating on E10 fuel purchased from the same retail fuel locations as local consumers.

“We are thrilled to partner with NBRA to dispel any notion that ethanol is an unfit fuel for marine engines,” said Robert White, RFA Director of Market Development. “The use of E10 in these racing boats proves that this fuel is as effective during your weekly commute in your automobile as it is on your weekend boating trips.”

Through the partnership of the RFA and NBRA, ethanol pride will be displayed at every race.  To educate and inform consumers about the use of ethanol, Fan Packs of ethanol information will be give out to the first 200 attendees at each event with RFA’s “Fueled With Pride” logo displayed on uniforms, course buoys and flags, t-shirts sold at the races by NBRA, trophies presented at national events, near refueling areas of all boats, and on signs placed throughout the viewing area.  Through the Ethanol Driver Contingency Program, cash awards will be given to those who promote their use of E10. It is important that America’s consumers are aware the benefits ethanol blended fuels and the positive impact this domestic made fuel has on our environment and our economy.

USDA Program Provides Consumers More Choices at the Pump With Flex-Fuel Options

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced recently that Americans will soon have more choices at the gas pump through a USDA program that will provide funding for installation of flexible fuel pumps. USDA is issuing a rule to clarify that the definition of renewable energy systems in the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) includes flexible fuel pumps, sometimes referred to as "blender pumps." This clarification is intended to provide fuel station owners with incentives to install flexible fuel pumps that will offer Americans more renewable energy options. The Obama administration has set a goal of installing 10,000 flexible fuel pumps nationwide within 5 years.

"Flex-fuel pumps will give Americans a choice to purchase domestically produced renewable transportation fuels," Vilsack said. "USDA's energy programs are helping to build a clean energy economy, while creating green jobs here at home and making our nation more energy secure in the long-term."

Today, most gasoline sold in this country is a mix of 10 percent ethanol. Currently, there are 8 - 8.5 million flexible fuel vehicles on U.S. roads, constituting about 3.2 - 3.5 percent of the approximately 250 million vehicles on the road. These flexible fuel vehicles can be fueled with E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline). There are approximately 2,350 fueling stations that offer E85 of the more than 167,800 stations nationwide. Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the results of E15 testing on vehicles years 2001 and younger. EPA's findings confirms there are additional vehicles on the road able to take advantage of higher ethanol blends than currently available at your local, non-E85, pump.

In addition to flexible fuel pumps being eligible for funding under REAP, Vilsack noted that:

• Grants are available for audits of energy improvements and studies to determine the feasibility of renewable energy systems; and
• Agricultural producers in non-rural areas are eligible for REAP assistance. Small businesses must still be located in rural areas. This clarification makes REAP eligibility requirements consistent with those of other USDA energy programs.

A Federal Register notice on these clarifications will be published in the near future. USDA Rural Development will meet with elected Tribal officials in the upcoming months to discuss the impact of the changes on Tribal governments, communities and individuals. USDA will also host a series of informational meetings and workshops to explain the rule changes and to bring stakeholders together to advance retail Flex-Fuel installations.

DOE Announces Nearly $170 Million in Available Funding to Advance Solar Energy Technologies

As part of the Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced nearly $170 million in available funding over three years to support a range of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology areas.  The SunShot Initiative aims to reduce the total cost of solar energy systems by about 75 percent - to roughly $1 per watt - before the end of the decade.  The research and development funding announced today will support four areas of investment, including improving the efficiency and performance of solar cells; developing new installation - or balance of systems - technologies; advancing solar energy grid integration; and researching new materials and processes for solar PV technologies.  Together, these investments will help reduce the cost for utility-scale solar energy installations, increase American economic competitiveness, and help the U.S. lead the world in the global market for solar photovoltaics.

"These investments will drive innovation in the solar energy field - laying the groundwork to meet our SunShot goal of dramatically reducing the cost of solar energy nationwide and helping America to win the race to produce the most cost-effective, high-quality photovoltaics in the world," said Secretary Chu.  "A robust American solar industry will boost our technological leadership and competitiveness, improve the nation's energy security, create skilled manufacturing jobs, and help reach the President's goal of doubling our clean energy in the next 25 years."

The four funding opportunities announced today build on the Department's strong portfolio of research and development efforts in solar energy.  Activities under these funding areas will help improve the performance of current and next generation PV cells, develop advanced power electronics that optimize the performance of PV installations, and reduce the costs of PV balance-of-system hardware.  These include:

• Foundational Program to Advance Cell Efficiency (F-PACE):  In a collaborative funding effort with the National Science Foundation, $39 million is available for research and development in solar device physics and PV technology to improve PV cell performance and reduce the costs of modules for grid-scale commercial applications.
• PV Balance of Systems: $60 million in funding is available for research, development, and demonstration of balance of system components.  Projects may include new building-integrated photovoltaic products, new mounting and wiring technologies, and new building code language that can foster the use of innovative, low-cost hardware designs while maintaining safety and reliability.
• Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems (SEGIS)-Advanced Concepts: $40 million in funding is available to develop technologies that will help increase the integration of solar energy onto the electrical grid and facilitate interactions between solar energy systems and Smart Grid technologies. This could include projects focused on improved energy storage technologies and better system functionality.  SEGIS-Advanced Concepts will also support projects like high voltage systems that reduce the overall installed costs associated with balance of systems components costs for installations, and projects focused on technologies like micro-inverters that are capable of harvesting more energy from the sun.
• PV Next Generation: $30 million in funding is available for early-stage applied research to demonstrate and prove new concepts in materials, processes, and device designs for solar PV component development at the laboratory scale.

The SunShot Initiative builds on the legacy of President Kennedy's 1960s "moon shot" goal, which laid out a plan to regain the country's lead in the space race and land a man on the moon. The program will aggressively drive innovations in the ways that solar systems are conceived, designed, manufactured and installed, to bring down the costs of solar energy systems so that they are cost-competitive without subsidies with other forms of electricity generation.  SunShot is a DOE-wide initiative that leverages investments from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), and the Office of Science. 

In the last ten years, DOE has invested more than $1 billion in solar energy research that has been leveraged with significant private industry funding to support more than $2 billion in total solar R&D projects.  To achieve the SunShot goal of reducing the total installed cost of large-scale solar electricity by about 75 percent, DOE will be working closely with partners in government, industry, research laboratories and academic institutions across the country.

Sempra Generation Contracts to Supply 21 MW of Wind Power to Maui Electric

Sempra Generation, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, today announced that it has entered into a 20-year contract to sell 21 megawatts (MW) of wind energy to Maui Electric Company from the Auwahi Wind project on the Ulupalakua Ranch in the southeastern region of Maui.

Construction on Auwahi Wind is expected to begin in early 2012, creating approximately 150 local construction jobs at peak and about five positions to operate the facility. The project is currently undergoing an extensive environmental review by Maui County, and state and federal agencies.

When fully operational in late 2012, Auwahi Wind will be capable of generating clean electricity equivalent to the amount used by 10,000 typical Maui homes. This new source of locally-produced wind energy will help Hawaii reach its clean energy goal of 40 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

"We are excited to be a part of this growing renewable energy market and look forward to helping advance the sustainability goals of Maui and the state of Hawaii," said Jeffrey W. Martin, president and chief executive officer of Sempra Generation. "In doing so, we also recognize our obligation to responsibly develop this resource in a way that is respectful of the natural environment and the region's cultural heritage. Sempra Generation takes this responsibility seriously, and we will continue to work in close partnership with the local community to ensure this is a clean energy project Maui residents can be proud of."

The contract between Maui Electric Company and Sempra Generation is subject to approval by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.

"MECO's partnership with Sempra Generation is yet another milestone toward bringing Maui County and the State of Hawaii closer to realizing our renewable energy goals," said Maui Electric Company President Ed Reinhardt. "The addition of battery storage to this project is critical to integrating this intermittent power reliably and we commend Sempra Generation for taking this important step. While we recognize that there is much to be done to reach our 2030 goal, it is clear that diversifying our renewable energy portfolio with sources like wind, solar, wave, biomass, and biofuels is essential to our success."

The battery storage unit could store as much as 12 megawatt-hours of wind energy generated by the project's wind turbines during the typically windy morning and night hours. This stored power will help to regulate and smooth intermittent wind power, providing a valuable source of grid stability for Maui Electric.

"This project will allow Ulupalakua Ranch to maintain its rural and agricultural character," said Sumner Erdman, whose family has owned and operated the 18,000-acre ranch for decades.

Sempra Generation is expanding its alternative energy portfolio throughout the U.S. The company is an equal partner on the 200-MW Fowler Ridge II wind farm in Indiana and the 250-MW Cedar Creek II project in Colorado, which will be completed this year. The company is also developing a multi-phase wind farm in Baja California, Mexico that could generate up to 1,200 MW.

Sempra Generation operates and maintains a fleet of clean, efficient natural gas-fueled power plants and is a leading developer of solar and wind facilities that serve U.S. markets. Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2010 revenues of $9 billion. The Sempra Energy companies' nearly 16,000 employees serve about 25 million consumers worldwide.

U.S. Foodservice Acquires Waste Vegetable Oil Processing Company to Reduce Environmental Impact of Trucking Fleet

U.S. Foodservice, one of America's leading foodservice distributors, has purchased the assets of WVO Industries of Bluffton, S.C. WVO collects and removes water, food particles and other impurities from waste vegetable oil then ships the bio feedstock to a processing company that produces an 80/20 diesel/biodiesel blend known as B20 that will be used to fuel hundreds of food delivery trucks at the U.S. Foodservice-Columbia Division in Lexington, S.C. The use of biodiesel made from cooking oil reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by 80 percent over carbon-based diesel, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

U.S. Foodservice has been the exclusive collection agent for WVO since 2009, providing it with waste cooking oil from restaurant deep fryers. The waste vegetable oil is collected in specially designed, sealed cans that are convenient and easy for restaurants to use. The oil collection trucks are separate and distinct from U.S. Foodservice food delivery trucks to ensure the absolute quality and safety of food transported to customers. Outbound food never comes in contact with inbound waste vegetable oil. 

"The purchase of WVO will establish U.S. Foodservice as an industry leader in fleet sustainability," said Durwood Owens, division president, U.S. Foodservice-Columbia. "We're also helping customers achieve their sustainability goals by offering an easy, reliable way for them to recycle their waste cooking oil instead of sending it to landfills."

U.S. Foodservice-Columbia will relocate the WVO assets to a new "tipping station" at the Lexington distribution center to store waste oil for processing and blending into biofuel. The tipping station will be operational by late 2011, and be able to convert 5 million pounds of waste oil into 400,000 gallons of bio feedstock each year. The division plans to use approximately 200,000 gallons of converted waste vegetable oil for biodiesel annually, which would allow the remaining gallons to be made available elsewhere in the company or as a supply source for outside companies.

"We expect to duplicate the success of the Columbia biodiesel operation at other U.S. Foodservice divisions to offer customers nationwide an opportunity to contribute to the sustainability of our environment by reducing dependence on petroleum and cutting greenhouse gas emissions," said Michael Frank, Vice President of Operations Excellence, U.S. Foodservice.

A member of the Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co Green Portfolio Program, U.S. Foodservice has improved its sustainability profile since 2007. By improving fleet efficiency by 5 percent and increasing distribution center energy efficiency by 15 percent between 2007 and 2009, U.S. Foodservice avoided 101,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of taking more than 8,000 cars off of the road and taking more than 8,600 homes off the electrical grid.

"Today's announcement is another innovative step to continue to reduce the environmental impact of the U.S. Foodservice fleet," said Tom Murray, Environmental Defense Fund. "By becoming actively engaged in the production and use of biodiesel from waste oil, U.S. Foodservice is improving efficiency across its value chain and helping pave the way for lower carbon fuels."

BlueChip Energy Announces Development of 40 MW Solar PV Farm in Florida

BlueChip Energy (BCE) today announced a power purchase agreement (PPA) to supply Progress Energy Florida with renewable solar photovoltaic (PV) power from the Sorrento Eagle Dunes Solar Farm, a 40 megawatt (MW) utility-scale solar PV facility the company is developing in Central Florida.

The solar farm project, located in Lake County, Florida, will have a total capacity of 40 MW and an annual generation of more than 64,000,000 kilowatt-hours. This is equivalent to the annual energy use of roughly 8000 area homes. The Sorrento project will be the largest private solar plant in the State of Florida and one the largest solar PV projects in the United States. The annual power generated from the solar plant will displace over 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

“This large-scale solar project has the distinct advantage of being near the population base that it will serve. Combined with the BCE vertically integrated business model, the project will demonstrate renewable energy at close to grid parity. Private solar plants are key to the future for helping help Florida and America meet clean energy goals,” said Demitri Nikitin, President, and CEO of the company.

The solar farm will be a ground mount system covering 140 acres of open field. The solar farm will be built in stages, starting with 10 MW in 2012. BCE will build the plant using 174,000 monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV solar panels from Advanced Solar Photonics (ASP) and other leading manufacturers. BCE is providing its own project development, engineering, procurement, and construction capabilities.

BCE recently purchased the land to enhance the “bankability” of the project and is currently applying for the applicable zoning approvals. The necessary geo-technical, drainage, and environmental studies have been completed. The adjacent land areas allow for up to 100 MW of additional solar farm development.

Toyota Prius Sales In The U.S. Reach One Million Mark

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., today announced the one-millionth sale of the Toyota Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid gas-electric vehicle, in the United States.  It is the third milestone for Toyota's hybrid lineup in the last six months that started with the announcement of worldwide Toyota Prius sales topping two million in October 2010 and overall global Toyota hybrid sales passing three million last month.

"Since the Prius went on sale eleven years ago not a year has gone by when it hasn't been the number one selling hybrid vehicle in the U.S.," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Prius has become synonymous with the word hybrid and as we see fuel prices starting to rise again, it has accounted for more than 60 percent of hybrid passenger car sales so far this year.  Prius paved the way for hybrids and while it is still the hybrid leader in sales and fuel economy, I'm proud to say that since its introduction, 13 other auto brands have seen the benefits of hybrid technology and joined the hybrid market."

The third-generation Prius topped the EPA's list of the Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles for 2011. It has been named the Best Overall Value of the Year for the last nine years in a row by IntelliChoice, and has the highest owner loyalty of any mid-size vehicle for four of the last five years according to R.L. Polk.  More than 97 percent of all Toyota Prii sold since 2000 are still on the road.

Since it was introduced in the U.S. in 2000, Prius, when compared to the average car, has saved American consumers more than an estimated 881 million gallons of gas, $2.19 billion in fuel costs, and 12.4 million tons of CO2 emissions.

In January 2011 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Toyota debuted the Prius v, the first vehicle to be debuted as part of the Prius family marketing strategy. Prius v, which goes on sale in third quarter of 2011, is a mid-size vehicle that provides more than 50 percent additional interior cargo space than the current Prius.  In early 2012 Prius will launch two more Prius family members – the Prius c compact hybrid vehicle and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicle.

ADM to Acquire Soybean Crushing Facility, Form Partnership for Biodiesel Business in Missouri

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) announces plans to acquire a soybean crushing and biodiesel facility in Deerfield, Mo., from Prairie Pride, Inc. ADM will also form a partnership with Prairie Pride for the biodiesel portion of the business.

“The acquisition of Prairie Pride’s soybean facility and partnership for the biodiesel business were attractive to us because they are aligned with our growth strategy and fit well within our integrated business model,” said Matthew J. Jansen, president, Global Oilseeds. “We look forward to working with the 1,000 farmers of Prairie Pride to transform soybeans into food, feed and fuel products used by consumers and businesses around the world every day. And we look forward to becoming a part of the Vernon County community.”

Dakota Spirit AgEnergy Proposed Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Evolves Into Hybrid Concept Based On Study Results

Dakota Spirit AgEnergy, a proposed cellulosic biorefinery near Spiritwood, N.D., has evolved from a 20 million gallon per year (MGY) cellulosic ethanol plant into a 58 MGY “hybrid” ethanol plant comprised of a 50 MGY dry mill ethanol plant (Phase I) and an 8 MGY cellulosic ethanol addition (Phase II).

The changes are driven in part by the results of a recently completed “Feedstock Supply and Product Marketing Study” that was funded in part by the North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Commission (APUC).

“This project is a good example of our ongoing efforts to create new markets for our farmers, to add value to our quality products, to create new jobs and to help the nation reduce its dependence on foreign oil,” Governor Jack Dalrymple said. “The biorefinery will be part of a larger, integrated energy project that will utilize steam power from Great River Energy’s Spiritwood Station combined heat and power plant.”

The hybrid approach provides better economies of scale – reducing both capital and feedstock costs – and makes a stronger overall project.

The feedstock study showed that Dakota Spirit AgEnergy would need corn stover plus wheat straw from an expanded 100 mile radius to adequately source enough residue material for a 20 MGY cellulosic biorefinery. The amount of residue needed from such a large area was a limiting factor for a plant of this size.

The product market study verified the market values for the three main product streams – ethanol, molasses and lignin – across various market applications.

The 50 MGY conventional ethanol plant would utilize corn to produce ethanol, corn oil and dried distillers grains. The 8 MGY second-generation ethanol plant would utilize corn stover and wheat straw to produce cellulosic ethanol, C5 molasses, and lignin, a boiler fuel.