Renewable energy advocates, businesses and environmental groups have joined together to urge the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to reject a new proposal from Xcel Energy that would discourage rooftop solar growth in its territory. Issued last week as part of Xcel’s 2014 Renewable Energy Standard compliance plan, the proposal takes aim at net metering, one of the state’s most important …
Oberon Fuels to Develop Diesel Alternative
The developer of an alternative to regular diesel fuel has received a grant to develop the environmentally dimethyl ether, better known as DME, made from shale gas and biogas from animal, food, and agricultural waste. Oberon Fuels is receiving a $500,000 grant from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) to produce fuel-grade DME at its facilities in …
Northcore Intends to Buy Renewable Diesel Plant
An asset management and social commerce company intends to get into the renewable diesel business. This company news release says Northcore Technologies Inc. has signed a letter of intent with Cielo Gold Corp. to buy the Alberta, Canada-based Blue Horizon Bio-Diesel demonstration plant that produces renewable green diesel fuel from municipal solid waste: Under terms of the LOI, Northcore will …
Blend Wall Myth Buster
Biofuel opponents are crying wolf, so it would seem, claiming that the blend wall is insurmountable. However, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today has published an infographic that busts the myths surrounding the blend wall. “This graphic perfectly captures the ridiculous myth that an insurmountable blend wall exists,” said Bob Dinneen, RFA CEO and president. “The blend wall is a …
Lee Enterprises and ICM Forge Alliance
Lee Enterprises Consulting has formed of a strategic alliance with ICM, Inc. Recently, ICM developed a proprietary patent-pending Generation 1.5 Integrated Fiber to Cellulosic Ethanol Technology for the production of cellulosic ethanol. ICM’s Director of Sales and Product Management, Brock Beach, will serve as ICM’s liaison to the consulting group. “As ICM continues to expand our presence into other alternative …
EIA Previews New State Energy Portal
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has launched the most comprehensive, dynamic, and interactive view of the U.S. government’s national and state energy data and information currently available to the public. The state energy portal adds a unique visual dimension to each state’s energy resources and infrastructure. The agency designed the new portal with a range of users in mind, …
Bioenergy Bytes
On June 12, the Sustainable Energy Coalition – in cooperation with Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucuses – will host the 16th annual Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency EXPO + Forum. The event is FREE and will be held at the Cannon House Office Building – Caucus Room U.S. …
Cross Country on 10 Gallons of Ethanol
A few years ago, September 2011 to be exact, energy.agwired.com brought you the story about Urbee, a 3D printed car that was designed to bring in the age of cheaper, more economical travel. Since then, it was tested and sent on a trip to Canada. Today, Jim Kor, who owns the company that created the Urbee, Kor Ecologic, has announced …
Grading Vilsack’s First Term
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What grade would you give Ag Sec. Vilsack during his first term?” Our poll results: The majority of you at twenty-nine percent gave Vilsack an A. Twenty-two percent said D; eighteen percent said B; seventeen percent said C; and fourteen percent said F. Since the poll grades were similar across the board we decided …
Worldwide Energy Installs Solar System in KC
It’s not often I write about new solar systems going online in the Midwest. This week, Krtek Real Estate and Worldwide Energy announced the completion of 119 kilowatt solar system consisting of 628 tenKSolar RAIS solar photovoltaic modules on the roof of the Manor Square parking garage. According to Worldwide Energy, the array utilizes solar reflector technology, which will boost …