Corn Interns Educate About E85 Cost

Chuck Zimmerman July 1, 2014

Let’s put those interns to work. That’s what Illinois Corn is doing. Interns Tim Marten, a student at SIU-Edwardsville, and Elizabeth O’Reilly, a student at ISU, have been tasked with creating short videos that promote corn. The internships are funded by two communications scholarships from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. Here’s an example of one of them below. You can find others here.

The first video highlights how gas prices are determined, illustrating the cost that E85 SHOULD be at the pump when priced appropriately.

biofuels, corn, E85, Video

Nebraska Ethanol Sector Leads Manufacturing Wages

Joanna Schroeder July 1, 2014

According to Nebraska Department of Labor’s Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program, over the last decade, Nebraska’s ethanol production sector outpaced all other manufacturing groups in the state in terms of wages earned. For example, in 2013 the average annual wage in the ethanol sector was $59,541 while the average for all other manufacturing sectors was $39,966.

“Nebraska’s ethanol industry now has twenty-four operating plants located across the state with the capacity to produce more than two billion gallons annually,” said to Todd Sneller, administrator of the Nebraska Ethanol Board. “The impact of ethanol production goes far beyond rural Nebraska. Virtually every sector of the state’s economy benefits from ethanol’s growth. Economic benefits accrue to technology and manufacturing sectors that provide software and sophisticated equipment to the agricultural sector that provides the raw materials processed in the plants.

Sneller added, “A vibrant agricultural economy is a major component of Nebraska’s economic success and the growing importance of ethanol is particularly notable. The ethanol industry generates 7,700 jobs, increases Nebraska’s annual economic base by $5.8 billion, and pays more than $38 million in local and state tax revenues each year.”

biofuels, Ethanol

Turning Biodiesel By-Product into Valued Chemicals

John Davis July 1, 2014

Researchers have discovered a catalyst of precious metals that is uncovering some real treasure in a biodiesel by-product. Rice University says engineers at the school have found palladium-gold nanoparticles, used as catalysts for cleaning polluted water, are also surprisingly good at turning glycerol into valuable chemicals.

Through dozens of studies, [Michael] Wong’s team focused on using the tiny metallic specks to break down carcinogenic and toxic compounds. But his latest study, which is available online and due for publication in an upcoming issue of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s journal Chemical Science, examined whether palladium-gold nanocatalysts could convert glycerol, a waste byproduct of biodiesel production, into high-value chemicals.

In scientific parlance, the data from the study produced a “volcano plot,” a graph with a sharp spike that depicts a “Goldilocks effect,” a “just right” balance of palladium and gold that is faster — about 10 times faster — at converting glycerol than catalysts of either metal alone.

In previous studies, the nanocatalysts were used in reduction reactions, chemical processes marked by the addition of hydrogen. In the latest tests on glycerol conversion, the nanocatalysts spurred an oxidation reaction, which involves adding oxygen.

“Oxidation and reduction aren’t just dissimilar; they’re often thought of as being in opposite directions,” Wong said.

You can read the full study here.

Biodiesel, Research, University

Ethanol Report on Advanced Ethanol Concerns

Cindy Zimmerman June 30, 2014

Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) executive director Brooke Coleman commented last week on a new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report on the impacts of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) so we got him on the phone for this edition of “The Ethanol Report.”

In this interview, Coleman talks about his take on the CBO report, as well as Phantom Fuels legislation in Congress, and the delay on EPA issuing a final rule for 2014 volume obligations under the RFS.

You may recall that EPA officials said earlier this year that they expected to have a final rule by the end of spring, or at least the end of June, but that has not happened yet and Coleman explains they now have until the end of September. “They were saying the end of June because they had to get it done by July 1st because they had extended the RFS compliance year through June,” he said. “They then extended it again through September.”

Ethanol Report with Brooke Coleman, Advanced Ethanol Council

Subscribe to “The Ethanol Report” with this link.

advanced biofuels, AEC, Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, RFA, RFS

Supreme Court Turns Down California LCFS Case

Cindy Zimmerman June 30, 2014

In the flurry of decisions by the Supreme Court released the morning, justices declined to review California’s low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) decision.

A federal trial judge ruled against the LCFS in 2011 but the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that ruling last year and denied rehearing the case in January.

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy issued a joint statement regarding the decision.

“We are extremely disappointed that the Supreme Court has declined to review the Ninth Circuit’s decision, despite the broad support for the petition – including 21 states. We will continue our efforts to protect the American biofuel industry and the national interest and will continue to ensure that all consumers have access to low-priced, American-made biofuels.”

The ethanol industry was joined in challenging the California law by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM). “The Supreme Court’s decision not to review this case is disappointing and leaves in place a state regulation that discriminates against fuels and other products produced outside of California,” said AFPM General Counsel Richard Moskowitz. “California’s efforts to dictate how fuel is produced outside of its borders ignores Constitutional safeguards that have long protected against one state controlling the conduct of private parties beyond their borders.”

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Growth Energy, Low Carbon Fuel Standard, RFA

Geothermal Bill Makes Progress in California

Joanna Schroeder June 30, 2014

The California Assembly’s Natural Resources Committee approved the proposed geothermal legislation S.B. 1139 with a 6-2 vote. Earlier in the week, the Utilities and Commerce Committee also passed the bill, by 8-5. The Senate approved it in May. This bill, should enacted, will strengthen the geothermal industry’s position in the state as it moves to lower carbon energy solutions.

“The Geothermal Energy Association supports existing geothermal power facilities in California and efforts to expand geothermal power production in the state,” said Karl Gawell, GEA’s executive director said upon passage of the bill from the two committees.

The next step is for the bill to be heard in August by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. If the bill is enacted, retail sellers would need to increased their geothermal-powered electricity use by a combined total of 500 MW by 2024.

GEA has noted that California has great potential for geothermal power development throughout the state. In other California geothermal news, a concurrent initiative by the Imperial Irrigation District in Imperial County would use geothermal energy in a plan to restore the Salton Sea habitat and shorelines.

Geothermal, Legislation, Renewable Energy

Solar Power Helping to Power the U.S. Economy

Joanna Schroeder June 30, 2014

With the U.S. 4th of July holiday celebration just a few days away, IBISWorld has announced the top five industries that have helped to “re-power” the U.S. economy since the recession. The industries are characterized by strong employment growth and increasing revenue, with both trends expected to continue through 2019.

The top five industries include:

Car and Automobile Manufacturing
Solar Power
Apartment and Condominium construction
Craft Beer
3D Printing and Rapid Prototype Services

In more detail, IBISWorld has estimated solar growth from 2010-2014 at 70.0 percent per year on average with estimated average revenue growth from 2015-2019 at 7.6 percent per year. IBIS reports that while solar energy has been around for some time, the industry has struggled to gain traction until recently. Industry growth has been due in part to favorable Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) legislation, Implemented in more than 30 states. RPS legislation requires local utilities to generate a percentage of their total energy portfolio from renewable sources, thereby increasing demand for industry services. State mandates, coupled with consumers’ growing propensity to patronize environmentally friendly industries, have led to explosive revenue growth for operators over the past five years.

IBIS forecasts that over the next five years to 2019, the solar power industry is expected to continue growing. Continued government assistance via tax incentives and other regulations will help the industry remain competitive with other energy sources. Moreover, increased electricity consumption is expected to spur industry operators to meet growing demand by providing cleaner energy. Finally, the price of solar-generated energy is expected to continue falling to be either at or below parity with the traditional retail rate of grid power. As a result of these trends, IBISWorld expects revenue for the Solar Power industry to increase at an annualized rate of 7.6% over the five years to 2019.

Renewable Energy, Solar

Iowa Congressman Visits Biodiesel Producers

Cindy Zimmerman June 30, 2014

Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA) visited the REG biodiesel plant in Mason City, Iowa on Friday to meet with members of the state’s biodiesel industry concerned about the proposed lowering of volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

The current RFS proposal would set biodiesel volumes at 1.28 billion gallons, a sharp cut from last year’s actual production of nearly 1.8 billion gallons. “We’re grateful to Rep. Braley for his support on renewable fuels, and we’re asking for his help specifically in increasing the proposed biodiesel volume to at least 1.7 billion gallons,” said Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board.

A recent national survey of producers conducted by the National Biodiesel Board found that more than half have idled a plant this year and 78 percent have reduced production from last year. Nearly two-thirds have already laid off employees or anticipate doing so. “Iowa is the leading biodiesel state, which generates jobs and economic advancement,” Kimberly said. “The future of these promising businesses is threatened.”

Braley, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Tom Harkin promised that he will “continue to reach out with strong voice and talk about importance of biofuels for Iowa and nation.”

Biodiesel, Government, REG, RFS

Industry Highlights Flaws in CBO Report

Joanna Schroeder June 30, 2014

In an update to a story posted last week regarding the new CBO report, “Renewable Fuel Standard: Issues for 2014 and Beyond,” more renewable energy industry representatives are speaking out regarding what they say are flaws in the report.

Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy said of the report, “This report looks at unrealistic scenarios and completely ignores the very goals of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which are to decrease our nation’s dangerous dependence on foreign oil, create jobs and spur economic growth and investment, and improve our environment, all while offering consumers a choice and savings at the pump. The CBO report simply shrugs off these critical policy goals contained in the RFS by noting that, ‘CBO did not account for that effect in this analysis.’

Buis also pointed out the ethanol is currently trading a dollar less than gasoline on the Chicago Board of Trade, which the CBO fails to acknowledge. The report also fails to consider, said Buis, the 40 year history of volatile gas prices and also ignores the effect the current turmoil in Iraq. However, Buis points out, increased domestic fuel production of fuels such as ethanol and a decrease on dependence of foreign oil would help provide stability and reduce the price hikes in gas prices at the pump.

“Clearly, this report is agenda driven and ignores the facts. Wild and statically unrealistic conclusions such as these show just how flawed the majority of this report is, and why it should not be taken with any level of seriousness,” added Buis. “It seems to me that the CBO got only one thing right in this assessment, and that is with regards to the production of ethanol from corn and how it has virtually no impact on the price of food. Yet, again it is flawed as it fails to highlight that the true driver of food costs is the price of oil.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) was also unhappy with the report and said that CBO’s claim that repealing the RFS would reduce gasoline prices is “simply false”. “The RFS has reduced consumer demand for oil, and the study fails to take that into account. It is unfortunate that CBO, which is supposed to be objective, released such a flawed study that does not take into account the reality of fuel markets,” said NFU Senior Vice President of Programs Chandler Goule.

“Study after study show that the RFS is saving consumers money. E85prices.com recently released data showing that consumers filling up with E85 can save an average of $0.61 less per gallon,” Goule continued. “The RFS is a successful policy tool that decreases our nation’s reliance on foreign oil, creates economic opportunities in rural America, and effectively decreases the greenhouse gas footprint of the transportation sector. CBO should have taken all of these benefits to consumers into consideration when performing the study.”

biofuels, Ethanol, Growth Energy, Renewable Energy, RFS

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder June 30, 2014

Canadian Solar Inc. has announced that it has recently signed a sales contract to supply 12.6MW of photovoltaic modules to Kayseri Organized Industry Zone and a consortium of companies in KOIZ, (BESLER Tekstil San. ve Tic. A.S and HASCELIK Group of companies- Hascelik Cable, Coreal Cable and Metal Matris) for a solar power project located in Kayseri, Turkey.
Inteco Beteiligungs GmbH, an Austrian company owned by Russian businesswoman Yelena Baturina, has signed an agreement with the German company RE-Pro (RE-Pro Renewable Energy Provider KGaA) for the development of a project aimed to generate, use and market renewable energy in Europe. The overall investment amounts to €10 million, and according to the plans announced, in the course of the implementation of the project the amount may be doubled. The first major activity of the new joint venture is the construction and commercial operation of solar panels parks (PV-Parks or Solar Parks) in the South and South-Eastern Europe. The project’s latest acquisition is a solar park in Italy that has already been fully equipped and put into operation.
CHS Inc. has announced the retirement of a member of its leadership team and changes in responsibility for two others. John McEnroe, executive vice president, CHS Country Operations, will retire Dec. 31, 2014. Lynden Johnson, currently executive vice president, CHS Business Solutions, has been promoted to executive vice president, CHS Country Operations. Lisa Zell, currently executive vice president and general counsel, has been promoted to executive vice president, CHS Business Solutions. Both Johnson and Zell will continue in their current roles through the end of fiscal 2014 on Aug. 31, 2014, and assume their new positions on Sept. 1, 2014.
Geodynamics Limited, a leading Australian geothermal exploration and development company, and its joint venture partner Kentor Energy Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of KGL Resources Ltd, have received development consent relating to exploration activities for the proposed 20 MW Savo Island geothermal power project in Solomon Islands from the Solomon Islands Department of Environment.

Bioenergy Bytes

Page 646 of 1,906
←
1
...
645
646
647
...
1906
→