Students at California’s Culinary Institute of America are learning their ways around the kitchen. And if they’re paying attention to the biodiesel being used in their rides to school, they’re also getting a lesson in sustainability. Biodiesel Magazine reports the school’s Greystone campus in the Napa Valley is using waste vegetable oil from the kitchens to turn into biodiesel (produced …
Cimarron Solar Facility Begins Commercial Operation
The Cimarron Solar Facility is online in New Mexico and is now powering nearly 9,000 homes with solar energy. The project is a partnership between Southern Company and Ted Turner (Turner Renewable Energy) and the power is being supplied through a 25-year power purchase agreement to member electric cooperatives of Denver-based Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. First Solar developed and …
Endicott Biofuels to Build Texas Biodiesel Plant
Houston, Texas-based Endicott Biofuels has inked a deal with KMTEX Ltd. to build a 30-million gallon-per-year biodiesel plant in Port Arthur, Texas. This Endicott press release says the refinery will use the company’s proprietary technology, and construction is to begin later this month: “Our extensive specialty chemical processing capabilities in Port Arthur are well-suited to complement Endicott’s unique production of …
EDTA Releases “Driving Forward” Report
The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) has released an action plan to help accelerate the growth of hybrid, plug-in, battery and fuel cell vehicles in the U.S. “Driving Forward: An Action Plan for the Electric Drive Era,” encourages public-private sector collaboration, encourages electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure development and outlines policies to speed up EV adoption. “The nation is at an …
Bacteria Turns Biodiesel By-product Into Butanol
Researchers at the University of Alabama in Huntsville have found a strain of bacteria that could turn glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production, into another alternative fuel … butanol. This story from the school’s news website says the research is being done by a graduate student with funding from the National Science Foundation: Disposing of glycerol has been a problem …
Several Groups Disappointed with E15 Decision
Not everyone is happy with the latest E15 ruling from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Last Friday, the EPA ruled to allow consumers who drive conventional vehicles or light duty trucks manufactured between 2001-2006 to use E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline. In October of 2010, the EPA allowed the use of E15 in the model …
Researchers Develop Self-Healing Bio Polymers
Researchers at Iowa State University are developing polymers made from vegetable oils that repair themselves. This press release from the school says Michael Kessler, an Iowa State University professor and an associate of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory, is working on the technology: “If successful, the results of this research will provide biorenewable alternatives to petroleum-based resins,” says …
Biofuels Key to US Winning Alt Fuel Race with China
As Chinese President Hu Jintao wraps up his visit to the United States, a new report details how America can use biofuels to compete in the alternative energy field for vehicles. This article on CNET.com says the Accenture report, entitled “The US and China: The Race to Disruptive Transport Technologies,” says the Chinese have a decided edge in government commitment …
Book Review – What Environmentalists Need to Know About Economics
This week I took a stab at learning a little about economics and its role in the various environmental issues including global climate change, air pollution and over fishing. “What Environmentalists Need to Know About Economics,” by Jason Scorse, is a book that, using various economic theories, analyzes the three most important sources of environmental problems: market failure, the tragedy …
Growth Energy: “Tear Down that Blend Wall”
Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis says the decision by EPA today to allow up to 15% ethanol blends in 2001 and newer vehicles “knocks a bigger hole” in the blend wall, but they’re not going to give up until they completely “tear down that blend wall.” Buis held a telephone press conference today immediately after the announcement was made, along …