During the 2011 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop attendees got a chance to see the new documentary from Josh & Rebecca Tickell. I first met Josh during a National Biodiesel Conference before he produced his award winning film, “Fuel.” Together with Rebecca they have now produced a film that should open a lot of people’s eyes about the myths surrounding ethanol. …
Trident Inceni Sports Car Fueled With B100
In the market for a sexy sports car? Than look no further than the new British-born Trident Inceni, a biodiesel powered “supercar”. The car will be officially unveiled during the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power in Cheshire, England being held July 15-17, 2011. The event is a showcase of performance and power that includes car racing, power boat racing, aerobatics, and …
Maryland Home to Two New Solar Systems
Maryland is the home of two new commercial solar projects. The systems are located in Talbot and Frederick Counties. One system is comprised of a 550kW ground mount solar array for the Talbot County Community Center in Easton, MD. The other system is a 499kW rooftop system for Oakdale High School in ljamsville, MD. The two systems were developed and …
First Zero-Waste Biochemical Refinery In Production
The country’s first zero-waste biochemical refinery is now up and running in Missoula, Montana. The facility is owned and operated by Blue Marble Biomaterials and uses a combination of clean technologies to produce specialty biochemicals that can be used in the food, cosmetics and personal care markets. Each year the biorefinery will produce 72 tons of biochemicals, and its only …
Ethanol Report on Energy Independence for Boaters
The Independence Day holiday is one of the biggest boating days of the year so it’s a good time to remind boaters that ethanol is helping to make our nation more energy independent. This edition of “The Ethanol Report” is about how ethanol producers and boat racers have teamed up to show that 10 percent ethanol runs perfectly well in …
Pioneer DPP Goes Mobile
Pioneer was demonstrating the new mobile app for their Dynamic Pricing Platform during the just concluded 2011 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop. I spoke with Steve Crowe, Pioneer Business Manager, Biofuels about the new method of interacting with your DPP account. That’s his iPhone in the photo in front of the monitor showing the desktop version. Steve says that smartphones have …
IRL Moving To E85 In 2012
The CEO of the Indy Racing League is Randy Bernard, seen shaking hands with Iowa Corn Growers CEO, Craig Floss, during last weekend’s Iowa Corn Indy 250 activities. I spoke with Randy who says that the League has been working to create a lot more buzz and excitement this year. Judging by the sell out crowd for the Iowa race, …
Pilot Scale Waste-to-Energy Plant Operational
A pilot scale waste-to-energy facility is now up and running in Edmonton, Canada. The $12.5 million Advanced Energy Research Facility is comprised of both the plant and a full-scale lab. The project is a partnership between Alberta Innovates – Energy and Environment Solutions (AI-EES), the City of Edmonton and Enerkem. The province of Alberta is well known as an oil …
How Do Farmers Choose Bioenergy Crops?
Carolyn Hoagland was recently awarded the Volkswagen Distinguished Scholar for her work in learning about how farmers choose to grow bioenergy crops. Hoagland, an adult student, is an environmental science major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). She conducted her research while working as an intern at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Hoagland found that many aspects of …
Iowa 15% Ethanol Incentive Takes Effect
Iowa could become the first state in the nation with fuel pumps sporting the new 15% ethanol (E15) labels approved this week by the Environmental Protection Agency along with final rules allowing E15 to be used in all 2001 and newer passenger vehicles later this summer. Effective July 1, Iowa retailers are eligible for a three cent per gallon tax …