Last month, I told you about how algae-to-biodiesel developer OriginOil, Inc. had decided to go to Australia to test its algae oil extraction process with partner MBD Energy. Today, I received an update from OriginOil that it has received the first commercial order to deploy its algae oil extraction system in an industrial setting: MBD Energy (MBD) recently committed to …
Fifth Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Best Yet
The 5th annual Iowa Renewable Fuels (IRFA) Summit was the best ever in many ways, according to IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “The combination of good weather and great speakers, we had record turnout, the crowd stayed, it was very positive,” said Shaw after the summit concluded on Tuesday in Des Moines. “We clearly had over 700 people here based …
NASCAR Champ is Excited About Ethanol
Former NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace may not be on the track racing himself anymore, but he is still a team owner and racing analyst and he is thrilled that every series in NASCAR will be using a 15 percent blend of ethanol this year. “When we hit Daytona, get ready,” Wallace said. “Because NASCAR is the number one source of …
Clark to Coordinate NE Corn Board Ethanol Program
There’s a new face on the Nebraska Corn Board staff, and she’ll serve as the board’s ag program manager coordinating ethanol programming. Kimberly Clark will direct the board’s efforts to increase in-state demand for ethanol, improve and expand the infrastructure of blender pumps and ethanol movement within and outside Nebraska, as well as maintaining a working relationship with ethanol development …
Former Senator is Biofuels Convert
Former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania was never a believer in ethanol, biodiesel and other forms of renewable energy until one devastating day in American history. “I looked at this issue differently, until 9/11,” the senator said during an address at the Iowa Renewable Fuels (IRFA) Summit in Des Moines on Tuesday. “To me, 9/11 changed the game as we …
E85 Workshop to be Held in San Antonio
The workshop is being held to continue the steps towards advancing transportation choices and economic development in the region, targeting local government officials, business decision makers, fleets, media professionals, and interested citizens on the benefits and opportunities of flex fuel vehicles and ethanol. It will also connect key flex fuel vehicle fleets with ethanol fuel providers.
President’s Energy Goals Sound Familiar
Representatives of the renewable fuels industry were pleased to hear President Obama talking about energy independence during his State of the Union address last night, saying that we need to “break our dependence on oil with biofuels, and become the first country to have a million electric vehicles on the road by 2015” as well as mentioning wind and solar, …
Sustainability Hard To Define
We had the most results of any ZimmPoll so far with the question: “What does “sustainability” really mean to the public?” By a big margin, most say “A combination of factors” at 47%. That’s followed by “Farm managed for profit/growth,” 25%; “green,” 13%; “organic,” 10% and “local,” 5%. So I think it’s safe to say that sustainability is not understood …
Canola Biodiesel-Powered Jet Car Heading to Vegas
A jet car that runs on biodiesel made from canola is expected to be featured in one of the premier car shows later this year. Western Canada’s PortageOnline.com reports the Prairie Gold, owned by Kevin and Gwen Therres of Prairieland Motorsports, produces 7,500 horsepower and can make it up to 254 miles per hour in a quarter mile (see some …
Biodiesel, Ethanol on Sidelines in State of the Union
Just like a year ago, proponents of biodiesel and ethanol must be wondering if their green fuels were part of President Barack Obama’s “clean energy” comments in this year’s State of the Union address. Meanwhile, solar, nuclear and electric vehicle advocates have to be feeling pretty good about themselves as they received specific shout-outs during the hour-long speech. Appearing before …