The demonstration cellulosic ethanol plant owned by Edeniq and located in Visalia, California has exceeded 1,000 hours of continuous operation. The corn-to-cellulosic migration plant uses the company’s proprietary technology to process more than one metric ton of feedstock per day into cellulosic ethanol. According to the company, this achievement exceeded the plant’s initial target. The project, funded in part by …
Poll Asks Opinion of Committee Farm Bills
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Are so-called “ag gag” bills fair?” Our poll results: Fifty-two percent said No, forty-one percent said Yes and seven percent said I Don’t Know. So most of you feel that ag gag bills are not fair. Do you think answers would be different if we called them “See Something, Say Something” laws? Our new …
Tractor Pullers to Run On 100% Biodiesel
Those high-powered tractors that scream down the track will have even more sternum-rumbling power as they’ll soon be running on 100 percent biodiesel. This United Soybean Board news release says the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) will allow for the pure green fuel in all of their diesel pulling classes this season. It’s good news for the pullers, who will …
Africa Mecca for Clean Energy
According to a recent study by the United Nations, less than 1 percent of all patent applications relating to clean energy technology have been filed in Africa, with the majority of this 1 percent filed in South Africa. The study find that Africa is a mecca for clean energy and has the ability to leapfrog existing fossil-fuel energy sources. “Patents …
Iowa Biodiesel Plants at Just Over Half Capacity
Iowa’s biodiesel plants are at just over half capacity … leaving a lot of room for growth of the green fuel in the state. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) says the refineries are at 54 percent capacity in the first quarter of 2013, producing 42.7 million gallons. Nine of the state’s 12 biodiesel plants reported production. If all 12 …
NBB Welcomes Progress on Farm Bill’s Energy Parts
By a 15-5 vote, the Senate Agriculture Committee sent the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 and its commitment to renewable energy to the full Senate, which could take it up next week. The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) welcomed the move, especially the part that funds the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program to the tune of $1 million a …
To Buy or Not Buy a Hybrid Car
I’m in the market for a new car and one of the areas I have been researching is hybrids. The question: to buy or not to buy a hybrid? I came across this infographic developed by Auto Pawn, that tells the tale of two cars: hybrid versus non-hybrid. While many factors are considered, one that is not is if the …
Senate Panel Approves Farm Bill with Energy Title
The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 15-5 today to approve the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013, which includes cuts to reduce the deficit by $23 billion dollars but still offers a commitment to renewable energy. The bill includes an energy title that helps to advance “bio-energy production, supporting advanced biomass energy production such as cellulosic ethanol and pellets …
What Do Orca Whales and Solar Have in Common?
What do Orca whales and solar energy have in common? Nothing until now. Canadian Solar Solutions has donated solar modules to power the OrcaLab Whale Research Centre, on a remote island off the British Columbia coast near Alert Bay. OrcaLab has been recording the Johnson Strait whales for more than four decades. Founder, Dr. Paul Spong and his wife Helena …
Methes Energies & BioFuel Aruba Ink Deal
Methes Energies Canada, a subsidiary of Methes Engeries International, has signed a Purchase and Cooperation Agreement with BioFuel Aruba of Oranjestad, Aruba to purchase one Denami 600 biodiesel processor. The agreement was signed during the “Europe Meets the Americas” business conference in Aruba earlier this month. Mr. Abe Dyck a cofounder and shareholder of Methes Energies was in Aruba for …