Washington Leaders Recognized for Biodiesel Use

John Davis

Some leaders in the Washington, D.C. area are being recognized for their use of biodiesel. The latest edition of the National Biodiesel Board’s Biodiesel Bulletin says the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) honored the Smithsonian Institution and the District of Columbia Department of Public Works Fleet Management Administration for their part in using the green fuel to achieve …

Biodiesel, NBB

Taiwan Scientists Microwave to Make Biodiesel

John Davis

The microwave oven is one convenience just about every kitchen (and office lunch room) finds indispensable, but it also might become the next tool for making biodiesel. This article from the National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in southern Taiwan says researchers there have found a way to turn waste cooking oils into biodiesel in 10 seconds. “I was told that …

Biodiesel, International

Biofuel Groups Ask to Intervene in RFS Case

Cindy Zimmerman

Three organizations that represent biofuel producers have asked to intervene in the latest legal challenge to Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Growth Energy, and the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), filed a motion Friday with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to intervene in the challenge against the RFS by Monroe Energy, …

BIO, biofuels, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, Growth Energy, RFA, RFS

USDA Says Spring Canola is Good Biodiesel Crop

John Davis

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture believe spring canola could be a good crop for biodiesel for producers in the drier parts of the Great Plains. This news release from the Agricultural Research Service says ARS agronomist David Nielsen and others are finding ways to stretch scarce water supplies and increase crop returns in that part of the country. …

Biodiesel, Research, USDA

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

Fred. Olsen Renewables has announced that the company has acquired the remaining 50% share of joint venture Brockloch Rig Wind Ltd. from RWE npower renewables. Brockloch Rig Wind comprises two planned wind farms – Windy Standard II and Windy Standard III – located in the hills above Carsphairn Forest, some 9km north of Carsphairn in Dumfries and Galloway. The first …

Bioenergy Bytes

Report: U.S. Military to Rely on Electric Vehicles

Joanna Schroeder

According to a new report, “Alternative Drive Vehicles for Military Applications,” the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is expected to increase its purchases of electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in the next few years. The move is part of the military’s efforts to operate vehicles that do not run on fossil fuels. According …

Alternative Vehicles, Electric Vehicles, Microgrid, military, Research

Biggest Threat to Farm Bill?

Talia Goes

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, ”Does farm size matter?” On Food Day, Oct. 24, 2013, the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance hosted a panel, “Farm Size: Does It Really Matter?” at the State Room in Boston to discuss the differences and similarities between large and small farms, and how farm size and ownership affect consumers’ food-purchasing decisions. You can …

ZimmPoll

Enter The Haunted Energy House

Joanna Schroeder

The United States celebrated Halloween yesterday and to pay homage to the holiday, ClearlyEnergy created an energy haunted house that unmasks the energy gremlins lurking in your home. Here are some fun tips to banish the gremlins and ghosts from your home (well, at least until Halloween next year). Afraid of the dark? Don’t be: 11 percent of the typical …

Clean Energy, Education, energy efficiency

Ambassador Energy Expands Solar Training Program

Joanna Schroeder

Ambassador Energy has expanded its solar training programs both for companies and individuals seeking to learn more about the solar industry. The company is offering both classroom and online courses including North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certified courses (NABCEP EL), in its Southern California Training Facility. Director of Training, Catherine Kelso, facilitates the training program and is herself …

Alternative energy, Education, Solar

Greenlots Selected to Manage EV Charging Network

Joanna Schroeder

BC Hydro has selected Greenlots to manage a provincial network of DC Fast Chargers in Canada. The company will use its SKY network management solution and initial rollout includes 13 DC Fast Chargers supplied by ABB and Eaton. By utilizing Greenlots’ SKY platform, BC Hydro says it will be leveraging an open standards platform that ensures best-in-class services for site …

Alternative Vehicles, Electric Vehicles