Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How are farm equipment sales this year?” The 2015 Farm Progress Show was a huge success and the streets were packed. But with crop prices lower this year, the question was, are people buying? It looks like we have responses all over the board, but leaning towards not so good. Whether you are buying …
Tokyo Scientists Increase Algal Oil Production
Hiroyuki Ohta, a researcher at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, together with scientists based at institutions across Tokyo, Japan, have discovered a way of increasing the oil production in algae. The oils are used to create biofuels and biochemicals and researchers are looking for ways to increase the production of triacylglycerols in the Nannochloropsis algal strain NIES-2145. Triacylglycerols, or TAGs, …
BioEnergy Bytes
Global Bioenergies has joined aireg – Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany. The company, which is currently developing its demonstration plant in Leuna, Germany, will soon be able to produce alternative jet fuel from sugars. Through their cooperation both organizations plan to expedite the market uptake of renewable, low-carbon fuels in the aviation sector. DEINOVE and Tyton BioEnergy Systems …
Ohio Biodiesel Plant Moves Forward
A new biodiesel plant in Ohio is moving forward. This article from the Dayton Daily News says the planning commission in Carlisle approved zoning changes for Agro BioFuels and BioEnergy Inc. to build the refinery. Gerry Smith, of Miller Valentine Group, said the more than $10 million project includes building the 6,800-square-foot plant on 10 acres near the end of …
REG’s Geismar, LA Plant Has 2nd 2015 Fire
Renewable Energy Group’s (REG) hydrocarbon diesel (RHD) refinery, located in Geismar, Louisiana, has had its second fire this year. According to REG, on Friday, September 4th, at approximately 12 a.m. central, a fire occurred at their Geismar biorefinery. In a statement, REG said emergency crews quickly responded to contain the fire and it was declared completely extinguished at 4:20 a.m. …
What Do You Think About the Brazilian Bioeconomy?
Leading up to World Bio Markets Brasil, taking place November 30-December 1, 2015 in Sao Paulo, GreenPower Conferences asked over 100 people their thoughts on the Brasilian bioeconomy and the factors influencing it, including: What the biggest change in the last 12 months has been; the biggest threat to the industry; and the most important factor over the next year. …
Residential Solar Tax Credit for Community Solar
Community-shared solar had a win last week when the IRS ruled that an owner of offsite PV panels is eligible to take advantage of one of the primary incentives offered to homeowners – the 30 percent federal residential income tax credit, or the residential ITC. Community-shared solar allows electric customers to buy an interest in an offsite solar array and …
K2 Wind Farm Operating, Canada Exceeds 10GW
The K2 Wind Power Facility located in Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (ACW) in southwestern Ontario is official generating wind energy. The 270 MW facility was commissioned recently during an event hosted by Samsung Renewable Energy, Capital Power Corporation and Pattern Energy Group Inc. Canada now has more than 10 GW of installed wind energy capacity making it in the 7th country …
U2’s Bono Helps Celebrate Solar in Africa
Bono of U2 fame joined a delegation of U.S. Government representatives to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the first completed solar field under the White House’s Power Africa program. The 8.5 MW project, developed by Gigawatt Global and built by Scatec Solar, is on the grounds of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village near Kigali, Rwanda. Bono’s One.org backs the Electrify Africa Act, which …
BioEnergy Bytes
Innovative Solar Systems, LLC (ISS) has now announced that it will become an Independent Power Producer (IPP) in all 50 States. The company will become one of the largest independent power producers in the nation by selling the majority of the power produced from the company’s 2016 solar farm projects directly to the end user and provide a win/win situation …