API’s Broken Record

Joanna Schroeder

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has submitted a report to Congress regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and according to Bob Greco, API’s downstream group director, the RFS is “broken beyond repair”. In a press call, he called the RFS a “reality gap” and argued that with gasoline demand being down decreasing imports and levels of cellulosic biofuels being “disappointing” …

biofuels, Ethanol, Growth Energy, RFS

European Wind Industry Unites for Growth

Joanna Schroeder

CEOs of 13 national wind energy associations from across Europe recently met in Spain to put out a united call for a binding 2030 renewable energy target. Binding EU targets for renewables have driven the wind energy sector to become a mainstream energy technology. “By giving investors certainty, a compulsory 2030 renewables target will allow the wind energy sector to …

Alternative energy, Electricity, International, Wind

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

Central MN Ethanol Co-op (CMEC) has signed a letter of intent to sell substantially all of its assets to Green Biologics. Based In Little Falls, Minnesota, CMEC is an ethanol production facility that produces 21 million gallons of ethanol per year. Ocean Park Advisors acted as the exclusive financial advisor to CMEC in connection with the sales process. The firm …

Bioenergy Bytes

Gas Prices Stuck at $3 and Above

Joanna Schroeder

Today marks the 1,000th day in a row that gas prices have been above $3 per gallon. While ethanol provides drivers savings while filling up, AAA says that these gas prices are here to stay. Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), noted, “Gas prices are now staying at over $3 and could continue to increase, …

biofuels, E15, E85, Ethanol, RFA

How Thirsty is Energy Production?

Joanna Schroeder

Critics of renewable energy have dozens of reasons why alternative energy such as wind and solar just won’t work such as what happens when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine. But according to a new report prepared by Synapse Energy Economics, “dirty” energy sources including coal-fired electric power, nuclear power and natural gas recovered by fracking, face …

Alternative energy, Natural Gas, Oil, Research, water

India’s First Green Building Features Solar

Joanna Schroeder

Swadeshi Civil Infrastructure has completed the installation of a 930-kilowatt (kW) SunPower solar system on the rooftop of the Indira Paryavaran Bhavan building in New Delhi, India. The solar panels were selected in part due to the relatively little amount of rooftop space for the solar panels. The building is India’s first net zero building. Its design emphasizes conservation featuring …

Alternative energy, Energy, energy efficiency, International, Solar

Alert: Sub Standard Gas on Market

Joanna Schroeder

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is warning consumers that recent changes in fuel supplied to the Midwest by oil companies will reduce the quality of gasoline available in many states. “If people notice that their gas doesn’t seem as good as it used to be, it’s because the gas isn’t as good as it used to be.” said Ron …

ACE, biofuels, Ethanol, Oil

E15…It’s Back!

Joanna Schroeder

Today marks the official return date of E15, a 15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline fuel blend. The ethanol blend is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and can be used in cars 2001 or newer. “We’re excited to see E15 back in Iowa. E15 provides many Iowans another low cost option compared to gasoline,” said IRFA Executive Director …

biofuels, E15, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

Tanzania to Transform Energy Sector

Joanna Schroeder

The Republic of Tanzania is set to transform its energy sector. The country received an endorsement from Climate Investment Funds (CIF) of an investment plan which will help the country to scale-up the development of its renewable energy resources. The plan is designed to transform the country’s energy sector, shifting from its increasing dependence on fossil fuels and climate-sensitive hydro …

Geothermal, International, Renewable Energy, Solar

Natural Power Expands Operations

Joanna Schroeder

Rt Hon Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change, recently opened Natural Power’s newly expanded ControlCentre at their global headquarters, The Green House, located in the foothills of Rhinns of Kells in rural Dumfries and Galloway. The company’s NP/ControlCentre (previously known as WindCentre) is a 24/7/365 operational control room, providing site management services round the clock for …

Alternative energy, biomass, Electricity, offshore wind, Solar, Wind