The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) recently gathered in for its third annual National Geothermal Summit and the key topic was how to move geothermal forward. One way, as identified by Stacey Crowley, director, Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy and Karen Edson, vice president, policy and client services for California ISO, noted that as intermittent power grows, states have an urgent …
Small Biz Gives Thumbs up for Climate Plan
There have been several polls conducted in the wake of President Obama’s new plan to fight climate change. This week, a poll focused on small business owners shows that regardless of party affiliation, they support safe, cleaner, more efficient and renewable energy. The poll was commissioned by the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) and asked a range of energy and …
Which is Faster – EV Battery Switch or Gas Fill Up?
Here is something fun for a Friday. A Model S battery pack switch that takes less time than filling your tank with gas or biofuels such as ethanol or biodiesel. The Model S is manufactured by Tesla and is an all electric vehicle. The EV design is focused on performance – driving this car is like driving a sports car. …
RFS Fact Check
True or False? Natural gas is an approved alternative fuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard. False. It’s questions like these that arise as the debate around the RFS heats up. But minus having your own personal RFS assistant at your beck and call, the next best option may just be the new Energy Fact Check site created by the American …
Energy Development on Federal Lands Growing
During President Obama’s speech on climate change earlier this week he said that more energy projects needed to be developed on federal land. While some are in favor of this strategy, many are not. Yet according to outgoing U.S. Department of the Interior Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes, energy development on federal lands is robust and opportunities abound for oil …
More Must Be Done to Develop Aviation Biofuels
The commercial aviation industry has a clear path toward cleaner, more economical and more secure energy alternatives through the increased use of advanced biofuels developed in the Midwest, according to a report issued by the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative (MASBI). The report was produced following a yearlong analysis of the benefits that could be delivered from a robust sustainable aviation …
BioEnergy Bytes
Purified Renewable Energy has contracted R1 Group to sell a Katzen Technology corn-based, dry mill, fuel-grade ethanol production facility with a nameplate capacity of 18 million gallons per year, in Buffalo Lake, MN. The facility will be sold at a §363 bankruptcy auction on August 8, 2013. Qualified bids, including a $125,000 deposit, are due July 31, 2013. ShoEi Foods …
Biofuel Industry Responds to RFS Hearing
Have you heard the recent saying, “You need to check yourself before you wreck yourself”? It seems to apply to the recent hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) held by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power. The hearings are part of the RFS evaluation program that also includes a series of white papers. Left to …
Free Webinar on New RFS2 NPRM
The EPA has released a new Notice of Proposed Rule Making: RFS Pathways II and Technical Amendments to the RFS2 Standards. EcoEngineers is offering a FREE webinar on July 10, 2013 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm central standard time (CST). Some of the proposed changes include: New penalties for failure to meet certain RFS reporting deadlines. Additional requirements for …
Groups React to FAO Biofuels Study
Emotions are mixed regarding the findings in a recent report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that was released in Rome during a meeting with ambassadors. The report found that biofuel from crops has a significant and direct impact on food prices and food availability. In response, ActionAid said the report shows how Europe’s biofuel targets are driving …