The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a 15 day extension of the comment period on the requests for a waiver of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), who filed for an extension on August 30, 2012, applauded EPA’s decision. They requested the waiver so corn growers and other energy crop farmers had a chance …
FFV Drivers in Nebraska Save More at Pump
Flex fuel vehicles in Nebraska are on the rise. The state has shown an increase of FFVs by more than 20 percent from last year with greater than 143,000 registered in the state. FFVs can run on ethanol fuel blends up to E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline). Many drivers are unaware they have an FFV. Most FFVs now …
Solar Industry Responds to Anti-Dumping Allegations
The Chinese solar community is responding to anti-dumping allegations of Chinese solar products. The European Commission is currently reviewing charges by several European companies. Representatives of JinkoSolar, based in Shanghai, said the charges are unfounded and unfair and do not reflect the reality of the highly-competitive global solar industry. They also believe that trade protectionism will only harm fair competition in the …
Sacramento Gets New Biofuels Station
Sacramento, California has a new biofuels station selling both E85 and biodiesel. The station owned by Propel Fuels is co-located at the Mak’s Valero station at 1101 Broadway in downtown. The renewable fuel station is located near I-80, Business Route 80, I-5, Highway 50 and Highway 99. This is the ninth Propel station in the Greater Sacramento area due to …
Solar Market Spikes
According to the “U.S. Solar Market Insight: 2nd Quarter 2012” report from GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the solar industry achieved its second best quarter ever. In the second quarter of this year, 742 megawatts of solar power was installed. The utility market hit 477 megawatts during the same timeframe with eight states now having installed 10 …
LS9 Starts Up Demonstration Plant
LS9 has started up its retrofitted demonstration plant in Okeechobee, Florida with an initial production run of fatty alcohols. These will eventually be converted to renewable fuels and biochemicals. Fatty alcohols are long carbon chain alcohols, and used widely in the $5 billion market for surfactants that include detergents. The facility will also be used to test and optimize new …
Schools in Japan Complete Solar Projects
Sometimes good things really do come out of something bad. The Great East Japan Earthquake devastated schools, businesses, homes and lives. But this week, the Japan Reconstruction Fund held a ceremony at Shinchi Elementary School to commemorate the completion of several solar facilities in four public elementary and junior high schools in the town of Shinchi in Soma-gun, Fukushima Prefecture. The solar …
Jurupa Unified Schools Go Solar
Another school district has taken advantage of the California Sun. Jurupa Unified School District has completed a 2.7 megawatt solar and energy efficiency program expected to reduce energy costs by nearly 26 percent among 27 school sites. Estimates show that the solar system should save nearly $34 million in energy costs. Solar Photovoltaic panels were mounted on parking and shade …
Alt Energy Vehicle Roadshow Hits Florida
The Alternative Fueled Vehicle Roadshow is driving into Florida. Sponsored by Clean Cities North Florida, Clean Cities Gold Coast, Clean Cities Tampa Bay and Clean Cities Central Florida, the eight city tour begins on September 18, 2012 and ends on September 27, 2012. During the event, attendees will learn about options for fueling vehicles with alternative transportation fuels rather than traditional gasoline …
TCU Energy Institute Offers Certificate Programs
TCU Energy Institute is now offering two certificate programs for energy industry professionals and royalty owners. By receiving a certificate of completion through this one-of-a-kind program, graduates can gain the skills needed to project their career path up – to senior management. Both certificate programs will begin on September 24 and be offered in Houston, Texas and San Antonio, Texas. …