Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a genetic mutation that allows a plant to better endure drought conditions without losing biomass. This discovery could prove significant because it could lead to plants that need less water to survive and thrive despite adverse climatic conditions. Mike Mickelbart, an assistant professor of horticulture; Mike Hasegawa, a professor of horticulture; and Chal Yul …
Rooftop Solar Farm Under Construction In Florida
One of the largest rooftop solar farms in Florida is now under construction in Gainsville, Florida as part of a new Publix-anchored shopping center. Once complete, the 350 kW solar array will have nearly 1,500 panels spanning 46,000 square-feet atop the Exchange shopping center. The solar panels will begin providing electricity by the end of March 2011 and will be …
An In-depth Look At Waste’s Role in Energy
A few months ago, I did a review of the book, The Story of Stuff. While the book was good, I was alarmed at the author Annie Leonard’s, unflattering views of waste-to-energy. For decades, municipal waste companies have been burning their trash. Known as incineration, Leonard says that this causes a multitude of problems, the first being burning pollutes and …
Best of America Tour Visits Cali Ethanol Symposium
Last week EcoTrek’s “Best of America Tour” kicked off at the Pier of Santa Monica. On Friday, January 14th, the EcoTrek truck made a tour stop at the California Ethanol Symposium. I had the chance to check out the EcoTrek truck and spend some time with Tom Holm the Executive Director of the EcoTrek Foundation and the creator of the …
Mastic Named CEO of National Wind
Last Fall, National Wind named Peter Mastic President and Chief Development Officer. Now the company has named him CEO. He is now responsible for the company’s strategic planning, operations management, wind farm development, project finance, and overseeing all company employees. Mastic is replacing Leon Steinberg who had been the CEO since 2007 and is staying on as Executive Vice President …
Cobalt, Lallemand Add to Executive Teams
Cobalt Technologies has added Andrew Meyer to its executive team. He will be serving as the company’s Senior Vice President of Business Development and he will be responsible for leading Cobalt’s effort to commercialize biobutanol. Most recently, he was with Amyris where he was director of Supply and Distribution where he developed the company’s fuel marketing program. He has also …
Tempers Mount in Tariff Tiff
Before the ink was dry extending the 54 cent ethanol tariff for one more year, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) threatened to take the legality of the ethanol tariff to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Now several U.S. senators are embroiled in the debate including John McCain (R-AZ) and John Barrasso (R-WY) who said earlier this week that the …
Iowa to Get Another Ethanol Plant
The state of Iowa continues its monopoly over ethanol plants today with the announcement that the Iowa Power Fund has awarded DuPont Danisco (DDCE) a $9 million grant to build a cellulosic ethanol plant in either Story or Webster County. The biorefinery will use corncobs, leaves and stalks to produce cellulosic ethanol. Interestingly, should the plant be sited in Emmetsburg, …
Kyocera Launchs Interactive Solar Power Website
Kyocera Corporation has launched a new fun, interactive and educational website aimed at people of all ages to learn about solar energy and its role in combating global environmental concerns. The “Solar Power Expo” website is designed to give the student the experience of visiting a large outdoor solar power exposition with five unique pavilions featuring diverse themes. With engaging …
Ethanol Industry Responds to Corn Harvest Report
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its final report on the total 2010 corn crop and supply and well as its updated estimates of corn use. The total 2010 corn production was 12.45 billion bushels, the third largest crop in U.S. history. There were some unanticipated changes in the report as well. First, the corn yield was lower …