As the price of the main feedstock for biodiesel… soybeans… continues to rise, more producers are switching to alternatives, especially animal fats. This story in the Des Moines (IA) Register says the change might help solve the food-versus-fuel debate: Renewable Energy Group (REG) of Ames now runs animal fats in at least four of its seven biodiesel plants in the …
House Committee Extends Biodiesel Incentive
The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee has approved the Energy and Tax Extenders Act of 2008, a measure that will extend the biodiesel tax incentive through the end of next year and provides a dollar-per-gallon incentive for all biodiesel regardless of feedstock. Passage in the committee gained the praise of the National Biodiesel Board: “I would like to thank …
Biofuels Flying High with Algae
Airbus and JetBlue Airways are just two of a handful of airlines exploring the use of biofuels made from algae to power their planes. The Green Tech Blog reports that a joint biofuel effort – which also includes international airlines Aero Engines, Honeywell Aerospace and UOP, a second Honeywell company – was announced Thursday. The group plans to study ways …
Biodiesel Gets Even More Bio Friendly
As if biodiesel isn’t green enough. But, Maverick BioFuels has found yet another way to make bio-diesel even more sustainable and XcelPlus Global Holdings is jumping at the opportunity to put this new technology to use. XcelPlus will equip itself with the necessary tools from Maverick to covert glycerin, a byproduct from biodiesel production, to a fuel suitable for use …
DOE: Wind Could Provide 20% of US Power
A new report from the U.S. Department of Energy says that America could get 20 percent of its power from wind energy in about the next 20 years. This agency press release says it will mean increasing the amount of wind power by nearly 20 times current production levels… a doable number according to the DOE: Entitled “20 Percent Wind …
Canada Ag Minister Defends Biodiesel, Ethanol
Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is blasting those opposing a proposed mandate for biofuels in the country. This story from the Lloydminster (Alberta, Canada) Meridian Booster has more details: Ritz defended the plan in the House of Commons against criticism from the New Democratic Party, which once supported the use of biofuels but has switched its position. The bill would …
Steelman Calls Out Lawmakers for Biofuels Action
Missouri State Treasurer Sarah Steelman, who is also running for the Republican nomination in the state’s gubernatorial race, has labeled Missouri lawmakers “cowards” for changing a law that kept those same lawmakers and their family members from investing their own money in ethanol and biodiesel plants in the state. This AP story posted on the KY3 (Springfield, MO) web site …
Clean Diesel Hot Topic at Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Expo
The Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Expo in Las Vegas that I mentioned in an earlier post is wrapping up and participants have expressed excitement about sustainable fuel choices. Supporters of clean diesel for example, say the fuel offers more power, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Gale Banks, chief executive officer of Gale Banks Engineering, says clean diesel turns conventional …
Team Ethanol Supports Youth Voting at Indy 500
In about a week, I’ll be heading to Indianapolis for the 92nd Indianapolis 500. The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council will be spearheading all kinds of activities and events for members of Team Ethanol as usual. But, Team Ethanol Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay will be involved in more than autograph signings, meet-and-greets and exciting Indy racing. Ryan will also join Indy …
BioBox Mini Offers Small-scale Biodiesel Production
Biodiesel production is going from large-scale to small-scale. Pacific Natural Energy is introducing the BioBox Mini to offer smaller companies efficient and effective biodiesel production through a single 20-foot cargo container. With minimal cost and equipment, entry-level customers have the ability to lead the masses towards biodiesel independence. The BioBox Mini can process up to 400,000 gallons per year of …