Wind energy projects in Texas and Massachusetts have been chosen for two, $2-million grants from the U.S. Department of Energy. According to this press release from the agency, DOE Secretary Samuel Bodman has announced the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Partnership in Massachusetts, and the Lone Star Wind Alliance in Texas will receive up to $2 million each in test equipment to …
First Algae-Biodiesel Plant to Open in Alabama
The world’s first biodiesel plant using algae as its feedstock is set to open within a year at a location in Alabama. This story on Checkbiotech.org says the CEO of energy company PetroSun, Inc. has been working for some time to build the plant fueled with pond scum: Gordon M. LeBlanc Jr., CEO of PetroSun Inc., believes America’s energy future …
Momentum Rolling in Texas
The first 50,000 gallons of biodiesel has rolled off the line at the new Momentum Biofuels, Inc. refinery at LaPorte, Texas. This story posted on Grainnet.com says it cost less than 25 cents/gallon to build the facility, not including the costs for the building and land: Management believes this CAPEX is significantly lower than what is typical in the industry …
Tyson Expands Biodiesel Partnerships
Meat-producing giant Tyson is making a bid to be a player in the burgeoning biodiesel market. This story posted on the Meatingplace.com says Tyson has announced a joint venture with Syntroleum Corp., a Tulsa-based synthetic fuels technology company: The move creates Dynamic Fuels LLC, which will produce synthetic fuels targeting the renewable diesel, jet and military fuel markets. Tyson, the …
Report: Ethanol Production Nears 6 Billion Gallons/year
The latest report from the Renewable Fuels Association shows that a strong production trend continues in the U.S. ethanol industry, producing 391,000 barrels per day in April. That’s and increase of more than 100,000 barrels per day from the same time a year ago and brings the annual output at nearly six billion gallons. Ethanol demand remained constant at 410,000 …
Another POET Groundbreaking
South Dakota-based ethanol producer POET is adding another plant to its list of 20 active ethanol refineries and seven more under construction. According to this release on the company’s web site, the latest one will be near North Manchester, Indiana… about 40 miles west of Fort Wayne. POET will hold a groundbreaking on July 13th at 1:30 PM in the …
POET Gets New Cellulosic Director
Jim Sturdevant has joined POET as its new director in POET’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to build a commercial cellulosic ethanol production facility. According to this POET press release, Sturdevant joins POET’s Project LIBERTY after 28 years at EROS in Sioux Falls, the last 22 of which were spent with the U.S. Geological Survey: As director of …
Biodiesel Bill Moves in U.S. House
The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee has extended the federal biodiesel tax incentive. The passage came with several other measures seen as critical to the sustained growth of the biodiesel industry. The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) applauded the action in this press release: Specifically, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 2007 includes: * Extension of the biodiesel …
Ethanol Big Winner in Energy Bill
The Energy Bill has cleared the U.S. Senate, and the ethanol industry looks like it will benefit the most from the package. This story was posted on CNNMoney.com: If any industry clearly comes out ahead, it’s the ethanol business, analysts say. The Senate bill massively boosts the mandate for ethanol use from 7.5 billion gallons in 2012 to 36 billion …
NCGA Calls for Better Ethanol Workforce
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have heard more testimony in favor of a bill that would help educate the ethanol workforce. National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) First Vice President Ron Litterer told a House Small Business Committee that the ethanol industry requires a continued commitment in providing a well trained workforce. A news release posted on the NCGA web site says …