The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is hosting a renewable fuels forum for Iowa’s leading Republicans seeking the GOP nomination to run for U.S. Senate in 2014. The seat is currently held by U.S. Senator Tom Harkin who is set to retire after his current term ends. The forum will be held at the Western Iowa Tech Community College Cherokee …
Biodiesel, Solar Powered RV Ready to Hit the Road
While the weather outside might be frightful, it won’t be too much longer until thoughts will be turning to getting out in the great outdoors, and a company called Roadtrek has a way you can do it using biodiesel and solar power. This article from the Gas2 blog says Roadtrek has unveiled the new E-trek, a B+ class motorhome that …
Multi-Feedstock Biodiesel Plant in France Ready
An Austrian company is bringing a multi-feedstock biodiesel plant in France into operation. BDI – BioEnergy International AG announced the $22.5 million project uses animal fats and used cooking oil as its feedstock. The commission covered the entire BioDiesel process, including installation of the plant. The project was completed on schedule and as budgeted within eleven months, when it was …
Biodiesel Tested as Parking Heater Fuel
If you’re a biodiesel supporter caught in winter’s icy grip (oh, let’s say some Arctic destination such as Chicago), there’s some good news. Biodiesel Magazine reports the German biodiesel quality association, AGQM, and a maker of parking heater systems (devices that warm your vehicle’s engine before you try to start it) have tested biodiesel in the heaters for long-term oxidation …
Biodiesel Co. to Make Small, Medium Processors
A Canadian biodiesel maker that also makes an array of products and services for biodiesel fuel producers is buying the assets of another company so it can make small and medium sized refineries. Methes Energies International Ltd. announced it intends to buy the assets of OTC Energy Technologies Inc., which includes OTC’s technologies and knowhow in the conversion of several …
Whole Energy Opens Biodiesel By-Product Refinery
A Washington state-based biodiesel distributor opens a new glycerin refinery. This article from Biodiesel Magazine says Whole Energy of Bellingham, Wash. opened its new facility in Mount Vernon, Wash. Since 2006, Whole Energy has been exploring the potential pathways for upgrading and using glycerin in various commercial applications. In 2010, Whole Energy applied for state funding, which was awarded by …
Fueling the Future Grants Available
Iowa petroleum retailers interested in offering consumers higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel are encouraged to apply for the “Fueling our Future” pilot program to consider applying for cost share funding. A total of $250,000 in federal funds are available through the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Board to support projects that will increase the usage of higher blends of both …
Biodiesel Board: EPA Got it Wrong
The National Biodiesel Board’s (NBB) message to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pretty simple: You got it WRONG! During last week’s hearing on the EPA’s proposed reduction in the amount of biodiesel and ethanol that will be mixed into the country’s fuel supply, Vice President of Federal Affairs for NBB Anne Steckel told those at the hearing that the …
Reaction to RFS Strong at EPA Hearing
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA hearing yesterday drew more than a hundred people from across the country that spoke on behalf of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). There is alarm among the biofuels and agricultural industry with EPA’s proposed RFS rule to lower the renewable fuel volumes in 2014 from 2013. These volumes are even lower when compared to the …
Branstad Makes Impassioned Plea for RFS
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad made an impassioned plea in favor of the current Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and showed no love for what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing for reducing the amount of ethanol and biodiesel to be put into gasoline as originally mandated in the 2007 law. “After decades of efforts to reduce our dependency on foreign …