Just as ethanol producers have been able to market the co-product dried distillers grains (DDGs) as livestock feed, those folks producing algae for biodiesel want to find more uses for what’s leftover once you get the fuel out. “The Departments of Energy and Defense have been interested in producing biofuels, both jet fuels and transportation fuels from algae,” Texas A&M’s …
Soybean Association Asks Candidates About Biodiesel
As I noted in the most recent Domestic Fuel Cast, neither President Barack Obama or former Governor Mitt Romney get too specific when talking about renewable energy (ethanol was mentioned just once by name during their three debates in October, and biodiesel seemed to be just about as absent). But that doesn’t mean they won’t mention these things when directly …
Iowa Biodiesel Production Remains Strong
Biodiesel production in Iowa remained strong during the 3rd quarter according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). Figures released by the Iowa Department of Revenue show that 10 Iowa biodiesel plants claimed tax credits on more than 44.2 million gallons of biodiesel produced from July 2012 through September 2012. Several of the biodiesel plants have reached the tax credit …
Meet the Who’s Who at NBB Conference
There are more than 10 reasons to attend the National Biodiesel Board’s Conference: Momentum, and here is reason number 5: Meet People. This conference marks the 20th Anniversary of the event and is still the place to meet and greet the real players in the biodiesel industry. The event is being held in Las Vegas (how apropos they would offer …
Free Biodiesel Workshop in Sioux Falls
The American Lung Association in South Dakota is hosting a free workshop on biodiesel on Friday, Oct. 26th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ramada Inn & Suites at 1301 W Russell Street in Sioux Falls. The event is part of National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day Odyssey (www.AFVDayOdyssey.org), a biennial event to promote the use of alternative fuel …
REG Breaks Ground on Plant Expansion
The country’s largest biodiesel producer, Renewable Energy Group (REG), has broken ground on the expansion to its biodiesel plant in Glenville, Minnesota. A groundbreaking ceremony was held and many biofuel supporters from across the state and the local community were on hand for the event. The upgrade is estimated to cost $20 million. “No matter who we’ve talked to, the …
Tractor Pulling with Biodiesel
The National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) is going to help promote biodiesel to its fans with the help of the United Soybean Board (USB). Beginning next season, all tractors will use B100 (100 percent biodiesel) in all pulling classes. The goal of the program is to increase biodiesel use among farmers, truck drivers and other diesel users who are a …
Soy Energy in Mason City Suspends Operations
Soy Energy, a 30 million gallon per year biodiesel plant in Mason City, Iowa announced it will be temporarily suspending production and that some employees will be impacted. Iowa has 13 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 320 million gallons of biodiesel per year. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following comment: “First, our …
LCFS Would Benefit Minnesota
According to a recent study from Political Economy Research Institute, a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) in Minnesota would have a positive environmental and economic impact. The paper, “The Employment Impacts of a Low- Carbon Fuel Standard for Minnesota,” studied the employment impacts of three different scenarios both to 2021 and further to 2035. In each situation, employment is measured …
Biodiesel – The Fuel That Pays for School
For one lucky Minnesota high school senior, biodiesel is going to be the fuel that pays for school. The $1,000 Clean Air Choice Biodiesel Scholarship will be awarded to the student who writes the best 1,000 word essay about the benefits of biodiesel to Minnesota. The second place winner will be given a $500 scholarship. The scholarship that was announced …