The new year brings talk of new legislation for the ethanol and biodiesel industries. In this edition of the Domestic Fuel Cast, we talk to some of the leaders of the green fuels’ industries, as well as the head of the nation’s largest farm organization, to get their takes on what should be coming from Washington, D.C. as far as …
St. Louis Metro Area Buses Running on Biodiesel
Some new buses in the St. Louis metro area will be running on biodiesel. The St.Louis Post Dispatch reports Madison County Transit, just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis proper, is now using 50 new, biodiesel-burning buses to replace part of its aging fixed-route bus fleet: They cost about $400,000 each and their purchase was made possible by federal …
Companies Cite Biodiesel Incentive Renewal for Merger
The renewal of the federal $1-a-gallon biodiesel tax break is being cited as one of the reasons for the merger of two companies set to produce the green fuel. Ohio-based Environmental Quality Management, Inc., a provider of environmental services, and Texas biodiesel producer Beacon Energy Holdings, Inc. have announced in this press release a definitive merger agreement, expected to close …
OriginOil Moves Forward in Algae-to-Biodiesel Test
Last month, I told you about how algae-to-biodiesel developer OriginOil, Inc. had decided to go to Australia to test its algae oil extraction process with partner MBD Energy. Today, I received an update from OriginOil that it has received the first commercial order to deploy its algae oil extraction system in an industrial setting: MBD Energy (MBD) recently committed to …
Former Senator is Biofuels Convert
Former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania was never a believer in ethanol, biodiesel and other forms of renewable energy until one devastating day in American history. “I looked at this issue differently, until 9/11,” the senator said during an address at the Iowa Renewable Fuels (IRFA) Summit in Des Moines on Tuesday. “To me, 9/11 changed the game as we …
Canola Biodiesel-Powered Jet Car Heading to Vegas
A jet car that runs on biodiesel made from canola is expected to be featured in one of the premier car shows later this year. Western Canada’s PortageOnline.com reports the Prairie Gold, owned by Kevin and Gwen Therres of Prairieland Motorsports, produces 7,500 horsepower and can make it up to 254 miles per hour in a quarter mile (see some …
Biodiesel, Ethanol on Sidelines in State of the Union
Just like a year ago, proponents of biodiesel and ethanol must be wondering if their green fuels were part of President Barack Obama’s “clean energy” comments in this year’s State of the Union address. Meanwhile, solar, nuclear and electric vehicle advocates have to be feeling pretty good about themselves as they received specific shout-outs during the hour-long speech. Appearing before …
Demand for Glycerin to Keep Pace with Supply
As the production of biodiesel is expected to grow with (finally!) the renewal of the federal $1-a-gallon tax credit and the new Renewable Fuels Standard requiring 800 million gallons of biomass-based diesel to be blended this year is implemented, the amount of glycerin is expected to also climb, possibly flooding the market. But this article from Biodiesel Magazine says many …
Iowa Economy Powered by Renewable Fuels
Iowa is an undisputed leader in renewable fuels production and that is extremely good for the state’s economy At the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit in Des Moines on Tuesday, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) released a new study detailing the positive benefits that provides for Iowa. According to the report, the renewable fuels industry, both ethanol and biodiesel, accounts …
RAND Says Alt Fuels Out, Coal & Biomass In, for Military
RAND National Defense Research Institute has released a study today amidst a firestorm of criticism with many claiming that the report sounds like an advertisement for the coal industry. The study, commissioned by the Department of Defense, was to conduct an examination of alternative fuels for military applications. For the past several years, the military has been testing alternative fuels, …