Despite increased demand for biodiesel, makers of the green fuel are having a tougher time making a profit. This article from Reuters says sales of American biodiesel tripled last year to about 250 million gallons and will go even higher next year. But the success has been a double-edged sword: [T]he sales jumps have had the side effect of helping …
The Vicious Cycle of Irony
Increased demand for biodiesel has meant an increased demand for biodiesel plants… which has increased demand for feedstocks such as soybeans… which has pushed up the price for soybeans… which has hurt the operation of the biodiesel plants. That’s irony, right? Some biodiesel plants are starting to feel the negative effects of the surge that brought them to life in …
Tyson, Syntroleum Biodiesel to Keep Air Force Flying
Tyson and Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Syntroleum have formed a company called Dynamic Fuels that will make jet fuel out of animal fat. This article on the cleantech.com web site says the two will turn 2.3 billion pounds of animal fat into 75 million gallons of biodiesel a year: Tyson announced that it would build the first biodiesel plant under its venture …
Biofuel Makers Want Changes to Farm Credit Rules
Leaders in Iowa’s renewable energy field are asking Congressional leaders to change federal law so Farm Credit would be allowed to make loans to build ethanol and biodiesel plants that do not have a majority of farmer-stockholders as owners. This story in Wallaces Farmer says they’ve sent a letter to both of Iowa’s U.S. Senators, Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin, …
EU, NBB Face Off over Tax Credit
Lobbyists for the European Union and the National Biodiesel Board have been working Congress hard over the issue of tax credits. This article from The Hill.com says EU officials say the tax credit just allows American biodiesel to be dumped in Europe while the NBB argues the incentives are needed to support the alternative fuel: At issue are increased U.S. …
Chrysler Gives Grant to Alt. Energy Company
Chrysler has handed out a $150,000 grant to alternative energy incubator company NextEnergy. This story on the Detroit News web site says the two Detroit-based companies are collaborating on several projects, including the National Biodiesel Energy Lab, which is developing standards for biodiesel used in vehicles: “This grant is an extension of Chrysler’s commitment to being a good neighbor,” said …
Biodiesel By-products for the Kitchen
By-products of the biodiesel production process from Imperium Renewables’s Grays Harbor, WA refinery are going into some countertops. This story in the Grays Harbor (WA) The Daily World says Paneltech International is using recycled paper with some kind of resin product from Imperium: Paneltech president Roy Nott said the goal is to create a petroleum-free resin to produce its countertops …
Using Green Fuel to Move Snow
Maryland’s State Highway Administration will be moving those white snowdrifts off the gray concrete of the state’s roads running on the green fuel of biodiesel. This story on the Examiner.com web site says it’s part of the state’s annual gearing up for winter: SHA’s fleet will use biodiesel fuel in all its trucks this year. Each tank will contain 5 …
New Holland Supports Use of 100% Biodiesel
Farm implement maker New Holland announced today that it supports the use of 100 percent biodiesel in all equipment with New Holland-manufactured diesel engines. That would include electronic injection engines with common rail technology. This press release from the company says it will help give customers a wider choice of equipment that uses the green fuel: Overall, nearly 80% of …
Veto Override Gains Approval of Biodiesel Feedstock Growers
Congress’s override of President Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which authorizes much-needed improvements to waterways that are vital to the transport of U.S. soybeans, has gained the praise of at least one growers group of the biodiesel feedstock. The Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) is applauding the House of Representatives’ 361-54 override vote and the Senate’s 79-14 …