An integrated food, energy and forest business, CleanStar Mozambique, has gone online. Located in Dondo, the ethanol component of the facility will produce fuel from cassava, sourced from the local communities. The cooking fuel will be sold to residents of Maputo. American-based ICM, who has experience with food and fuel integrated biorefineries, helped to design and construct the plant. Last …
Next Steps for E15
The Nebraska Corn Board recently hosted some meetings, sponsored by the Blend Your Own (BYO) ethanol campaign, to discuss the roll-out of E15. Nearly 75 people attended the meetings ranging from producers, fuel retailers and petroleum marketers to representatives of the ethanol and agricultural industries. Director of Market Development for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Robert White, offered information on the next …
New Sorghum Renewables Program Director Named
John Duff has been named renewables program director for The United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP). Duff, a native of Levelland, Texas, has previously served as an intern for U.S. Representatives Randy Neugebauer and Kevin Brady, as well as with Combest, Sell and Associates. Duff also held an internship for USDA’s Economic Research Service where he managed data on a project …
Republicans Tell Military to Stop Buying Clean Energy
This week Republicans, led by Rep. Conaway, submitted a proposal that will prohibit the Defense Department from buying alternative fuels that cost more than traditional fuels. This has come at a time when the Defense Department is moving full speed ahead with the testing of renewable fuels in various military equipment including planes, boats, helicopters, and other military vehicles. The …
API Says EPA Jumped the Gun on E15
The American Petroleum Institute (API) has publicly said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jumped the gun on giving approval for the use of E15. Jack Gerard, President and CEO of API told reporters that testing by the Coordinating Research Council showed that use of E15 – gasoline with 15 percent ethanol – could harm car and truck engines, potentially …
Study: Ethanol Lowers Iowa Gas Prices
According to a new study released by the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), ethanol lowers gas prices in Iowa by at least $1.69 per gallon. This saves the average Iowa family $2,363 per year on gas. What could you use your savings to buy? Fuel, lodging and fun for an Orlando family vacation or 262 movie tickets. “Bolstering …
Report Raises Concerns Over Biomass Production
A new report from Carbon Trade Watch, “Nothing Neutral Here: Large-scale biomass subsidies in the UK and the role of the EU ETS,” is sounding alarms over the UK’s move to increase biomass consumption as part of its green economy plans. Earlier this month, Brazilian Suzano Papel e Celulose received approval for what is believed to be the most advanced …
Emerald Biofuels to Produce Green Diesel
Honeywell has announced a deal to license it’s technology to Emerald Biofuels LLC to produce Honeywell Green Diesel at its facility in Louisiana. Emerald will use Honeywell’s UOP / Eni Ecofining process technology to produce an estimated 85 million gallons per year of green diesel using non-edible second-generation oils and animal fats. The green diesel is chemically identical to petroleum-based …
REG Financials Strong
REG, America’s largest biodiesel producer, came out strong in its first quarter financials. Earlier this year, REG had a very successful public offering. For the quarter ending March 31, 2012 revenues were $188.2 million, an increase of 80 percent compared to revenues of $104.4 million for the same period in 2011. When adjusting for EBITDA, revenues were $12.7 million, an …
New Tool for Energy Efficiency Education
For those looking to learn more about energy efficiency, a new educational site has launched: MyEnergyGateway.org. Hosted by the Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP) Foundation. The site was created to become a library of training programs, degrees and certifications that focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, green and alternative energy. In addition, visitors will also be able to research information …