Twelve grants totaling $25 million were awarded today by Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson as part of the state’s “Farm to Fuel” initiative. “We believe that awards such as these are critical in triggering the development of a renewable energy industry in Florida,” Bronson said. “With the backing of and an investment from the state, we’re …
Biofuels Dominating Renewable Energy Patents
Patents for biofuels dominated renewable energy patents in 2007… outdistancing patents for solar and wind combined. According to this article on cleantech.com, since 2001, nearly 2,800 biofuel patents were published in the U.S. with 1,045 of those coming in 2007 alone. That compares to 555 for solar and 282 for wind power last year. Overall, the number of patents for …
“Fields of Fuel” Debut at Sundance
A documentary about biofuels makes its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah this week. “Fields of Fuel” is directed by Josh Tickell, who also wrote “Biodiesel America,” which was introduced at the 2006 Biodiesel Conference. Tickell is a long-time advocate of biodiesel who became known for his “Veggie Van” tours in the late 1990’s. While his main …
Promoting Biofuels in Indiana
Indiana corn and soybean growers are helping to promote biofuels awareness in their state in a number of ways. For one, the corn growers have partnered with the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) on a billboard and radio campaign in major Indiana cities aimed at informing consumers that all automakers approve the use of 10 percent ethanol-enriched fuel. The …
Renewable Energy Investments Up 50% in 2007
Venture capital (VC) investments in renewable energy sources, including solar, biodiesel, and ethanol (among others) hit $3.4 billion… up a whopping 50 percent over investments in green energy ventures in 2006. This story from RenewableEnergyAccess.com has more information: Investment in solar was more than $1.05 billion in more than 70 financing rounds. Investment in battery technology came to $433.9 Million …
Ethanol Boosts Bottom Line for Farmers
According to a Reuters poll done this week U.S. farmers overwhelmingly said they have benefited from the demand for corn to produce ethanol, with 71 percent of those surveyed saying the renewable fuel has helped boost their bottom line. The poll also showed that 90 percent of those farmers said they would not reduce their corn plantings this year because …
2008 Could Be Year of E85
2008 is shaping up to be the “Year of E85.” Ethanol Promotion and Information Council Marketing Director Reece Nanfito was at the media preview for the big auto show in Detroit this week where big announcements were made regarding ethanol and ethanol-powered vehicles. The “Fill up, Feel Good” podcast is available to download by subscription (see our sidebar link) or …
Biomass Conference Slated for April
Minneapolis, Minnesota will play host to the International Biomass ’08 Conference and Trade Show… a three-day gathering on April 15th-17th to look at the potential and future of biofuels produced from biomass. Biofuel producer and consultant BBI International is the host for the event that includes: Conference Features International Panel This panel will cover the opportunities and challenges of biomass …
Romney’s Stance on Renewables
It looks like former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will win the Michigan primary. So, as I have done for other candidates as they have won caucuses and primaries, I’m posting some of the winner’s thoughts on renewable energy. From the Romney campaign web site: Invest In Research. Dramatically increase federal spending on research, development, and demonstration projects that hold promise …
Iowa to Hold 2nd Renewable Fuels Summit
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is inviting everyone to its 2nd Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit, January 31st, 2008 at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines, Iowa. Activities begin at 1:00 p.m. and run through 5:30 p.m. and include: * Keynote speaker Governor Chet Culver will share his vision for maintaining Iowa’s first-in-the-nation status in renewable fuels. * …