As talks are beginning in Rome about the factors behind and solutions to world food price inflation, Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen called on world leaders attending the summit to consider the issue in its entirety. “Addressing issues of food security is a matter of great importance that cannot be taken lightly. As world leaders meet in Rome this …
USDA Chief to Defend Biofuels at UN Summit
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Shafer is defending biofuels ahead of next week’s United Nations conference that will address the growing world food crisis. This story in the New York Times says Shafer is taking a stand that biodiesel and ethanol are making a minimum contribution to any price hikes in food worldwide while making a major contribution to extending …
Solar Power in Spain
Another 8.7 megawatts of solar energy is now available in Spain. SunPower Corp. has opened two new solar-electric power plants in Llerena and Lebrija. The solar power plant constructed by SunPower in Llerena is 4.8 megawatts; the plant in Lebrija is 3.9 megawatts. In Spain, SunPower has completed or has signed contracts to deliver solar power plants totaling more than …
EU Asking Biodiesel Questions
The European Union wants more information about U.S. subsidies on biodiesel. The inquiry stems from a European Biodiesel Board (EBB) complaint at the end of April that American subsidies were unfair trade practices (see my April 25th post). Now, according to this Reuters story, the EU is formally looking into the EBB charges: “The Commission is in contact with the …
Sustainable Ethanol in Sweden
Many critics of ethanol argue that it takes too much fuel to produce the alternative fuel. In fact, one reader made a comment stating that very idea just yesterday on the “An EPIC Salute at Indy 500” post. Well, SEKAB, a Swedish biofuel producer, says it has now introduced the world’s first fully sustainable ethanol. Swedish SEKAB today announced that …
Canada Ag Minister Defends Biodiesel, Ethanol
Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is blasting those opposing a proposed mandate for biofuels in the country. This story from the Lloydminster (Alberta, Canada) Meridian Booster has more details: Ritz defended the plan in the House of Commons against criticism from the New Democratic Party, which once supported the use of biofuels but has switched its position. The bill would …
Alternative Fuels and Vehicles in Vegas
We are just days away from the Alternative Fuels & Vehicles National Conference + Expo in Vegas. The four-day event boasts 200 speakers and 2,000 registrants, which includes representatives from the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council. Alternative fuels and advanced transportation technologies will be featured in the largest industry event of its kind in the world. The 14th annual conference …
DuPont Powers Solar Plant in Hong Kong
Hong Kong and Shenzhen will be homes to two new DuPont research centers. DuPont will use the new facilities for continued development of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy. DuPont expects growth in the photovoltaic market to exceed 30 percent in each of the next several years. The company has made significant investments in product development and capacity expansions to help keep …
Ryan Has High Hopes for “Home” Race
Team Ethanol Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay knows that the ethanol industry started here, in the nation’s heartland. That’s why he fondly refers to the Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 as a “home” race. He knows that the Midwest is where most of ethanol production begins. He said a high finish for today’s race at the Kansas Speedway would be a great start …
Rahal Shares in Pre-Race Excitement
Earlier today, Bobby Rahal addressed the members of EPIC who came out to enjoy the Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300. Rahal said he felt good about today’s race and he was confident in Team Ethanol Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay, despite the tendency for crowding out on the Kansas Speedway’s 1.5 mile oval. There’s already been three delays due to Indy cars bumping …