H-POWER EfW Facility Expansion Completed

Joanna Schroeder

The expansion of the H-Power Energy-from-Waste (EfW) facility in Honolulu is complete. The facility is owned by the city of Honolulu and was designed, built and is operated by Covanta Energy. A third boiler was added increasing the facility’s capacity by 900 tons of municipal solid waste per day, with daily capacity is now at 3,000 tons.

With the completion of the project, all of the island’s post-recycled municipal solid waste is processed. In addition, the EfW plant can produce nearly 90 megawatts of renewable energy each year, which is about eight percent of the island’s total energy needs.

“Covanta is proud of our successful partnership with the City and County of Honolulu. The completed third boiler marks three years of hard work by the Covanta team, and celebrates the innovative thinking of the City and County in making the decision to move forward with this expansion.  The completed project brings a multitude of benefits including increased diversion of waste from landfills, reduction of greenhouse gases, more renewable energy and new jobs that will make a significant impact on Oahu’s economy and energy independence,” said Seth Myones, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Covanta.

The facility is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost one million tons each year due to the avoidance of methane from landfills, the offset of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel electrical production and the recovery of metals for recycling.

“By reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and creating energy from trash, H-POWER benefits the City environmentally and financially,” added Mayor Peter Carlisle. “With the third boiler, we can now divert even more opala from the landfill and continue to emphasize more recycling.”

Electricity, Energy, Waste-to-Energy

CEA Releaess New Energy Future Report

Joanna Schroeder

A “New Energy Future Report” has been released by the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) that focuses on how the U.S. can achieve energy self-sufficiency by 2020. The report reviews the availability of U.S conventional and renewable resources and the polices that will need to be enacted to develop these resources. The report lays out a plan that incorporates elements of both Gov. Romney and President Obama’s state energy policies. It also offers several recommendations to help implement the plans.

“Consumer Energy Alliance believes this report will improve the overall understanding of energy security and the thoughtful development and utilization of our abundant energy resources,” said CEA President David Holt. “Energy policy greatly affects our country, and we believe it is essential that it remains at the forefront of issues under discussion by our elected officials. Our country needs sound energy policy to help maintain stable energy prices for consumers and facilitate economic growth.”

A few highlights of the report include:

  • Expanded energy production in the United States and Canada can create of over 1.4 million jobs and generate nearly $803 billion in government revenues by 2030.
  • In order to significantly and effectively lower U.S. imports of overseas crude, the United States must focus on both decreasing the demand for transportation fuels and increasing North American supply of fuel.
  • CEA believes that North America can achieve “energy self-sufficiency” and close the gap between North American supply and demand where we can meet anywhere between 80 to 95 percent of our energy needs by 2020. This is the next “big thing.”

Holt added, “America is entering the New Energy Future, one that could potentially lead to North American energy self-sufficiency by 2020. Substantial investment in the development of oil and natural gas has buoyed the economy, helping to support millions of jobs, generate billions of dollars in government revenue, and, most significantly, supply millions of consumers with affordable energy.”

Electricity, Energy, Research

ACE Urges EPA to Deny RFS Waiver Requests

Joanna Schroeder

As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) comment period comes to a close prior to their decision on whether or not to grant a waiver for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the American Coalition for Ethanol submitted comments to make the case to keep the RFS in place. The comment deadline is October 11, 2012.

ACE Executive Vice President, Brian Jennings, said, “On behalf of ACE, we urge EPA to deny requests to waive the RFS based on a range of compelling factors, including statutory thresholds for triggering a waiver, precedent established in 2008 when the Agency denied a request by the state of Texas, data which proves waiving the RFS won’t remedy the harm of the drought, existing market conditions, and built-in flexibility which ensures RFS compliance without straining the corn or ethanol marketplace.”

Jennings wrote in the comments, “The economic data and built-in flexibility prove that waiving the RFS would not remedy the harm caused by the drought and would not significantly reduce corn prices or ethanol demand. Waiving the RFS would simply discourage farmers around the world from planting corn, which runs contrary to what the meat and livestock groups supporting the waiver want.”

ACE has been engaging in a grassroots campaign encouraging ethanol supporters to submit comments to the EPA. To date, more than 86 comments from 13 different states have been submitted through ACE’s digital RFS Action Center.

On a wholesale level, Jennings says ethanol is 70 cents cheaper than gasoline, and has been as much as one dollar per gallon less expensive this year. “ACE is confident that after reviewing the facts, EPA will reject the requests to waive the RFS because they fail to meet the criteria set forth by the law.”

ACE, biofuels, Ethanol, RFS

Majority Use Some Cooperative Every Day

Melissa Sandfort

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, ” What cooperatives play a role in your life/business?”

Our poll results: Ten percent said Electric/water/utilities; ten percent said Farm Credit/credit union; five percent said Farm supplies; twenty percent said Energy/biofuels; three percent said Farm commodity; three percent said Other; thirty-five percent said Two or more of the above; and fifteen percent said None.

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What is most important for feeding growing world population?” As of today, it is estimated at a little over 7 billion; by 2050 it is estimated it will be slightly over 9 billion. With a steadily increasing population, how do we feed everyone? What do you think?

ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.

ZimmPoll

Bloomberg U.S. Awarded WindMade Label

Joanna Schroeder

The first news organization in the world, Bloomberg, has been awarded the WindMade certification label for its U.S. operations. WindMade is a global consumer label that identifies companies that use wind energy and other renewables that are certified by UN Global Compact and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). To be considered, a company must obtain at least 25 percent of its electricity from wind power. Bloomberg obtains 58 percent of its electricity from wind power and 25 percent from biomass energy.

“Not only does the label demonstrate our commitment to renewable energy, it provides consumers with the choice to favor companies and products using wind power,” said Curtis Ravenel, Bloomberg’s Global Head of Sustainability. “As both a Founding Partner and the Official Data Provider for WindMade, receiving the WindMade Certification for our operations was the logical next step for us to show our commitment to this very important standard.”

Henrik Kuffner, CEO of WindMade, added, “We are delighted for Bloomberg. By committing to renewable energy and using the WindMade label, Bloomberg has set a great example that will inspire companies and consumers all over the world.”

biomass, Electricity, Energy, Wind

Paseo Biofuels Begins Expansion

Joanna Schroeder

Paseo Biofuels is making plans to expand their biodiesel facility located in Kansas City, Missouri by 40 percent. The plant uses soybean oil as its primary feedstock and currently produces 40 million gallons of biodiesel and 30 million pounds of glycerin each year. The expansion is expected to be completed by March 2013.

“Our partnership with Paseo has gone very well over last four years. Together, we have built an excellent operation that serves many of the major petroleum retailers in the U.S.,” said Cargill Grain and Oilseed Supply Chain North America Business Unit Leader, Mark Stonacek.

The plant went into operations in 2008, and more than 650 agricultural producers have shares in the facility. Paseo Biofuels also has a joint venture with Cargill.

Dale R. Ludwig, the executive director and CEO of Missouri Soybean Associated said the business model is ideal. Having a biodiesel plant co-located with a soybean crushing facility reduces costs and saves time and money.

“I am pleased to see Missouri businesses and our agricultural producers coming together to make a significant capital investment to create new opportunities in the Show-Me State,” said Governor Nixon about the expansion announcement. “This is a partnership that is growing by expanding markets for our farmers and farm families and making renewable, North American energy more accessible. We are glad to have them grow in Missouri.”

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, Soybeans

Cali Senators Call for Cali Gas Price Investigation

Joanna Schroeder

According to a Los Angeles Times article, California Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif) have called for a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into California’s high gas prices. In one week, the per gallon price of gas jumped 50 cents. Fuel analysts attribute the increase to an oil pipeline problem, maintenance procedures, and refinery mishaps.

According to Feinstein, Tesoro Corp. was short of supply last week and fuel sellers required the company to pay near-record wholesale prices. These were passed on to consumers.  Interestingly, fuel stocks are near normal.

While Feinstein called on FTC,  Boxer called on the Justice Department to look into the price hikes. “Californians have too often been victimized as unscrupulous traders have created or taken advantage of supply disruptions to drive up energy prices,” Boxer was quoted in the LA Times.

On Oct. 1, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in California was $4.168 a gallon, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report, and is the highest ever recorded for that day of the year. Since then prices have gone up and as a result, the California Air Resources Board approved the early use of winter fuel blends, which are cheaper than summer fuel blends.

With this announcement, California Advanced Energy Coalition urged the California Air Resources Board to refine fuel regulations in a way that would encourage the use of more low-cost and cleaner-burning fuels, such as ethanol.

“We believe with focus and urgency, dictated by chronically high gasoline prices, California’s regulations should be immediately amended to allow for increased ethanol, in a manner that enhances air quality and lowers gasoline prices,” said Eric McAfee, chief executive of Aemetis Inc., an advanced biofuel producer in Cupertino, Calif., and a member of the coalition.

advanced biofuels, Ethanol

NASCAR Hits Three Million Miles on E15

Cindy Zimmerman

NASCAR race cars powered by a blend of 15% ethanol have now officially passed the three million mile mark.

American Ethanol partner Growth Energy announced the milestone today at the annual National Association of Convenience Stores Show (NACS) in Las Vegas. Austin Dillon, driver of the No. 3 American Ethanol Chevrolet in NASCAR, made an appearance at the event to mark the achievement.

Dillon, who is currently contending for the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship on the strength of two wins, 14 top five and a series-leading 22 top 10 finishes, applauded American Ethanol’s efforts to increase knowledge about renewable fuels. When visiting the Growth Energy booth at the trade show, he said, “since the 2011 racing season, NASCAR drivers have seen a considerable increase in horsepower thanks to Sunoco Green E15. Reaching three million miles on this proven renewable fuel is yet another testament to the quality and value of ethanol – for my fellow American drivers both on and off the track.” NASCAR drivers hit the three million mile threshold in mid-September 2012 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, proving the continued durability and high performance of American-made E15.

In order to increase awareness of ethanol and dispel myths about the renewable domestic fuel, Growth Energy and the National Corn Growers Association formed the American Ethanol partnership with NASCAR in 2011. Over the past two seasons, NASCAR has been powered by a fuel comprised of 15 percent ethanol, made from American-grown corn. The durability and high performance capabilities of E15 have been continuously proven while racing the rigorous conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™, NASCAR Nationwide Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™.

corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Growth Energy, NASCAR, NCGA

Study Indicates RFS Waiver Could Increase Feed Prices

Cindy Zimmerman

On the eve of the deadline for providing comments to the Environmental Protection Agency on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) waiver request, the ethanol industry has released a new study that indicates a waiver could actually increase the cost of feed for livestock and poultry producers.

The analysis, conducted by Cardno-ENTRIX and commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), finds that if a waiver of the RFS resulted in reduced biofuel output, the minor reductions in corn prices would be partially or fully offset by increased prices for other feed ingredients like distillers grains (DDGS) and soybean meal, according to a release from RFA.

“When viewed in the context of changes in the prices for other key feed ingredients such as distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and soybean meal, the change in total net feed costs for livestock, dairy and poultry feeders would either increase slightly or decrease by a negligible amount if a waiver was granted,” according to the study, conducted by economist John Urbanchuk. “This is due to the fact that if a waiver reduced biofuel output, it would also reduce the available supply of DDGS and soybean meal, which would naturally lead to higher prices for those key feed ingredients.”

The analysis shows that if ethanol and biodiesel production were each reduced 500 million gallons in 2013 under a waiver of the RFS, total feed costs would increase 4.1 percent for dairy, 0.8 percent for layers, 0.5 percent for hogs, and 0.2 percent for broilers. For beef cattle, feed costs might fall by just 0.6 percent with a waiver.

These results are corroborated directionally by a recent study by the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri. FAPRI found a 1.3 percent reduction in ethanol output under a waiver could lead to slightly higher distillers grains and soybean meal prices. According to FAPRI, “Lower corn price means lower feed costs for livestock producers, unless offset by slightly higher soybean meal and distillers grains prices.”

Cardno-ENTRIX RFS analysis

Thursday, October 11, is the deadline for providing comments to the Environmental Protection Agency on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) waiver request and stakeholders are urged to make their voices heard before the end of the day tomorrow. More information on how to make comments to EPA can be found at ChooseEthanol.com.

Distillers Grains, Ethanol, Ethanol News, livestock, RFA, RFS

IRFA Gets Words of Support From Romney

Cindy Zimmerman

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) members grabbed the ear of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney for a moment Tuesday and got him to say “I do” – support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and ethanol, that is.

After listening to Governor Romney speak at an Iowa farm, IRFA President Brad Albin with the Renewable Energy Group (REG) and past president Walt Wendland of Golden Grain Energy had a chance to visit briefly with the candidate while shaking hands and thank him for supporting the RFS. Romney responded, “I do support the RFS and ethanol.”

Romney spoke to a crowd of more than 1,000 supporters at the Koch family farm in Van Meter, Iowa on Tuesday to highlight his farm policy initiatives, which include renewable energy. The energy independence section of the candidate’s agriculture white paper notes that “Romney recognizes that biofuels are crucial to America’s energy future and to achieving his goal of energy independence, and he supports maintaining the Renewable Fuel Standard to guarantee producers the market access they have been promised as they continue to move forward.”

IRFA documented Romney’s “I do” on video – watch it here:

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Iowa RFA, politics, RFS, Video