ACE Conference 2026

Ag Secretary Highlights Biofuels During US Ship Visit

John Davis

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack went aboard the USS Monterey at the Naval Station Norfolk to highlight the commitment the military is making to advanced biofuels. He was joined by Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Energy for Navy Tom Hicks.

“Developing the next generation of advanced biofuels for our nation’s military is both a national security issue and aneconomic issue,” said Vilsack. “By utilizing renewable energy produced on American soil, our military forces will become less reliant on fuel that has to be transported long distances and often over supply lines that can be disrupted during times of conflict. Meanwhile, a strong and diverse biofuels industry will support good-paying jobs in rural America that can’t be shipped overseas. Through this joint effort, USDA and the U.S. Navy have the opportunity to create a model for American energy security while ensuring the safety of our troops and the long term viability of our armed forces.”

“Secretary Vilsack’s leadership and the work carried out by USDA on alternative fuel is so critical to the Navy’s efforts to address a critical military vulnerability; our reliance on foreign oil,” stated U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus.

Earlier this summer, the U.S. Navy’s “Great Green Fleet,” a carrier strike group, including aircraft and surface ships, ran on biofuels off the coast of Hawaii as part of the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC). The Navy, USDA and the Department of Energy recently announced $30 million in funding for “drop-in” biofuel substitutes for diesel and jet fuel.

biofuels, USDA

Iowa Teacher Gets Ethanol Rocks Boost

John Davis

The National Corn Growers Association gave an Iowa teacher a bit of a lift in its Ethanol Rocks video contest, an effort to highlight corn ethanol in this country. Mediapolis High School ag instructor and FFA Advisor Alaina Holdgrafer picked up an NCGA backpack filled with goodies, including a Sony HandyCam and a lot of information about ethanol at the recent Farm Progress Show.

“Promoting the Ethanol Rocks video contest at Farm Progress was a great way for NCGA to interest high school and college students in taking part in supporting America’s leading source of domestic renewable fuel,” said Chad Willis, chairman of NCGA’s Ethanol Committee. “The drawing for the video camera, literature on the benefits of ethanol, along with presentations by the Iowa Corn Growers Association, turned Iowa Corn’s booth into the one-stop-shop for information on corn grower contributions to our economy.”

Ms. Holdgrafer was delighted to learn of her windfall. Now that the tools to do so are available, she said she is confident that her students will want to take part in the contest.

The students… and of course, you too… have until 5 p.m. CDT, Monday, October 15 to get in entries for the contest. NCGA wants short videos (2 minutes or less) from active high school and college students that highlight the benefits of ethanol fuel blends to the U.S. environment and economy. First prize receives $1,500 and $500 for second place at each at of the two levels, high school and college. More information is available on the Ethanol Rocks Video Contest website.

corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Farm Progress Show, NCGA

New Billboard Touts E15 to Iowa Motorists

John Davis

A new billbord courtesy of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association introduces E15 to motorists in in Marion, Iowa. This IRFA news release says the new billboard will go up at Linn Co-op Oil Company, the first EPA-approved retailer in Iowa to sell E15 for 2001 and newer vehicles, SUVs, and light-duty trucks.

“We’re excited that we’re only a week away from having E15 available for all 2001 and newer vehicles,” said Lucy Norton, IRFA Managing Director. “It has been a very long time coming and we’re enthusiastic about Linn Co-op’s first-in-the-state status.”

‘The Roads of Iowa will Never be the Same’ is the theme for the campaign that will be extended throughout September to include other media and direct mail. The billboards are a way to introduce E15 to Marion residents by touting the cost-savings and performance benefits of the latest fuel to receive EPA approval. This campaign is being co-sponsored by Iowa Corn Growers.

IRFA points out that the Hawkeye State (or maybe more accurately after this weekend’s game, the “Cyclone State”) is a leader in renewable fuels production with 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing nearly 3.7 billion gallons annually and one new facility under construction and another 3 biodiesel facilities able to produce 320 million gallons annually.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Iowa RFA, News

Teaming Up to Use ShockWave Biodiesel Reactor

John Davis

Biodiesel maker World Energy has teamed up with Hydro Dynamics, Inc., makers of ShockWave Power Reactor (SPR) technology to expand the commercialization of the SPR technology. This Hydro Dynamics news release says the two companies hope to apply the technology worldwide.

Harnessing the power of cavitation, the ShockWave Power Biodiesel Reactor drives the transesterification reaction to completion in seconds. In true continuous or batch systems, the SPR gives biodiesel producers greater feedstock flexibility and the power to achieve consistently superior quality. The SPR can improve processes to reduce monoglycerides and reduce catalyst utilization. First commercialized for use in biodiesel applications at World Energy’s US Biofuels production facility in Rome, Georgia, in 2007 the ShockWave Power technology is now in widespread use throughout the biodiesel industry. With over 400 million gallons of annual reactor capacity already installed, the
ShockWave Power Reactor is setting a new standard for efficient biodiesel production.

World Energy has on site demonstration and training of the SPR technology at its US Biofuels production facility in Rome, GA.

Biodiesel

Jurupa Unified Schools Go Solar

Joanna Schroeder

Another school district has taken advantage of the California Sun. Jurupa Unified School District has completed a 2.7 megawatt solar and energy efficiency program expected to reduce energy costs by nearly 26 percent among 27 school sites. Estimates show that the solar system should save nearly $34 million in energy costs. Solar Photovoltaic panels were mounted on parking and shade structures on nine campuses.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for environmentally sustainable operations at Jurupa Unified School District – one that allows the community to experience the benefits of clean power without negatively impacting limited resources,” said school district Superintendent Elliott Duchon. “We are pleased about the work Chevron Energy Solutions has completed to enable Jurupa Unified School District to bring the benefits of solar energy to our community.”

In addition, old air conditioning units were replaced and the schools upgraded 21,000 light fixtures. The changes to more energy efficient technologies were coupled with an energy education curriculum designed to inspire students to learn about and experience clean energy technologies. Chevron Energy Solutions designed, engineered and installed the solar system. The company also implemented the energy efficiency projects.

“Through this program, Chevron Energy Solutions is helping Jurupa Unified School District demonstrate fiscal and environmental leadership,” said Chevron Energy Solutions President Jim Davis. “The District is investing in sustainable programs designed to deliver ongoing value and improve the learning environment for the community’s students.”

Electricity, Energy, energy efficiency, Solar

Alt Energy Vehicle Roadshow Hits Florida

Joanna Schroeder

The Alternative Fueled Vehicle Roadshow is driving into Florida. Sponsored by Clean Cities North Florida, Clean Cities Gold Coast, Clean Cities Tampa Bay and Clean Cities Central Florida, the eight city tour begins on September 18, 2012 and ends on September 27, 2012. During the event, attendees will learn about options for fueling vehicles with alternative transportation fuels rather than traditional gasoline or diesel. They will also learn about the economic and sustainable benefits of alternative fuels.

Each three hour event is free and will also showcase options for fleet managers and municipalities to save money when powering their vehicles with fuels such as biofuels, propane, natural gas and electricity. Several vehicles on site will be a hybrid Chevy Volt, bi-fuel Ford Fusion, propane-fueled truck, a compressed natural gas (CNG) school bus, and an all electric Nissan Leaf are only a few of the vehicles being showcased.

Following the showcase, attendees can participate in a two hour roundtable presentation featuring 10 speakers who will cover the technologies more in depth. Several Florida state officials will be participating in various events as well as individuals from the Florida Public Service Commission, Florida Department of Agriculture and the Consumer Services’ Office of energy.

The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Click here to get a list of tour locations.

biofuels, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Electric Vehicles, Natural Gas, Propane

TCU Energy Institute Offers Certificate Programs

Joanna Schroeder

TCU Energy Institute is now offering two certificate programs for energy industry professionals and royalty owners. By receiving a certificate of completion through this one-of-a-kind program, graduates can gain the skills needed to project their career path up – to senior management. Both certificate programs will begin on September 24 and be offered in Houston, Texas and San Antonio, Texas.

“Many of our TCU graduates and corporate partners have requested the TCU Energy Institute to develop an advanced energy management certificate program,” said Ken Morgan, director of TCU Energy Institute.

As a result, two programs were created. The first is The Advanced Energy Management Certificate. This certificate is intended to cut the cycle time of development for mid-career managers and professionals who are ready to move up to the next level of responsibility.

The second program, the Royalty Owner Certificate, is endorsed by the National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO), and has been created to educate mineral owners, energy operators and other industry professionals about the basics of leasing minerals, managing mineral assets, lease negotiations and other agreements. Texas has more than one million royalty owners with the advent of new shale plays and breakthrough technologies.

Those interested must apply and TCU Energy Institute says that the program is aimed at attorneys, financial advisors, consultants, engineers, geologists and other professionals who advise and support energy organizations and initiatives. Those accepted will have the ability to network with others in the field while learning critical management skills. Upon completion, graduates will received a formal credential.

Education, Energy

Wind Power & Biodiversity

Joanna Schroeder

In June, over 40 individuals from various European public and private entities came together in Lisbon to discuss how impacts on biodiversity by wind energy projects could be decreased. The result is a series of presentations regarding, “Wind Power and Biodiversity: Tools to Measure, Avoid and Compensate Impacts.” The workshop, organized by EDP, Bio3 and the Fundacion Global Nature, demonstrated to participants practical solutions to real world wind energy problems.

As wind energy gains momentum, so have concerns about its environmental impacts. Experts explained that by following the mitigation hierarchy, environmental aspects can be measured properly and realistically taken into account. The workshop was moderated by António Sá da Costa, president of APREN (Portuguese Renewable Energy Association). Throughout the day, there were 12 presentations and three working groups for a “World Café” discussion session.

Key discussions included:

  • What instruments can be used to measure and quantify impacts on flora and fauna during operation in a cost-effective way? A site and species-specific methodology is needed.
  • How to avoid and minimize the negative effects: Selecting the best location and conducting a proper environmental impact assessment (EIA).
  • When and how can unavoidable impacts be compensated: EIA as an open process.
  • What offset measures can be applied to compensate the negative impacts? How to select target-species, how to conduct habitat management and how to manage prey populations recovery.

The workshop was just one of many initiatives of the European Business and Biodiversity Campaign.

Education, Energy, Environment, Wind

Algae Facility Partners with ReVenture Park

Joanna Schroeder

Renewed World Energies (RWE) has agreed to enter into a partnership with ReVenture Park in Charlotte, North Carolina to develop an algae-to-fuel pilot plant. The Eco-Industrial Park caters to clean energy businesses and will work with RWE to expand its technology from pilot scale to commercial scale. The company is developing different strains of algae that will be utilized to create biofuels as well as health supplements. The pilot facility is expected to be operational September 30, 2012.

There are numerous species of algae and each one has its own unique characteristics. One goal of researchers is to identify and develop strains that are best fits for certain uses, such as to produce jet fuel or for use as a replacement for oil in cosmetics, food and fertilizer. RWE’s system produces algae oil and algae cake, which can be fed as a food supplement to livestock or to make fish feed.

RWE President Richard Armstrong founded his company in South Carolina but chose North Carolina to take it to the next level. “We were attracted to the eco-industrial synergies at ReVenture Park. North Carolina also seems to be more attuned to the renewable fuels, and offers multiple benefits for showcasing new technology.”

ReVenture Park took advantage of nearly 700 acres of abandoned land that was a former textile dye-manufactured site. It is now being transformed into an Eco-Industrial Park focused on research and development of clean technology.

“We are pleased to have struck a deal to have RWE move a facility to ReVenture,” said Tom McKittrick, President Forsite Development. “RWE was attracted to the sites extensive existing infrastructure which then can utilize and there are multiple opportunities for us to collaborate.”

advanced biofuels, algae, biochemicals, biomaterials, Biotech

Teen Cites Family in Winning Biodiesel Essay

John Davis

A Minnesota teenager has cited personal family ties in her winning essay on biodiesel. Morgan Dahl, a 2012 graduate of Greenbush-Middle River High School, won first place in the Reuben Youngerberg Memorial Biodiesel Essay Scholarship, an annual scholarship open to all high school seniors in Minnesota.

In her essay, Dahl talked about being raised on a family century farm and the loss of her grandmother in 2009 to Bronchial Alveolar Carcinoma. While the exact cause of her grandmother’s rare form of non-smoking cancer aren’t known, Dahl said they do know it was something in the air or environment, and she believes “that the use of biodiesel may reduce the risk of being afflicted by cancer or other devastating diseases.”

Dahl, the daughter of Donavon and Laura Dahl of Middle River, Minnesota, will receive a $1,600 check from the American Lung Association in Minnesota, which recognizes biodiesel as a “clean air choice” fuel. She plans to attend the University of North Dakota and seek a degree in Early Childhood Education, with a focus on Special Education.

“I would like to thank the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest for giving me the opportunity to receive this scholarship, and for selecting my essay as the first place winner,” Dahl said. “The scholarship will definitely help pay for my college expenses. It truly means a lot to me.”

Second-place essayist Laura Winters, a recent graduate of Schaeffer Academy in Rochester, Minn. receives a $500 award. Her compelling argument for biodiesel pointed out that too much imported petroleum comes from areas of the world that are either unstable or unfriendly to the U.S., and “it seems prudent and logical to decrease our dependence on them for a product that is vitally important to our infrastructure.”

The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council sponsors contest, with additional contributions from the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, MEG Corp, National Biodiesel Board and the Renewable Energy Group.

Biodiesel