New Energy Farms Announces Development of CEEDS

New Energy Farms (NEF) has developed a revolutionary new method of propagating energy grasses that will reduce farmer establishment costs by 50 percent or more.

Cost effective scaling of perennial energy grasses such as Miscanthus, Arundo donax and energy cane has previously inhibited expansion. NEF has developed a new planting product for vegetative energy crops called CEEDS. These are small capsules that are established using automatic min till or no-till planters, like seed. The process applies to a number of energy grasses and is currently being evaluated by companies in the U.S. and Canada. The existing range of NEF energy crops will be available in the CEEDS format commencing from 2013 to 2014 depending on the cultivar and region.

“The focus was to make establishing vegetative energy crops as easy as other arable crops, to do this we started to look how to reverse engineer a seed, and the result was CEEDS,” says Dean Tiessen, president of New Energy Farms.

“CEEDS represents a step forward in energy crop establishment; that has been many years in the development, but solves all the issues that have previously made scaling energy crops difficult,” adds Dr. Paul Carver, CEO New Energy Farms.

The CEEDS planting system works alongside the NEF energy crop plantation management system, Biomass Direct to provide a farm to end user service for our customers.

The main advantages of CEEDS are
• New cultivars can be bulked up to market volumes 3 times faster.
• Establishment cost for crops like Miscanthus can be reduced by over 50 percent.
• Min / No till, fully automatic precision planting (no planting staff required).
• Substantially lower cost of planting, less ground cultivation.
• Reduction by up to 80% in transport logistics for planting material.
• Greater vigor after planting, more shoots produced.
• This system delivers the maximum yield from a cultivar.
• Makes planting energy grasses as simple as drilling conventional arable crops.

advanced biofuels, bioenergy, biomass

Has Your Business Considered Using Pinterest

Chuck Zimmerman

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Do you prefer corn sugar to high fructose corn syrup?” In what is a first for our poll, the response was split evenly! See the chart below.

Recently the FDA denied a request from the Corn Refiners Association to allow food labels to use the term corn sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. Nutritionally, there is no difference in regular table sugar and HFCS so I don’t see why FDA ruled like they did. Their reasoning had to do with their definition of sugar as a crystalline solid. This is basically a public relations war over words since the “problem” with either cane or corn sugar is how much someone consumes. Nothing wrong with cane sugar or corn sugar, regardless what you call it, in my opinion. I like them both. Apparently consumers like HFCS better according to this story. What do you think? We like all uses of corn and sweetener is one of them as well as ethanol!

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Does your business have an interest in Pinterest?” This online pinboard is now being used by political campaigns to target key demographics. Even President Obama’s wife is using it! Seems like there might be some good reason for agribusinesses, farm and food groups to start pinning away. How about it biofuels groups? Are you using it to help educate the public?

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

ZimmPoll

Making the Deserts Bloom with Biofuels

John Davis

After spending the past year in the desert myself, I can tell you personally that the prospect of seeing ANYTHING growing, whether it is a plant or animal, is quite a highly anticipated event. And being in that desert far from home really helped bring home how much this country needs domestically produced fuels. That’s why this story from the U.S. Geological Survey’s blog caught my eye. Researchers, such as the USGS’s Sasha Reed (pictured below), are looking at how to get the most out of biofuel production in the arid regions of the American Southwest, while preserving the fragile environment…

“Even renewable energy has consequences, and we want decision makers to have the data available to make informed decisions about incorporating a variety of energy sources into our national energy portfolio,” Reed says…

…Reed and her colleagues are using a two-pronged approach to unravel the biofuel potential of the American Southwest. First, they are using remote sensing and modeling to help determine the amount of energy that could be added to our national energy portfolio by biofuel production. Second, they are using biogeochemistry to assess how different approaches to biofuel development will affect greenhouse gas emissions, water availability and quality, air quality, and soil fertility and stability.

Obviously, in the desert, water is a big concern. Trying to find ways to reduce the amount of water taken away from helping hold soil in place (which, without that water creates a whole new problem… DUST!) is a large part of the focus of Reed’s work. She says more dust has a compounding effect, such as making snow melt faster, which leads to water shortages in areas of the Southwest. The hope is this USGS work will give land managers and policy makers more information to make better decisions about when, where and how to produce biofuels in those desert areas.

algae, Biodiesel, biofuels

Biodiesel Board’s Weber on Biomass R&D Committee

John Davis

A man well-known to the biodiesel community will be taking his seat on a top-level, federal government committee looking at helping the rural economy, while making the country more energy secure.

Alan Weber, who has served as a consultant on new resources for biodiesel for the National Biodiesel Board and vice president of Missouri-based MARC-IV Consulting, has been tapped to serve on the USDA’s and U.S. Department of Energy’s Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee.

The prestigious committee helps USDA and DOE in meeting important goals of a healthier rural economy and improved national energy security. Weber will advise the agencies on overcoming technical challenges through research and development that will lead to a greatly expanded biobased industry.

Weber has been involved with biodiesel for more than 20 years, helping establish the NBB’s Washington, DC office. He’s a master’s graduate of the Agricultural Economics program at the University of Missouri, where he served as a program director for industrial uses from renewable resources.

Biodiesel, NBB

Biodiesel Becomes Key Part of Mechanic Training

Joanna Schroeder

It won’t be long before mechanics across the U.S. know all about biodiesel. The National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) has awarded the Automotive Service Excellence accreditation to NBB Biodiesel for Diesel Technicians curriculum. The curriculum was created to provide technically sound information to mechanics about biodiesel and eliminate misperceptions.

“We are delighted to have the National Biodiesel Board as an accredited training organization; it is important to have good technical information to educate the next generation of diesel technicians in advanced biofuels,” said Dave Milne, President of the Automotive Training Managers Council, a division of ASE.

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) says greater acceptance and knowledge of biodiesel will help all Americans enjoy the benefits of the renewable fuel.

Rachel Burton, a diesel technician who leads the NBB program and has trained more than 300 instructors said, “NBB had the foresight to recognize that educating diesel technicians early is critical to its mission of increasing public acceptance of biodiesel, a relatively new fuel. Knowledge is power.”

The NBB program has had a partnership with Universal Technical Institute, a leading provider of entry-level technicians, since 2009. Technicians who take the course may receive Continuing Education Credits and for those taking classes in a college setting, the course may count for credits towards a degree.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, biofuels

Europe Set to Dominate in Solar Power

Joanna Schroeder

Europe is sitting pretty to dominate in the use of solar power. The solar industry is expected to grow up to 150GWp by 2020. According to a report by McKinsey, “Solar power: Darkest before dawn,” the solar industry is entering a period of maturation. Over the next few years, this will lead to more stable and expansive growth for companies that can manage costs while still being innovative.

Germany is the global leader in solar power accounting for more than a third of the world’s photovoltaic capacity. The country is also positioned well for growth as McKinsey cites five key areas of growth: off-grid, residential and commercial in sun-rich areas, isolated grids, peak capacity in growth markets and large-scale power plants. Strategies for success in these areas and others will be topics of discussion during the Intersolar Europe that kicked off on June 11, 2012.

“Those companies who survive the current consolidation wave will experience a bright future. Especially the rooftop segment and downstream business models are expected to drive the industry forward,” said Tobias Rothacher, photovoltaic industry expert at Germany Trade & Invest in Berlin.

Darkest before dawn reports that the industry is suffering from growing pains as demand is expected to increase between 400 to 600 GWp by 2020 even with the reduction or end of tax credits. This upward trend is especially creating opportunities for companies who offer comprehensive design, installation and service packages.

“Germany has supported own consumption of solar power for years. The coming grid parity era is ushering in an era of new business opportunities,” added Rothacher. We expect Germany to continue to be the top business location, as innovations and industry standards are developed here.”

Electricity, Energy, Solar

Wind Farm in Oklahoma Secures Financing

Joanna Schroeder

The 235 mW Chisholm View wind project in Garfield and Grant Counties, Oklahoma has secured nearly $220 million in project financing. Enel Green Power North America and EFS Chisholm, LLC signed a capital contribution agreement with a syndicate led by J.P. Morgan. Funds will be released during the 4th Quarter of 2012 subject to the achievement of several requirements and at this time, a tax equity agreement will be signed by the parties. There is already a long-term purchase agreement in place for the energy produced by the wind farm.

Under U.S. law, tax equity agreements allocate tax benefits from renewable energy generation companies to passive investors. The syndicate will be providing funds to the project in return for an equity interest with voting rights in the Chisholm View wind project.

Francesco Starace, Enel Green Power CEO and General Manager, said: “We are pleased about the closing of this agreement, which further demonstrates the Group’s commitment to North America. Enel Green Power has a diversified footprint in this region, in which we mainly operate hydro, wind, geothermal as well as solar capacity. We wish to expand this capacity further by leveraging on such a multi-technology approach, which, along with a presence in 16 countries, makes EGP unique in the global renewables scenario.”

Electricity, Energy, Wind

Ethanol Discussed at Clinton Global Initiative

Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis recently participated in a working group on clean fuels and transportation, emphasizing the important role of ethanol as a domestically produced energy. This occurred as leaders from across the United States gathered at the Clinton Global Initiative to discuss some of today’s most challenging problems.

During the working group, Buis highlighted the importance of American ethanol and the multifaceted benefits of a clean burning, domestically produced renewable fuel.

“Ethanol is not a political issue, it is an American one,” Buis said. “Ethanol is a true American success story and we must continue to educate the public about the tremendous benefits of ethanol. This is a domestically produced American fuel that creates jobs, stimulates our economy, revitalizes rural areas and reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and I am proud to share that message with the leaders gathered here at the Clinton Global Initiative.”

Currently, the ethanol industry supports more than 500,000 jobs, and in 2011 alone, contributed approximately $50 billion to our national gross domestic product. Today, ethanol makes up 10 percent of our nation’s fuel supply, with the ability to contribute more. As the industry awaits final clearance to introduce E15, a 15 percent blend of ethanol, into to the marketplace for consumers, estimates show an additional 136,000 jobs would be created when E15 becomes commercially available.

“We have the ability to greatly reduce our addiction to foreign oil and create jobs right here in America that cannot be outsourced,” said Buis. “By adding Flex Pumps and Flex Fuel vehicles, Americans can fill up their tanks and know that they are supporting the American economy, instead of sending their hard earned dollars overseas.”

Buis also highlighted the critical role the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) plays in the continued success of the ethanol industry. The RFS is the first major American energy policy implemented since the first OPEC oil embargos. In 2005, the year the RFS was first implemented, the U.S. was importing 60.3 percent of its oil, and in 2011 that number had dramatically dropped to 45 percent.

Ethanol, Growth Energy

TransFerm Yeast Product Available

Joanna Schroeder

Mascoma Corporation has released a yeast product for the ethanol industry called TransFerm that is being joint marketed by Lallemand Ethanol Technology. The product is derived using the Mascoma Grain Technology (MGT) platform. TransFerm is a drop-in substitute for fermenting yeast that according to Lallemand lowers costs for corn ethanol producers because it eliminates the need to purchase enzymes currently used in production.

“The ability of TransFerm(TM) to enhance ethanol production, combined with the complementary capabilities of our two companies, positions us for a successful commercial launch of this product,” said Bill Nankervis, President of Lallemand’s Specialty Division.

Nine corn ethanol producers participated in commercial-scale trials and produced nearly 50 million gallons of ethanol.

“We are well positioned to continue the successful commercialization of TransFerm(TM) and transform enzyme delivery in first generation ethanol,” added Bill Brady, President and CEO of Mascoma. “The commercial agreements we have in place with ethanol producers, as well as the commercial-scale trials already underway provide us with a strong foundation from which to grow.”

Ethanol

ImagineSolar CEO Speaks on Industry Careers

Speaking on the opening day of the 38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC), Austin Solar Day, Michael Kuhn, CEO of ImagineSolar, said the solar and smart grid industries are launching an expanding wave of new technologies and business models that are disruptive to the traditional energy industry.

The IEEE PVSC is the premier technical conference covering all aspects of PV technology from basic material science to installed system performance. Kuhn presented what is happening in the solar and smart grid industries, what is creating their growth, and what career opportunities are available now. He gave an overview of several solar career pathways. He also spoke about diverse career opportunities being created as the smart grid is implemented across the nation.

“There is a need for specialized training and continuing education to stay on top of this wave,” Kuhn said. “Career opportunities in this field are available to everyone including engineers, electricians, entrepreneurs, and other professionals.”

The solar industry has grown significantly over the past decade as the shift from nonrenewables is ugmented by the vision of a sustainable future in the U.S. The solar industry boasts a job growth rate of 6.8% annually, compared to the national employment growth rate of 0.7% (Source: The National Solar Jobs Census 2011).

Solar career opportunities include installation, production, design, sales, marketing and more. The smart grid offers new career avenues for those in information technologies, software, energy, wireless/telecom, finance, contracting, and consumer products. A CABA research study projects that by 2015, the smart grid will be approaching a $10 billion industry in North America. In 2010 it was worth only $5.6 billion. High-tech training in these clean energy careers is paramount.

View Michael Kuhn’s entire presentation.

conferences, Solar