Planting Corn

Chuck Zimmerman

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “With all of the discussion on projected corn acres this year, how many acres of corn do you expect to plant this year?” A full third of respondents said More than 2,000 acres. That was followed by less than 200 acres at 27%; 200-500 acres at 23%; 1,501-2,000 at 7%; 1,001-1,500 at 7% and 501-1,000 at 3%. Looks like we have a wide cross section of corn growers in the ZimmComm News Network community!

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Should raw milk be allowed for sale?” This week’s question is prompted by one of the panelists here at the 2012 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit. She is a reporter with a food safety publication who says that this issue is the one that gets the most comments and response of any other. Seems people get pretty passionate about their beliefs when it comes to milk. Raw milk is still the suspect in an E. Coli breakout with 14 confirmed cases in central Missouri that put a couple of people in the hospital. What do you think?

Let your friends and neighbors know they can participate by sharing this link.

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

corn, ZimmPoll

SDSU Students Capture Gold

Joanna Schroeder

Students at San Diego State University (SDSU) have captured gold – gold as in the sun. The students have helped to install a solar array on one of its busiest student facilities on campus.  The Aztec Recreation Center (ARC), managed by the SDSU student government, Associated Students, is the home of the second largest solar array on campus.  When students now enter the ARC, they can watch, real-time- a monitor tracking the solar energy output.

“This project represents the student led initiative for sustainability on campus,” said Morgan Chan, Sustainability Commissioner of Associated Students, “Sustainability is important to the students, the size of this project and the great savings we will have because of the new solar array really stands out to people within the Associated Students and the larger University community as well.”

In the Spring of 2008, a student-introduced referendum was passed to raise funds for the solar project, along with other sustainable upgrades and programming. Sullivan Solar Power designed and installed 250, 115-Watt solar photovoltaic panels using Sharp solar panels manufactured in the U.S.  It is estimated the solar system prevents 11,314,002 pounds of CO2 from being emitted over the next 20 years.  The solar power system will reduce costs, keep student membership fees low and help achieve the students’ and University’s sustainability goals.

Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power said of the SDSU student project, “This is the sixth solar project we have done for Associated Students and it is great to see that there is such a strong commitment coming from SDSU’s student leadership. During an era of budget cuts and furlough days in higher education, it is reassuring that the Aztecs are setting a national example and doing their part to save students money.”

Electricity, Energy, Solar

Biodiesel Showcased During 2012 Living Green Expo

Joanna Schroeder

Biodiesel will be showcased at the 2012 Living Green Expo May 5-6 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. During the expo, the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (MSRPC) is sponsoring the Biodiesel Lounge, located in the Education Building. The exhibit will showcase how biodiesel supports local economies, cleaner air, engine life and energy security.

Biodiesel also helps to keep the air cleaner and has been recognized as a Clean Air Choice by the American Lung Association in Minnesota for its ability to lower harmful exhaust emissions as compared to traditional diesel fuels. The state of Minnesota has a B5 mandate, meaning all diesel fuel must be blended with at least five percent biodiesel. However, most vehicles can use up to B20, twenty percent biodiesel, according to MSRPC.

“Increasing the amount of biodiesel in our fuel allows us to take advantage of a renewable fuel made right here in Minnesota. I’m proud to live in a state that is leading energy innovations and taking part in valuable solutions like biodiesel,” said Ed Hegland, Minnesota soybean farmer and past chairman of the National Biodiesel Board.

So whether you’re interested in using biodiesel in your car or truck, or just want to learn more about the benefits of biodiesel, stop by the Biodiesel Lounge.

Biodiesel, biofuels

Fagen to Build Cellulosic Ethanol Plant in Iowa

Joanna Schroeder

Fagen, Inc. has been contracted by DuPont Industrial Biosciences to build the company’s first commercial cellulosic ethanol biorefinery in Nevada, Iowa. Last year, DuPont bought land adjacent to Lincolnway Energy ethanol plant, which will enable synergies in energy and logistics. Last week, Butamax Advanced Biofuels announced its collaboration with Fagen to build out the biobutanol industry.

“Our selection of Fagen as a partner to build our plant in Iowa marks the next critical step on the road toward commercializing DuPont’s cellulosic ethanol technology,” said James C. Collins, president of DuPont Industrial Biosciences. “We look forward to a strong collaboration.”

Prior to this partnership, DuPont had announced KBR Inc. will handle the front-end engineering, procurement and detailed engineering work for the biorefinery. In addition, the company, working with Iowa State University, is continuing to complete its large-scale stover supply chain testing in preparation for the opening of the commercial scale facility. DuPont is also operating a fully-integrated cellulosic ethanol demonstration plant in Vonore, Tennessee.

Fagen has constructed 60 percent of the ethanol production capacity in the United States, and Aaron Fagen, company CEO said of the partnership, “We look forward to working with DuPont to develop one of the first commercial scale cellulosic biorefineries in the United States. We have worked extensively to help develop first-generation biofuels and DuPont has presented us with an exciting opportunity to expand the advanced biofuels industry.”

advanced biofuels, Cellulosic, Ethanol

Driving The Bioeconomy Highway

Joanna Schroeder

The National Bioeconomy Blueprint was recently released by the Obama Administration.  The report outlines the steps that agencies need to take to drive the bioeconomy highway.  The Administration recognized the growing sector has a priority due to its potential for growth and job creation.  The bioeconomy will also help drive new sources of bioenergy, improve the agricultural industry, change the face of manufacturing and address key environmental issues, among other benefits.

America’s economy is slowing transforming to a biobased economy.  “Home-grown” bioproducts already developed include food, feed and fiber as well as chemical substitutes for petroleum-based products; yet the industry has barely emerged. Research is critical to the future of the industry, but it is also important, according to the report, to equip the workforce with the education, training and skills they need to have thriving careers in the sector.

Another step that needs to be taken is to reduce the troublesome regulatory barriers in order to accelerate the advancement of bioinventions and bring them to market.  There are concerns, both health and ethical, that are a result of work being done with biological systems.

The Bioeconomy Blueprint outlines “five strategic imperatives” for a bioeconomy with the potential to generate new markets and economic growth:

  • Support R&D investments that will provide the foundation for the future bioeconomy.
  • Facilitate the transition of bioinventions from research lab to market, including an increased focus on translational and regulatory sciences.
  • Develop and reform regulations to reduce barriers, increase the speed and predictability of regulatory processes, and reduce costs while protecting human and environmental health.
  • Update training programs and align academic institution incentives with student training for national workforce needs.
  • Identify and support opportunities for the development of public-private partnerships and precompetitive collaborations—where competitors pool resources, knowledge, and expertise to learn from successes and failures.

In conclusion, the Blueprint calls upon Federal agencies to accelerate their support of the bioeconomy sector for the benefit of the country.

advanced biofuels, biochemicals, bioenergy, biomaterials, Government

Trina Solar Donates Solar Panels to Lung Association

Joanna Schroeder

It’s good that not all things good for the environment happen on Earth Day only. Recently, Trina Solar announced that they will be donating 10.5 kW of solar modules for the offices of the American Lung Association of California.  Everyday Energy will install the cost-saving solar system, and solar distributor Sonepar will provide the balance of system equipment for the project.  The announcement came hand-in-hand with the Lung Association’s release of its State of the Air report.

“Clean renewable technologies like solar energy help reduce the serious health threat of air pollution,” said Jane Warner, President and CEO of the American Lung Association in California. “We thank Trina Solar for making this generous donation to help our organization put our energy use where our lungs are.”

The report shows that although clean air laws and investments have helped to decrease ozone and particulate matter, there is still work do be done – air pollution is still a problem for millions of Californians.  This message seems to be a good fit for Trina Solar, the company’s efforts to improve its manufacturing footprint have resulted in an approximately 60 percent reduction in energy and water use per unit of solar power manufactured.

Delette Olberg, U.S. Director of Public Affairs for Trina Solar said of the donation, “Solar power is an effective solution to the critical issues facing the nation’s population and environment. We are committed to developing high-quality panels that provide an alternative to fossil fuel energy and are proud to partner with Sonepar and Everyday Energy to help the American Lung Association fight for cleaner air.”

Electricity, Energy, Environment, Solar

Blue Star Gas Hosts Panel at GoGreen Conference

At the GoGreen ’12 Seattle conference last week, Blue Star Gas hosted a panel discussing the most clean, cost-effective alternative vehicle fuel options for fleets, like propane autogas.
Blue Star Gas is the West Coast fuel provider of the national Alliance AutoGas network. The GoGreen ’12 Seattle Conference, held at the Washington State Convention Center, is designed to educate, motivate and inspire business leaders to take their green programs to the next level by giving them actionable steps to make their organizations more sustainable.

The Blue Star Gas panel, “Green Your Fleet: Integrating Alternative Vehicle Strategies into Your Business,” provided expert insight on how switching fleets to operating on alternative fuels can help businesses cut back on fuel and maintenance costs while also reducing their carbon footprint. Participants included representatives from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Waste Management, and the fleets of Seattle Children’s Hospital and Coinstar/Redbox.

“Switching to propane autogas is an affordable way for businesses to green their fleets and start saving on fuel costs right away, but many may not realize propane vehicle fuel is an option,” said Darren Engle, marketing director of Blue Star Gas and also chairman of the Propane Education and Research Council’s Research and Technology Development Working Group. “Not only does running on an American-made clean fuel like propane autogas significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants, it also allows fleets to avoid the gasoline price spikes we have come to expect year after year.”

Fleets running on autogas are currently saving more than $1.25 per gallon compared to gasoline, and autogas is 30 percent cleaner. Propane autogas is the most widely used alternative fuel in the world, powering more than 17 million vehicles globally. With 98 percent of the U.S. autogas supply produced in North America, autogas plays a vital role in enhancing national energy security.

advanced biofuels, Fleet, Propane

Energy “Partisan Divide” Is A Myth

Joanna Schroeder

According to a new survey, those who believe clean energy support is divided among party lines are wrong.  Instead the survey found that the majority of Republicans, Independents and Democrats believe that the U.S. should transition away from dirty energy sources to clean energy sources.  The survey was conducted by OCR International on behalf of the Civil Society Institute (CSI).

One finding: 76 percent of Americans, including 58 percent Republicans, 88 percent Democrats and 83 percent Independents, said the U.S. should embrace sustainable energy through “a reduction in our reliance on nuclear power, natural gas and coal, and instead, launch a national initiative to boost renewable energy and energy efficiency.”

A few other interesting findings:

  • People don’t believe investment for clean energy should be put on hold during the economic crisis.
  • People believe the energy industry’s extensive and well funded public relations campaign, lobbying and campaign contributions are a major barrier to moving beyond business as usual when it comes to America’s energy policy.
  • People believe the time is now for a new, grassroots-driven politics to realize a renewable energy future.
  • People believe water use should be a factor in development of different types of clean energy.
  • People believe sources such as wind and solar should be developed before sources such as nuclear energy.

Another nugget I pulled out for our audience: “A majority of Americans (81%) think the other energy producing options should be explored first before biomass energy production is explored.” Only 14 percent are in favor of proceeding with biomass energy production before other options are explored.

A conclusion derived from the survey said Pam Solo, founder and president of Civil Society Institute, is that people are ready for leadership and they want a clean energy path that will protect public health including air and water. “Our survey is a call to action: Americans across the political spectrum think that it is time for decisive action toward a renewable energy future that will protect health and provide reliable and cost effective energy.”

“Americans believe the partisan gridlock can only be challenged by a grassroots-driven process that challenges the undue political influence of the fossil fuel and nuclear power interests,” added Solo.

biomass, Energy, energy efficiency, Solar, Wind

Bioheat Part of Atlantic Region Energy Expo

Bioheat® is now be part of the largest energy events in the Northeast as they will join the Atlantic Region Energy Expo, reflecting a unique partnership with the National Biodiesel Board. The Atlantic Region Energy Expo and Bioheat is hosting the AREE 2012 event in Atlantic City, New Jersey, May 1 – 3. The conference, billed as the best energy, petroleum and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) industry tradeshow in the Northeast, will explore the evolving world of home and building comfort, efficiency and environmental responsibility.

The event features an educational track of five Bioheat sessions, which do not require a registration fee, thanks to funding from the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.

“We’re proud that AREE is the first industry trade show and convention officially combining traditional fuels with the renewable biodiesel found in Bioheat,” said Eric DeGesero, executive vice president, Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey. The association was the catalyst for the founding of AREE 19 years ago. “But this represents more than a conference name change. It’s a sign of changing times for oilheat dealers, who recognize that Bioheat is their best option to adapt their businesses in the 21st century.”

The need for change is a powerful theme at this year’s conference as the oilheat industry works to remain competitive. That’s why the Bioheat team, led by Paul Nazzaro, the National Biodiesel Board’s liaison to the petroleum industry, is bringing in a keynote speaker to talk about change at the event. Michael Rogers, a renowned technology author and futurist, most recently served as futurist-in-residence for The New York Times. He focuses on how companies can think about the future in useful ways.

“As their market share contracts, doing nothing is not an option for oilheat dealers,” Nazzaro said. “Bioheat is the first real opportunity for them to make a progressive shift in decades. Bioheat is a more desirable product to their customers, offering enhanced energy security, benefits to health and the environment, and American jobs.”

Biodiesel, bioenergy, conferences

Protec Fuel Launches New Web Site

Just in time to celebrate Earth Week, Protec Fuel Management, a turnkey E85 ethanol company specializing in station conversions and fuel distribution nationwide, has a new web site.

The site features a new logo and look, social media links, and a press page, just to name a few. E85 fuel can run in gasoline flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs), is better for the environment and supports our U.S. and local economies.

ProtecFuel.com differentiates between how it can serve fuel retailers, fleets and distributors, as well as showcases the.risk management side of its business and its management team. It also coordinates its new, green-colored logo with the site.

Protec Fuel, based in Florida, manages E85 installations and provides fuel for convenience stores and other companies’ greener burning fuel offerings. E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

“We are pleased to offer an updated web site to our customers and those interested in the E85 industry this Earth Day week,” said Todd Garner, CEO of Protec Fuel. “We hope that people look into ways to become more Earth-friendly this week, and our Web site is now more accessible to all.”

Company Announcement, Ethanol