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Two Blender Pump Grand Openings Next Week in Neb.

Two new blender pumps have been added in Nebraska at Aurora Cooperative’s Aurora West A-Stop 24 and in Broken Bow at Trotter Whoa and Go. Grand openings for both will be held next week.

The grand opening of the Broken Bow pump will be held Mon., April 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Aurora grand opening will be on Wed., April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special promotions will be held in both locations at the events.

The new blender pumps are among approximately 60 in Nebraska to offer a variety of renewable ethanol fuel blends including E10, E30, and E85. To find a list of retailers that offer E85 and other mid-level ethanol blends, visit the Nebraska Ethanol Board website or check the Nebraska Corn Board website.

“Gas prices keep increasing. With ethanol being about a $1.00 per gallon cheaper than gasoline, flex fuel vehicle owners can save even more when fueling up with E85 and other mid-level ethanol blends at blender pumps,” said Kim Clark, Ag Program Manager with the Nebraska Corn Board.

“Consumer choice and ethanol fuel availability are a high priority with today’s gas prices,” said Todd Sneller, Nebraska Ethanol Board’s Administrator. “When flex fuel drivers fill up on E85, they’re strengthening Nebraska’s economy, making our country more energy independent and going easier on the environment,” Sneller said.

Sign up for the Nebraska Ethanol Board’s FFV club for updates of new E85 locations and other announcements.

blends, Ethanol, Flex Fuel Vehicles

The Mohave Desert Soon to Produce Golden Power

Joanna Schroeder

Google has gone far beyond “web searches” and delved into projects that would save “Google” earth. The company has invested in several high profile projects, one being the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System (ISEGS). Once completed, this project is being hailed as the largest solar project in the world and will use the lastest solar technologies to capitalize on converting the hot sun of California’s Mohave Desert into golden power.

Ivanpah is located on 3,600 acres of land managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Once complete, it will produce 392 megawatts of power each year. The project is a joint effort between BrightSource Energy, who is developing the solar thermal power facility, Google and NRG Solar. In addition to the monies invested by the partners, the project has also received a U.S. Department of Energy Loan guarantee.

Here are some of the highlights of the project:

  • A 392 megawatt (gross) solar complex using mirrors to focus the power of the sun on solar receivers atop power towers.
  • The complex is comprised of three separate plants to be built in phases between 2010 and 2013, and will use BrightSource Energy’s LPT solar thermal technology.
  • The electricity generated by all three plants is enough to serve more than 140,000 homes in California during the peak hours of the day.
  • The project will provide power to Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

This project is experiencing large amounts of attention for two reasons.Read More

Electricity, Energy, Environment, Opinion, Solar

Finding Opportunity in a Changing Landscape

Joanna Schroeder

One of the most unique conferences of the year is getting ready to take place on June 20-21st in Minneapolis, MN. The “Finding Opportunity in a Changing Landscape” is the theme of this year’s conference, hosted by Christianson and Associates. A must attend for the financial gurus at the country’s ethanol and biodiesel companies, this year’s event will feature two tracks: one with a financial focus and one with a business management focus.

Tentative Sessions include: Impacting the Future of the Renewable Fuels Industry; Strategic Planning for Developing Company Culture; Maximizing the Tax Incentives for your Traditional Business Practices; Evaluating Mergers and Acquisitions from Both Sides of the Table; Organizing an Enterprise Risk Management Model for Your Company; and various technical updates on taxes, RIN’s, accounting and legislation.

You can get more information about the tentative agenda and learn how to register here. Don’t wait too long. This conference has limited space and sells out quickly. Registration is now open with early registration rates effective until May 20th.

Biodiesel, biofuels, conferences, Ethanol

Practicing What You Preach

Joanna Schroeder

Joule Energy is practicing what it preaches – when it comes to the adoption of solar energy. The company is installing a 28kW solar system on its primary office. They are not only installing alternative energy, but are also using the installation as a training tool and demonstration tool for other companies to see how a large-scale solar installation is designed and installed. The installation is featuring several different types of inverters that will demonstrate the differences in inverter model power efficiences.

“As a solar contractor, the choice to put solar on our own roof was a no-brainer,” said Ross Reilly, Principal at Joule Energy. “The cost of solar panels is at an all-time low, so businesses that have a long-term view can easily justify the investment.”

Currently, there are federal tax incentives for PV systems at 30 percent as well as accelerated depreciation formulas that help make solar power affordable to install. Solar power also saves companies (or consumers) money on electricity costs as well.

Electricity, Energy, Solar

Updated Alternative Fuel Locator Maps Online

Joanna Schroeder

MapMuse has released updated interactive Alternative Fuel Locator Maps that identify where consumers can fill up with alternative fuels. The maps feature stations that sell biodiesel, E85, propane, compressed natural gas (CNG), hydrogen, liquified natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electric charging stations. For accuracy, the data used to identified the alternative fueling stations was verified by the Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center.

“In the green age we live in, it’d be negligent of us not to have these maps available on our site,” says Michael Pilon, owner of MapMuse. “There are more people driving alt fuel vehicles than ever before, which means there are more people looking for places to refuel.”

It is estimated there are over 800,000 alternative fuel vehicles on U.S. roads in 2009 and has risen steadily over the past few years. For these drivers, the alternative fuel maps not only gives them station locations but also directions, access restrictions, blend types, payment methods accepted, and web links. An iPhone app version is expected to be released in the next few months.

Combined, there are more than 3,000 verified stations on the list. Pilon said accuracy is extremely important to his company; he doesn’t want a consumer driving up to a station with an empty tank only to discover the station doesn’t exist.  Station owners are encouraged to submit their information for consideration.

Biodiesel, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), E85, Electric Vehicles, Hydrogen, Liquefied natural gas (LNG), Propane

EWEA Event to be Powered Solely by Wind

Joanna Schroeder

Last year the wind industry worked together to create the “WindMade” designation, which means “runs on 100 percent wind power”. Today, it has been announced that the upcoming EWEA 2012 Conference & Exhibition will be the first ever WindMade event. The event is Apri 16-19, 2012 in Copenhagen.

EWEA’s CEO Christian Kjaer said he is proud to be the first organiser of a WindMade event. “EWEA strives to make its events sustainable, and to promote wind energy not only through political lobbying but also by making direct use ofwind power. EWEA is convinced that WindMade will drive investment into this technology, and we encourage other organsiations and events to follow our lead in becoming WindMade.”

To be deemed WindMade the entire conference is being powered by electricity generated from wind. This includes their offices where the event was planned, the Bella Center where the event is being held and all of the social events, some of which are taking place at locations other than the conference center.

“Many conference organisers are already making efforts to ‘green’ their events, and WindMade is pleased to present them with a tool for having their commitment to renewable power certified by a credible label,” said Henrik Kuffner, WindMade’s CEO.

conferences, Electricity, Energy, Wind

Join Ag Sec. Vilsack in First Twitter Chat on Energy

Chuck Zimmerman

Tomorrow at 1:30pm EDT, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack will hold the first “USDA Virtual Office Hours on Twitter.” I’d recommend using TweetChat, Twubs or an app like TweetDeck or HootSuite to follow along. It looks like these planned monthly sessions will focus on different topics. Tomorrow it’s renewable energy. You’re asked to submit your questions via Twitter to either @USDA or #askUSDA.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will sit down to answer YOUR questions on the Department’s renewable energy programs, and how USDA is helping build a secure energy future for America. He will be joined by Sarah Bittleman, USDA Senior Advisor on energy policy.

USDA Virtual Office Hours, a live question and answer series that will be held monthly, allows stakeholders to directly engage with USDA leadership and subject matter experts through Twitter. Sessions will be focused on a specific mission, issue or program, as aligned with the Department’s strategic goals and based on stakeholder interests.

In January, USDA launched www.USDA.gov/energy to serve as a one-stop shop for data and information about energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. This site allows individuals to learn more about USDA’s programs and see how their community can get involved in an expanding renewable energy and bio-based economy that is creating jobs and driving economic growth across rural America. To learn more about USDA’s accomplishments in renewable energy, read the results document HERE.

Remember to tune in online by following @USDA and using #askUSDA and #energy.

biofuels, USDA

NCGA Announces Student Video Contest on Ethanol

Lights, camera, contest! The National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Ethanol Committee wants high school and college students to submit their best videos showcasing ethanol.

The contest will allow students to create a video that, in two minutes or less, showcases five facts about ethanol. Videos can be submitted starting in early May until the final deadline which will be late in the fall of 2012.

Winning videos will be posted on the NCGA YouTube site, promoted at state events, showcased at county fairs, aired during national meetings and, hopefully, will even ‘go viral’ for the general public to view. While generating ideas, potential contestants might want to consider these factors: ethanol’s environmental attributes, its renewability, how it decreases reliance on foreign oil, and the role ethanol plays in enhancing local economies.

“We are excited to launch this new project which will help connect our youth to corn-based ethanol, the fuel of the future,” said NCGA Ethanol Committee Chairman Chad Willis. “The innovative format of the submissions makes them ideal for placement on websites such as YouTube or for sharing through social mediums, including Facebook and Twitter. In marketing, they always say that it is crucial to reach your audience where they already are. In showcasing the benefits of this homegrown, sustainable fuel through new media, we are helping educate the next generation of a fuel option that can carry them forward.”

The video competition rules will be posted on the NCGA site and promoted to colleges and high schools throughout the nation by early May and again in late August/early September. All videos submitted will be the property of NCGA. For contest details, questions or to submit a competition name, please contact NCGA at keck@ncga.com.

A similar video contest was held by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). View the winning video from the IRFA competition.

Ethanol, NCGA

Soy Checkoff Spotlights Biodiesel at Tractor Pulls

Cindy Zimmerman

Soy-based biodiesel will once again be part of the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) season this year, thanks to the sponsorship of the United Soybean Board (USB) and the soybean checkoff.

As part of a larger strategy to promote soy biodiesel’s benefits among diesel users, the checkoff will once again co-sponsor the NTPA season of approximately 80 tractor pulls across the United States. The checkoff partners with the NTPA to increase biodiesel availability and use among pulling fans, many of whom work in the agricultural and trucking sectors.

“Pulling tractors perform so well on biodiesel, it’s a perfect way to show farmers biodiesel’s benefits,” says USB Communications Chair Jimmy Sneed, a soybean farmer from Hernando, Miss. “It’s important to remind farmers that using soybean oil for biodiesel is one of the components that determines the value of each bushel we grow. It makes sense for soybean farmers to use their own products and promote biodiesel.”

Under the co-sponsorship, tractors in the NTPA’s Light Pro Stock division will run on biodiesel. So these pullers will put biodiesel to the test all season long. Check the NTPA schedule for Light Pro Stock “Powered by Biodiesel” event dates and locations.

Biodiesel, Soybeans, USB

E15 in Spotlight at Indiana Ethanol Forum

Cindy Zimmerman

EPA’s approval this week of 15% ethanol blended gasoline (E15) as a registered fuel dominated the Indiana Ethanol Forum at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center Pavilion in Indianapolis yesterday.

The invitation only event featured comments from Governor Mitch Daniels, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate John Gregg, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Mike Pence, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen, and author Robert Zubrin.

dinneen indiana ethanol forumDinneen says the approval of E15 by EPA means it’s now up to the industry to get the fuel out there for consumers. “We need to convince gasoline marketers to begin offering this fuel, and we need to let consumers know this is available to them,” he said in an interview with Brownfield Ag News reporter Meghan Grebner who covered the event and provided us with some audio and photos.

Dinneen says Indiana is one of the states that is closest to getting E15 into the marketplace. “Iowa, Illinois – Indiana’s real close – Pennsylvania and several other states are ready to go today with E15,” he says. And with ethanol at $1 or more less than gasoline, Dinneen expects E15 to be an easy sell.

Listen to Meghan Grebner’s interview with Bob Dinneen here: Brownfield Interview with Bob Dinneen

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA