Susie The Biodiesel Bike Ready For The Highway

Chuck Zimmerman

The COO for the National Biodiesel Board, Donnell Rehagen, proudly displayed Susie, the Biodiesel Bike, to a local audience at the organization’s headquarters in Jefferson City, MO. The event happened just in time for National Biodiesel Day on March 18.

National Biodiesel Board member CIMA Green partnered with Paul Sr. and Orange County Choppers to craft a high performance diesel motorcycle ready to run on biodiesel. The motorcycle will be featured on two episodes of the hit Discovery Channel show American Chopper on March 19th and April 9th.

Originally unveiled at the Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Orlando, FL, the bike is scheduled for several stops from coast to coast to promote biodiesel.

• March 22-24, Mid-America Trucking Show – Louisville, KY
• May 1-3, Atlantic Region Energy Expo – Atlantic City, NJ
• May 14-17, ACT Expo – Long Beach, CA
• August 28 – September 3, Farm Progress Show – Boone, IA
• October 2-3, Green Fleet Conference – Schaumburg, IL

You can listen to my interview with Donnell here: Interview with Donnell Rehagen

Biodiesel, biofuels, National Biodiesel Conference

Sorghum for Ethanol Increases

Joanna Schroeder

Early March is an important time for the agricultural industry when they come together for Commodity Classic. With the challenges facing both the ag and energy industries, which go hand-in-hand, Terry Swanson, Chairman of the National Sorghum Producers said, “We have to be unified.”

When compared to other commodities used to produce biofuels, sorghum growers are a relatively small group. Today, about one third of the sorghum crop is used to make ethanol. However, the industry is hoping to see that number grow. For this to happen, Swanson said they need to speak with one voice.

Swanson, who is a grower in Colorado, said that biofuels and the issues surrounding them, including the RFS, are very important. The RFS is the major driver of increased ethanol use in the U.S. today.

To learn more about sorghum and ethanol, listen to Chuck Zimmerman’s interview with Terry Swanson. Interview with Terry Swanson

Agribusiness, Audio, biofuels, Commodity Classic, Ethanol, sorghum

EPA Readies for 15% Ethanol Rollout

Cindy Zimmerman

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is getting even closer to letting 15% ethanol blended gasoline (E15) make its debut in the marketplace.

This week, EPA notified the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) that the model Misfueling Mitigation Plan for E15 the organization submitted meets the requirements of EPA’s waiver decision. In January 2011, EPA expanded upon its October 2010 decision and approved the use of E15 for light duty passenger vehicles Model Year (MY) 2001 and newer.

In a letter to RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen, EPA’s Compliance Division acting director stated that the RFA Misfueling Mitigation Plan “would generally be sufficient to satisfy the partial waivers’ requirements.”

RFA“Americans will soon have a safe and effective new fuel option at the pump that is domestically-made and significantly cheaper than gasoline,” said Dinneen. “EPA is clearing the way for E15 and allowing America’s ethanol industry to turn its full attention to educating retailers and consumers on the benefits of higher level ethanol blends and ensuring that state fuel regulations allow for their sale.”

The next steps will include ensuring companies seeking to offer E15 are registered with EPA, they have submitted the Misfueling Mitigation plan, and are addressing lingering fuel regulatory requirements at the state level. Some states, including Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas, are prepared to welcome E15 and drivers in those states will be among the first to see E15 at the pump.

Coinciding with EPA’s approval of RFA’s Misfueling Mitigation Plan, the RFA released the E15 Retailer Handbook. This Handbook provides guidance for retailers in evaluating existing infrastructure compatibility, safety and conversion practices and state specific regulatory requirements.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, RFA

Sustainable Biofuels Awards Presented

Cindy Zimmerman

biofuelsThe Sustainable Biofuels Awards were presented this week at the World Biofuels Markets 2012 Congress in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The awards include biofuels leadership, technology, adoption, bioethanol, biodiesel, feedstock innovation, innovation in aviation, biopower generation and bio-based chemicals and are determined based on judging by an elite panel of independent industry experts, with final voting by individuals in the general biofuels industry.

2012 Sustainable Biofuels Awards Winners:

Biofuels Leadership Award – Novozymes
Sustainable Biofuels Technology Award – LS9
Biofuels Adoption Award – City of Stockholm
Sustainable Bioethanol Award – Abengoa
Sustainable Biodiesel Award – Vale
Sustainable Feedstock Innovation – DuPont Cellulosic Ethanol
Innovation in Aviation – Boeing
Sustainable Biopower Generation Facility – Envergent Technologies
Leader in Bio-based Chemical Industry – Kiverdi

advanced biofuels, aviation biofuels, biochemicals, Biodiesel, bioenergy, biofuels, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Record Set for Flexible Solar Panel Efficiency

SoloPower’s next generation solar panel has achieved an aperture area efficiency of 13.4 percent, a record for flexible copper, indium, gallium and (di)selenide (“CIGS”) based modules. The measurements were made by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

“Importantly, the cells were made in SoloPower’s San Jose manufacturing facility, so we know we have the systems in place to deliver high-efficiency, light-weight, flexible modules to our customers around the globe,” said Tim Harris, CEO of SoloPower, a San Jose, California-based manufacturer of flexible thin film solar cells and modules. “This benchmark is a testament to our technology team and to our commitment to continuously pushing the envelope in power and performance, while reducing costs for our customers.”

SoloPower uses innovative manufacturing technology to produce low-cost, high-efficiency CIGS-based photovoltaic cells. The CIGS cells are then packaged into unique, flexible, lightweight solar modules. The modules require less balance-of-system hardware and are easier to install than traditional solar panels.

“SoloPower’s achievement of an aperture efficiency of 13.4 percent for our flexible CIGS modules is a result of efficiency improvement projects that have been in place during the past two years,” said Dr. Mustafa Pinarbasi, CTO at SoloPower. “We were the first company to certify flexible CIGS modules to UL 1703 and IEC standards (61646 and 61730) in 2010. We have improved the efficiency from 11.2 percent to 13.4 percent with new processes implemented in our roll to roll production line and have a strong pipeline of improvements yet to come this year.”

Currently SoloPower is hiring engineers and technicians for its state-of-the-art, high-volume manufacturing facility in Portland, Oregon, which will begin commercial production later this year. SoloPower’s operations in Portland are ultimately expected to have a capacity of 400MW and employ 450 people.

Company Announcement, Solar

Bioenergy Interests Invited to Attend Capitol Hill Day

Cindy Zimmerman

A diverse group of bioenergy stakeholders is holding a Capitol Hill Day for Bioenergy in Washington, DC on March 21.

The event is being sponsored by a number of organizations including the 25x’25 Alliance, American Farm Bureau Federation, Advance Biofuels Organization, Algal Biomass Organization, American Council on Renewable Energy, Biomass Power Association, Energy Future Coalition, National Alliance of Forest Owners, National Farmers Union, and SAFER Alliance.

The groups are holding the event to draw attention to the fact that renewables make up nearly 12 percent of all energy produced in the U.S., such as fuels, electricity and thermal energy from biomass, and that bioenergy reduces the nation’s risks from dependence on foreign oil, strengthens our economy and ensures the continued, sustainable management of our natural resources.

The day will include a morning briefing with congressional members and trade group association leaders on bioenergy issues, small group visits to educate Congressional leaders and their staffs, an evening reception on Capitol Hill to network with other industry stakeholders, Congressional staff, and association partners.

Anyone in the bioenergy sector is welcome to take part in the event – registration and other information is available on-line.

advanced biofuels, bioenergy, biofuels, Farm Bureau, Government

E85 Sales Set Iowa Record in 2011

E85 sales in Iowa reached an all-time high in 2011 exceeding more than 10.7 million gallons, representing a 15 percent increase over 2010 sales, according to the Iowa Department of Revenue. The increase occurred despite third and fourth quarter sales being down compared to the year prior.
Iowa RFA

“E85 sales are up while overall gasoline sales are down – that shows progress,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “Price is still an important factor. With ethanol prices closer to gasoline in the last half of 2011, we saw our growth streak curtailed somewhat. But today, wholesale ethanol prices are quite attractive and that translates into very enticing E85 prices. E85 is the best way for fuel consumers to boost the Iowa economy, reduce dependence on foreign oil and still save a few bucks.”

Iowa currently has 167 retail outlets offering E85. Check online for a list of all E85 stations. Iowa has 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing nearly 3.7 billion gallons annually. In addition, Iowa has 13 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 320 million gallons annually.

E85, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

RFS Very Important To Agriculture

Chuck Zimmerman

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Is maintaining the Renewable Fuel Standard more important to agriculture than the farm bill?” The statement was made during a recent meeting I attended that the Renewable Fuel Standard was more important to agriculture than the Farm Bill. In a show of how important it is 38% each of respondents said Yes and Both are important. Only 24% said No. What do you think? Many people seem to think the RFS only benefits corn/soybean growers but they don’t take into account that all farmers receive benefit from lower fuel costs just like the general public.

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Is “Organic” food healthier than “Conventional” food?” During last night’s AgChat this topic received a fair amount of discussion. Even though there is a USDA Certified Organic program it appears that the term is not widely understood. I haven’t seen any evidence that the public in general really cares that much either and I’m sure that most would not want to pay more for food that has to conform to the certified standards. What do you think? Take our poll and/or comment. Thanks.

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

ZimmPoll

Senate Defeats Renewable Incentives Amendments

Cindy Zimmerman

As work on the Transportation Bill progressed in the Senate Tuesday, two amendments that would have extended tax incentives for renewable energy sources were defeated.

An amendment offered by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) failed on a tie vote of 49-49, since 60 votes were needed for passage. The amendment would have extended a variety of incentives, including the Cellulosic Biofuels Producer Tax Credit (PTC) the Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Cellulosic Biofuel Plant Property, and the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit available to blender pumps and other ethanol fueling infrastructure, the Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind and grants in lieu of tax credits to eligible solar projects, all of which are due to expire at the end of this year.

“Unfortunately the Senate missed an opportunity to put to bed the pressing need to extend expiring tax incentives for cellulosic biofuels and other sources of domestically produced clean energy,” said Advanced Ethanol Council Executive Director Brooke Coleman. “Echoing the 49 U.S. Senators who voted for the Stabenow amendment today, we cannot afford to miss any more opportunities to get this done.”

The measure would have also extended the $1 per gallon biodiesel tax incentive, which expired at the end of last year, through the end of this year. Another amendment offered by Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) that would have extended the biodiesel tax credit was also defeated. “We thank Sen. Stabenow and Sen. Roberts for including biodiesel in their amendments, and we urge Congress to break this partisan gridlock and find a way to enact policies like the biodiesel tax credit that have strong bipartisan support,” said Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs for the National Biodiesel Board.

While the extension amendments failed to pass, an amendment to repeal most of the same tax incentives by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) was also defeated in the Senate. DeMint’s amendment would have repealed tax credits for the wind, plug-in vehicles, and renewable fuels, but would have also addressed some taxes for fossil fuels. It failed by a much more resounding vote of 72-26.

advanced biofuels, AEC, Biodiesel, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NBB, Solar, Wind

Field Trial Planned for PowerCane Miscanthus

Cindy Zimmerman

Mendel Biotechnology, Inc. and BP Biofuels will be conducting demonstration field trials of a newly developed energy specific variety of miscanthus.

The two companies have signed a four-year agreement to test Mendel’s PowerCane™ Miscanthus and evaluate its performance as feedstock for biofuel production at BP Biofuels’ demonstration plant at Jennings, Louisiana. A total of 100 acres of PowerCane™ Miscanthus will be planted in early 2012 near BP’s Jennings facility and the first biomass harvest from these fields is expected in 2013.

“PowerCane™ Miscanthus varieties are the first miscanthus products specifically developed for biomass production that can be planted as a seed,” said Mendel Bioenergy Seeds president Don Panter. “The PowerCane™ Miscanthus system will be significantly more economical and efficient for growers, and will allow the industry to scale up more quickly to meet renewable energy goals.”

According to the company, PowerCane™ Miscanthus represents a new chapter in biomass production. While the current publicly available miscanthus varieties have outstanding agronomic and biomass performance characteristics, they must be planted as a rhizome or live plug, which requires additional investment and equipment for growers.

BP Biofuels currently operates a biofuels demonstration facility in Jennings, La that is used to test new cellulosic technologies in the biofuels production process. BP is also constructing a 20,000 acre energy grass farm in Florida that will supply a 36 million gallon a year conversion facility. Construction on the facility is expected to begin later this year.

advanced biofuels, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Ethanol News