NBB Offers Diesel Technicians Biodiesel Training

Joanna Schroeder

Diesel technicians are getting up-to-date, accurate information about biodiesel compliments of a National Biodiesel Board (NBB) training program. The program is a partnership between NBB and Universal Technical Institute, a provider of entry-level technicians to the transportation industry. So far, more than 300 instructors have been taught about biodiesel through the program.

“I’ve found that students are very curious about biodiesel, but they come in with misinformation,” said Jason Mosler, UTI instructor and technical team leader. “They think that it’s fryer grease, that you can make it in your backyard. When we can clear the air on those misconceptions and explain what commercial biodiesel really is, their eyes are opened.”

The success of the training program has spawned additional local level programs. Recently, the Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) received a grant to conduct similar training sessions. Both NBB and the Iowa Soybean Association have supported the IBB program.

“People listen to their automotive technicians, and if there is an information gap there, techs are not likely to recommend biodiesel to their customers,” said Rachel Burton, who leads NBB’s Biodiesel for Diesel Technicians program. “By increasing awareness at that level, we grow biodiesel acceptance in general and will ultimately help biodiesel reach its full potential, with all its benefits.”

For more information on training opportunities for OEMs and dealers, visit www.biodieselautomotive.org.

Biodiesel, Education, NBB

First WindTamer Turbine Installed in Europe

Joanna Schroeder

The first WindTamer wind turbine has been installed in Europe by UAB WindTamer Europe which has the exclusive rights to sell the wind turbine in Lithuania, Latvia, Denmark, Sweden and The Netherlands. The new age turbine is manufactured by Artista Power. The 8GT WindTamer was installed in Kunkiai, Lithuania, a community located about 25 km north of Klaipeda. The town, situated on the edge of the Baltic Sea, is UAB WindTamer’s headquarters.

“The turbine is located about 1 mile from the Baltic Sea so the wind resources are quite good,” said Glenn Steed, installation coordinator for Arista Power. Our shrouded WindTamer turbine has received a great deal of attention from the local residents, as it looks so different from any other turbine they have seen. Additionally, a neighbor had recently taken down an open blade turbine because it was making too much noise, so the fact that WindTamer operates virtually silently is a major attribute to this community. We’ve had a number of other residents asking about purchasing turbines and we’ve also had a number of interested parties from other European countries asking about distribution opportunities.”

Mindaugas Mazonas, director of sales of UAB WindTamer Europe, added, “WindTamer Europe is very excited to have this first installation completed. We look forward to using this as a great example of the Arista Power sustainable energy solutions we plan to bring to the rest of our territory. One of our first priorities will be to utilize Arista Power energy generation and storage products and technologies to implement an off-grid, battery-tied package to suit our customers who are challenged with grid availability and reliability.”

Electricity, Energy, Wind

RFA Sponsors Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Joanna Schroeder

Next week the 71st Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally kicks off in Sturgis, South Dakota. Once again, thousands of motorcycle riders will have the opportunity to learn about the benefits of ethanol at the Legendary Buffalo Chip through the Renewable Fuels Association’s “Fueled with Pride” sponsorship.

Similar to past years, RFA will hand out promotional materials and merchandise. In addition, an E85 flex-fuel motorcycle will be on display in a photo booth where attendees can have their picture professionally taken with the Buffalo Chip logo in the background. The photos will be available on the ChooseEthanol website. RFA is using this opportunity to educate attendees from around the country about ethanol, which is often characterized as a problem fuel for engines found in motorcycles.

“This event provides an opportunity to reach out to such a large group of consumers at one time and let them know about the benefits of ethanol fuel that is produced right here in the U.S.,” said Buffalo Chip Campground Sponsorship Director Lon Nordbye. “This year, we will be able to show them too with our E85 motorcycle display. “The Chip is excited to continue its partnership with the RFA and show our rally attendees that they can have a choice in fuel, no matter what their engine type is.”

Another key Sturgis event is the Fourth Annual Legends Ride, taking place on August 5, where more than 500 riders are expected to join together to ride 50 miles from Deadwood, South Dakota to the Legendary Buffalo Chip. RFA also sponsors this charitable event that has raised more than $150,000 in three years, with all proceeds benefiting the Black Hills Special Olympics and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame.

“We are happy to be partnering again with the Buffalo Chip to show riders that ethanol-blended fuels are a safe and effective alternative to petroleum that can used in motorcycle engines, along with every other vehicle riders have at home,” said Robert White, RFA Director of Market Development and motorcycle enthusiast. “Increasing the use of domestic, clean-burning fuels allows us to become a more energy secure country, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and creating more jobs.”

Ethanol, Promotion, RFA

The Simpson’s Go Off-Grid

Joanna Schroeder

It seems like I just don’t have enough time to watch TV, unless of course I’m holed up in a hotel room as I am tonight. I just happen to be flipping channels when I stopped on a rerun of the Simpson’s, “The Squirt and the Whale.” This episode was created in honor of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day (2010) and I’ve been so out of touch apparently, I never saw it until tonight. I have to say that while the episode was not entirely supportive of renewable energy, the Simpson’s go off the grid with their own personal wind turbine and it was pretty funny.

The move to renewable energy is spurred by a high electric bill and sends the family to the Alternative Energy Expo. As the family piles into the car, to avert thieves in their absence, they leave on all the lights, including their Christmas lights. Once they get to the expo, several things catch their eye including solar panels and biofuels where boothmates “switchgrass” and “corn ethanol” get in a fight over who is better.

But what really catches Homer’s eye is the promise of the wind turbine, which he installs in his backyard.

Lisa: Dad, you are leading the way in clean energy.

Homer: Yep. I Al Gore’d it pretty good.

Lisa: The Simpsons are off the grid and so far it’s going great.

Until…

Homer: Who turned off the wind?

Lisa: Dad, if we’re really off the grid than we won’t get power when the wind is still.

Homer: Well, I’m not crawling back to Big Electricity. From now on the Simpson’s are living intermittently.

Ok, so while the message wasn’t perfect you know when a technology has captured the minds of the general public when it shows up in pop culture. Now let’s hope that renewable energy does a better job of capturing the minds of our politicians so it can continue to “show up” in our backyards.

biofuels, Energy, Environment, Ethanol, Opinion, Solar, Wind

How Do Coffee & Biodiesel Mix? Besspresso.

Joanna Schroeder

Raise your mug if you love coffee. For you coffee lovers in Iowa, you can now get your fix from Dave Bess and Anna Erickson’s mobile coffee shop that is fueled by biodiesel. The Iowa City couple has been traveling around the country to public events this summer including the world famous Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) sponsored by the Des Moines Register.

The idea for the business emerged last summer while Bess and Erickson were riding from the Missouri River to the mighty Mississippi when they realized that there was no coffee stand to be found. Soon after, Besspresso was born. But the couple didn’t want to just sell great coffee- they also wanted to do this in an environmentally friendly way.

As a result, their green Mercedes-Benz van is powered by soy-based biodiesel and the coffee-making equipment runs on solar power generated from panels mounted on the roof. In case you didn’t know, Iowa is the largest biodiesel producing state in the country.

Since launching Besspresso, Bess and Erickson have traveled to the Bonnaroo music festival in Tennessee, a white-water rafting festival along the Arkansas River in the Rocky Mountains and a Bicycle Tour of Colorado. When they’re not traveling, Besspresso’s home base is 312 E. Market Street in Iowa City.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Solar

Propel Offers San Francisco Drivers B20

Joanna Schroeder

As diesel vehicles become more popular in the U.S., especially in states such as California, Propel Fuels has been offering biodiesel blends to fuel drivers’ commutes. Today, Propel began selling B20 (20 percent biodiesel, 80 percent low-sulfur diesel) at three of its stations located in the Bay Area (San Francisco). The company plans to add B20 blends to several stations in Berkeley and San Jose next.

“As high fuel prices force drivers to think about what they put in their tanks, we are proud to offer a higher blend of biodiesel that provides premium performance and guaranteed quality at no additional cost,” said Matt Horton, CEO of Propel. “We’ve seen an elevated interest in higher-blend biodiesel offerings from Bay Area drivers, in particular. By providing this new choice at the pump, we are enabling these drivers to make even greater progress towards reducing carbon emissions and our nation’s dependence on imported oil.”

Propel sells biodiesel that is sourced from used vegetable oils. Biodiesel has been scientifically proven to improve engine performance and efficiency while at the same time lowering tailpipe emissions. Biodiesel is approved for use in current diesel vehicles and more and more are auto manufacturers are producing vehicles that can run on B20 blends including all 2011 GM and Ford diesel vehicles and Cummins engines.

Propel began selling B20 in Washington State in 2007 and also offers other renewable fuel options as many of its stations including E85.

Biodiesel, biofuels, E85

Renewable Energy Predicted to Grow Despite Economy

Joanna Schroeder

A new report commissioned by Paris-based Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) shows that the renewable energy sector continues to perform well despite the continuing economic recession, incentive cuts and low natural gas prices. In fact, “Renewables 2011 Global Status Report” calculates that renewable energy supplied around 16 percent of global final energy consumption and accounted for nearly 20 percent of global electricity production. The report was authored by Janet Sawin, a senior fellow with the Worldwatch Institute along with a global network of research partners.

When you include large and small hydropower, which is estimated to have added 30 gigawatts of power in 2010, renewable energy accounted for approximately 50 percent of total added power-generating capacity in 2010. Also increasing in capacity last year was the solar water and space heating industry which added approximately 25 gigawatts-thermal (GWth) or about 16 percent.

“The Global Status Report shows that despite the recession, renewables are growing at an enormous rate,” said Director of Climate & Energy Alexander Ochs who contributed to the report. “Still, there are 1.5 billion people who don’t have any access to energy, and 3 billion people relying on traditional biomass sources and coal. If we want to prevent climate change from spinning out of control, we need to scale up our efforts to accelerate renewable energy development and deployment at all levels. Worldwatch will continue to provide guidance as to how this can be done.”

The driver for growth continues to be renewable energy policies. By the beginning of 2011, there were at least 119 countries that had some policy target or renewable energy policy at the national level. In 2005, this number was only 55. The report details that more than half of these countries represent the developing world and at least 95 countries have policy specifically to grow renewable power generation. In the United States, for example, 30 states (plus Washington, D.C.) have Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS).

While feed-in tariffs are somewhat taboo in the United States, they remain the most common mechanism worldwide to encourage adoption of renewable energy sources. Also somewhat lacking in the U.S. private investments in the industry on a global scale reached $211 billion last year, up from $160 billion invested in 2009. Money invested in renewable energy companies, utility-scale generation, and biofuel projects increased to $143 billion, with developing countries surpassing developed economies for the first time, according to the Global Status Report’s recently released companion report, “UNEP’s Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2011.” Not surprisingly, China attracted $48.5 billion, or more than a third of the global total.

In addition to the report, REN21 also launched its Renewables Interactive Map, a tool for gathering and sharing the renewable energy developments.

biomass, Electricity, Energy, Hydro, Solar, Wind

Principal Solar Launches Solar Library

Joanna Schroeder

The solar industry has a new resource for information about the solar industry. Principal Solar has launched the “Definitive Solar Library,” an online resource center dedicated exclusively to solar energy. The company believes this is the first of its kind worldwide.

“Efforts to capture the power of the sun at a reasonable cost continue to evolve, positioning solar energy as one of the hottest topics around the world and creating the need for straightforward information and perspectives that improve upon the renewable energy exchange of ideas,” said Michael Gorton, CEO and president of Principal Solar, Inc. “By defining the issues, collecting and distributing information, the Definitive Solar Library will serve as a valuable educational outpost for leaders of government, business and academia. It will also be accessible to consumers who want to join the dialogue.”

To demonstrate the value of the Library, Principal Solar also released two white papers. The first, “Under the Sun: Putting Environmental and Regulatory Issues to Work,” was co-authored by Michael Gorton, CEO and chairman of Principal Solar and Scott D. Deatherage, partner Patton Boggs. This paper guides investors through the technical, legal and environmental issues required for making solar projects work successfully.

The second white papers, “Interfacing with the Electrical Grid,” was co-authored by Ken Allen, chief operating officer of Principal Solar and Ron Seidel, PE, board of directors, Principal Solar. This paper outlines the interconnection of power sources with renewable generation and the roles of federal, regional and state regulatory agencies in the processes.

Gorton added, “Because more entities have become aware of solar energy and its many attributes, timing for this launch is ideal. We expect the Library to improve upon existing practices and deliver additional solutions that advance significant social and economic value to communities, governments and individuals worldwide.”

Electricity, Energy, Research, Solar

Geothermal Plant Inaugurated in Costa Rica

Joanna Schroeder

A second geothermal plant designed and manufactured by Ormat Technologies has been inaugurated in Las Pailas, Costa Rica. Ormat was contracted by Banco Centroamericano de Integracion Economica “BCIE”, to supply all the power equipment, supervise the installation and conduct the testing and start-up of the 42 MW power plant. The plant will actually be operated by the Costa Rican National Electricity and Telecommunications Company.

Several country leaders attended the event including the president of Costa Ricka, H.E. Laura Chinchilla Miranda. Also on hand was the former Minister of Energy, Teofilo de la Torre who was recently nominated as the Executive President of ICE, the country’s national power utility. Dr. Nick Rischbieth, president of BCIE, along with other members of the government and distinguished dignitaries rounded out the attendees.

“We are very pleased to continue our collaboration with ICE which started with the 18 MW Miravalles Unit 5 in 2004. The Las Pailas plant demonstrates the trust that ICE and BCIE have in Ormat and its Binary Technology,” said Ormat’s Chairman, Lucien Y. Bronicki.

Electricity, Energy, Geothermal

You Have Or Want An iPad or Other Tablet

Chuck Zimmerman

I’m very surprised at some of the response to our latest ZimmPoll. Although 37% responding say they have an iPad or other tablet, 33% said they don’t and don’t want one! And we had 30% who said they don’t have one but do want one. However, when you consider that no one had one less than two years ago you might consider the percentage who have or want one to be huge! I know I’m a geek and can’t have enough gadgets but not everyone is an agnerd.

Our new ZimmPoll is now live. We’re asking the question, “What do you think the biggest safety issue is at a biorefinery?” Your input and thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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

ZimmPoll