NASCAR Driver Kenny Wallace to Keynote Southeast Bioenergy Conference

Joanna Schroeder

NASCAR Series Driver Kenny Wallace and co-host of the shows Race Day and Victory Lane, will be giving the keynote address during the 2011 Southeast Bioenergy Conference on August 9-11 in Tifton, Georgia. Wallace drives the No. 9 American Ethanol Toyota Camrey and is currently ranked 7th in the Series. Last week, Wallace completed his 500th Nationwide start bringing his career stats to nine wins, 10 poles, and nine seasons in the top 10 driver points. He has also won the Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver award three times.

NASCAR announced earlier this year it would race using Sunoco Green E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol. To learn more about the fuel and the people who grow the crops and produce American ethanol, Wallace has spent time at ethanol plants and on farms.

Wallace will kick off the conference on Monday, August 9th at 8:30 am followed by a general session focusing on Global Markets for Biofuels and Bioproducts. Other sessions include Southeast Forestry’s Bioenergy Potential, Promising Energy Crops For the Southeast, Innovative Approaches to Ethanol Production, E85, E15 – Creating a Biofuel Infrastructure System, Efficiencies From Combined Heat and Power, Energy From Waste, and more. Mike McAdams, Executive Director of the Advanced Biofuels Association will also be giving a presentation on Building Cooperation and Coalitions.

The conference boasts a wide-range of speakers including Professor Li, Tsinghua University; Christianne Egger, Upper Austrian Renewable Energy Agency; Hagan Rose, Eco Energy; Phillip Jennings, Repreve Renewables, and more.

Registration is now open. Click here to learn more about the conference and to register.

bioenergy, biofuels, biomass, conferences

Iowa Governor Signs Bill to Boost Ethanol and Biodiesel

Cindy Zimmerman

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has made good on a promise he made to the state’s renewable fuels industry back in January to revitalize Iowa’s rural economy by boosting sales of ethanol and production of biodiesel.

IRFA Terry Branstad“I want to work with the legislature to change the incentive from 10 percent to 15 percent,” Branstad said of ethanol in Iowa during an address at the annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit.

Today, Governor Branstad formally signed a comprehensive renewable fuels bill passed by the state legislature that establishes the nation’s first specific E15 incentive for local retailers to offer the mid-level blend to motorists, a new short-term production incentive program for Iowa biodiesel producers and several other provisions for renewable fuels in the state. “Governor Branstad’s signature completes the long process of putting Iowa in the forefront of renewable fuels policy, not just production,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw.

Under the new law, retailers will get a 3 cent tax credit for E15 sales. EPA is expected to give final approval for E15 later this summer for use in all 2001 and newer cars and light trucks. Other provisions include misfueling liability protection for retailers, an enhanced E85 retailer tax credit, an extension of the biodiesel retailer tax credit for blends of B5 and higher, $3 million in annual funding for Iowa’s Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (which provides grants for installation of blender, E85 and biodiesel dispensers as well as biodiesel terminal infrastructure), modifications to Iowa’s 25% Iowa renewable fuels standard and ethanol tax credit and codifying the ASTM fuel specification for biodiesel blends between 6 and 20 percent.

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government

RFA: Ethanol Means Memorial Day Savings for Travelers

Cindy Zimmerman

According to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), ethanol will save Memorial Day travelers this year $440 million on gas.

As the summer season kicks off this weekend, AAA estimates that almost 31 million Americans will take a trip with an average distance of 792 miles, even though gas prices are up 40 percent, averaging $3.91, compared to $2.85 this time last year. RFA says ethanol means they will actually be spending considerably less on gasoline than would otherwise be the case.

RFA’s analysis, based on AAA estimates and the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) study on ethanol and gas prices, determined that “the average American family traveling this Memorial Day will save more than $31 simply due to the fact that ethanol is holding gasoline prices down. Aggregate gasoline savings due to ethanol this weekend will be $440 million, based on AAA estimates of average trip length.”

Read the analysis by RFA VP of Research Geoff Cooper on the E-xchange blog.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA

Umbria Italy Home of New Solar Farm

Joanna Schroeder

Next time you visit Italy there will be a new “eco-tourist” destination. A solar farm is up and running in the municipality of Castel Giorgio in the region of Umbria Italy. The solar farm is nestled among farming land on the summit of a high plateau a few miles from Lake Bolsena a popular agrotourism area. The 2 megawatt system consists of 8,350 solar panels and spans 14-acres. It is now one of the largest concentration of photovoltaic modules on one site in the region and was designed by Canadian Solar and will be operated by ESA. Enel, Italy’s largest power company, will purchase the electricity generated by the system through the feed-in-tariff program at a predictable rate.

“This new solar farm builds on Canadian Solar’s rich heritage in serving Italy’s vibrant renewable market, and we’re pleased to partner with ESA to bring clean energy to Umbria,” said Shawn Qu, CEO of Canadian Solar. “This 2 MW project demonstrates Castel Giorgio’s energy leadership. It’s a testament to the quality and efficiency of our modules that Canadian Solar was chosen to be part of one of the largest solar project in the municipality.”

The project utilized 4,150 Canadian Solar panels and 4200 Trina Solar panels. The solar system has the ability to generate 3.1 million kilowatt hours kWh per year, or will produce enough energy for 300 averaged-sized home. The technology allows ESA to monitor the system from anywhere in the world.

“Projects like our solar farm demonstrate a fundamental shift in the value of renewable energy sources,” said Mariano Lopez, CEO of ESA. “We’re proud to have commissioned this array because it represents positive movement towards achieving energy independence. We have no intention of stopping here. We have upcoming plans that include additional large-scale solar installations — because renewable energy is definitely the way of the future.”

Electricity, Energy, Solar

New Study Released – Driving California’s Economy

Joanna Schroeder

Maybe a coincidence, but on the same day the EPA and DOE released new fuel economy labels, Next 10 released a new study, “Driving California’s Economy: How Fuel Economy and Emission Standards Will Impact Economic Growth and Job Creation.” The study found that policies that support fuel efficiency will drive consumer savings, drive job creation and spur economic growth. In addition, the study concluded that the highest passenger vehicle fuel economy and vehicle emissions standards produce the most positive results in terms of job creation, household savings, Gross State Product, and emissions reductions.

“Our study indicates that when it comes to fuel economy and emissions standards, Californians don’t have to choose between a robust economy and a cleaner vehicle fleet — they can enjoy both,” said Professor David Roland-Holst, author of the report.

The report used an economic forecasting model to project the effects of improved fuel economy and emission standards both enacted by the federal government and under consideration by the state. When compared to California’s economic performance without any vehicle fuel economy or emissions standards, if fuel economy improved by 4-6 percent per year starting in 2017, California would see the following impacts by the year 2025: the addition of 38,000 to 236,000 jobs; an increase in GSP of .82 percent to 1.31 percent; and a reduction of 8 percent to 19 percent of state GHG emissions.

F. Noel Perry, founder of Next 10, said of the study, “For more than three decades, California’s investments in energy efficiency — through groundbreaking building, appliance, and utility regulatory standards — have reaped substantial economic returns for consumers in our state. These returns have in turn supported the creation of new jobs and businesses. Californians will see similar benefits when it comes to clean cars.”

Currently, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is in the midst of passing legislation that will set vehicle emission standards for passenger cars sold in the state for model years 2017-2025. States are allowed under the federal Clean Air Act to set their own vehicle emission standards but not fuel economy standards – those can only be set by the federal government. Oftentimes other states follow California’s lead and today, 14 other states currently follow California’s emission policies. EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are expected to announce the new fuel economy standards this fall.

Environment

Pathway to Develop Sustainable Aviation Biofuels Industry

Joanna Schroeder

In 2010, the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest (SAFN) was formed to determine how the Pacific Northwest could create a viable and robust biofuels industry with the goal of creating fuels for the aviation industry. Yesterday, a 10 month study conducted by Climate Solutions has determined that the Pacific Northwest has the diverse feedstock, fuel-delivery infrastructure and political will needed to achieve their goals. However, the report stressed that creating an aviation biofuels industry will depend upon securing early government policy support to prioritize the aviation industry in U.S. biofuels development.

Partners in the program include Boeing, Alaska Airlines, Portland International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Spokane International Airport and Washington State University.

“It is critical to the future of aviation that we develop a sustainable supply of aviation biofuels,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh during a press announcement. “Airlines are particularly vulnerable to oil price volatility, and the aviation community must address this issue to maintain economic growth and further mitigate the environmental impacts of our industry.”

Dr. John Gardner, vice president for advancement and external affairs at Washington State University noted that there were three goals of the report. The study aimed to verify what the sources of biomass would be; what the supply chain would be and the steps needed to make it happen; and what policies might be barriers.

To create a market for aviation biofuels, the study outlines an integrated approach recommending the use of diverse feedstock and technology pathways, including oilseeds, forest residues, solid waste and algae. In addition, the study outlines the long-term importance of securing aviation biofuels as a top government priority and using the aviation industry to drive growth in domestic production.

Bill Ayer, Alaska Air Group Chairman, noted that consumers care about the issue of high fuel costs and sustainable future fuels and the airlines are taking the issue seriously.Read More

biofuels, biojet fuel, Research

EPA, DOT Unveil Hip, New Fuel Economy Labels

Joanna Schroeder

Amidst high gas prices consumers, legislators and NGO’s (non government organization) have all called for stricter fuel economy standards. Yesterday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled new fuel economy labels designed to help consumers take advantage of increased efficiency standards enacted under the Obama Administration. The increased fuel economy standards are designed to help save consumers money at the pump.

Changes to the new labels are the most dramatic in over 30 years, and provide more comprehensive fuel efficiency information, including estimated annual fuel costs, savings, as well as information on each vehicle’s environmental impact. The announcement was made today at electric car maker Tesla‘s headquarters in Palo Alto, California.

“Smart energy policy, advanced engineering, and technology are working together to move the auto industry forward,” said EPA Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld. “The Obama Administration delivered the first-ever tailpipe greenhouse gas emission and fuel efficiency standards. What we are doing today, with the new labels, is helping the American public make decisions that can reduce the burden on their pocketbooks, and the burden on our environment.”

The improvements to the fuel economy labels will give consumers better, more complete information to consider when purchasing new vehicles. Starting with model year 2013, the improved fuel economy labels will be required to be affixed to all new passenger cars and trucks – both conventional gasoline powered and “next generation” cars, such as plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. The new rules, passed in 2010, should improve fuel economy of cars and trucks built between 2012-1016 to the tune of 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the life of the program and save consumers an average of $3,000 in fuel costs. Switching to an electric vehicles should reap even more savings at the pump.

“Looking at the true cost of gasoline – not just at the pump, but the cost in terms of our national security, our economy and the environment – electric vehicles simply make the most sense,” said Tesla VP of Corporate Development Diarmuid O’Connell. “Tesla is committed to putting as many affordable electric vehicles on the road as quickly as possible to end our reliance on foreign sources of oil and reduce the economic shocks that are driven by the volatility of oil prices.”

Click here to see versions of the new labels and click here to see side by side comparisons of the new labels versus the old labels.

Electric Vehicles, Environment, Flex Fuel Vehicles

What State Should Have Biofuel Bragging Rights?

Joanna Schroeder

Minnesota and Wisconsin are in a battle to claim bragging rights as the best biofuel retailer. Two fuel retailers – one in Minnesota and one across the border in Wisconsin – have renewed a friendly rivalry to determine which station can sell more E85 during a promotion on Thursday, June 2, 2011 from 4-6 pm. This will be the second time the two stations on opposite sides of the St. Croix River battle it out for biofuel bragging rights.

The participating stations include Freedom Valu station at 1535 Beam Avenue in Maplewood, Minn. and the Bob & Steve’s BP station at 101 Aspen Drive in Somerset, Wisc. Both will discount E85 by 85 cents per gallon during the two-hour “E85 Border Battle” promotion. Wisconsin won the first contest by a slim margin last year.

Last year even state mascots were involved with Goldy Gopher cheering on customers in Minnesota and “Alice in Dairyland” promoting E85 in Wisconsin. They are expected to renew the rivalry again this year.

There will be a 30 gallon limit per customer during the E85 Border Battle promotion and customers should know that E85 is only intended for use in flex-fuel vehicles. Not sure if you own an FFV? There will be ethanol enthusiasts on hand to answer this question and any others you may have.

The event is being organized by the American Lung Association chapters in Minnesota and Wisconsin, which recognizes cleaner-burning E85 as a “Clean Air Choice™” fuel. Other supporters include the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Bob & Steve’s BP Amoco Shops, Erickson Oil and the Minnesota and Wisconsin Clean Air Choice Teams. For more information, see www.CleanAirChoice.org.

E85, Education, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Lakeside Dairy Goes Solar

Joanna Schroeder

Agriculture gets greener everyday. Lakeside Dairy in Hanford, Cali. has gone solar. The dairy installed a new solar energy system to power its milking barn and other dairy operations. With the system in place, they expect to cut their conventional energy use by 75 percent. The family-owned dairy has 7,000 head of cattle and a custom farming business. I don’t know about you but I’m thinking a California cow is a happy cow!

The 891 kilowatt solar energy system was designed and installed by SPG Solar. It is comprised of 3,240 Suntech solar modules and two Solaron inverters. It is estimated that the system will generate more than 1.7 megawatt hours annually – enough to offset the dairy’s utility power usage by at least 75 percent.

“The recent volatility of milk prices has underscored the importance of hedging our input costs,” said Mike Monteiro, the dairy’s owner. “The solar energy system will help us fix our energy costs and hedge against long term increases in utility power rates.”

The solar system spans four-acres and is robust enough to power Lakeside’s entire dairy operation including an 11,000 square foot milking barn, heifer corral lighting and fans, manure separator equipment and well and irrigation equipment. This is just one effort engaged by the diary operation to become more sustainable. The farm’s manure-handling equipment removes nearly 50 tons of solid manure a day, thus preventing it from going into the lagoon or giving off gases from decomposition.

“Lakeside Dairy continues to show its commitment to solar that positively impacts their operations today, reducing future electricity costs and investing in the community through the creation of green jobs,” said CEO and President of SPG Solar, Chris Robine. “They are laying out a long-term strategy towards the sustainable production and quality of food produced.”

Rabobank provided the construction and term financing for the solar project and will work with Lakeside to help them manage their finances as they pay off the loan. Gianluca Signorelli, Vice President of Renewable Energy Finance for Rabobank added, “By combining the savings from lower utility power bills with federal and state incentives, Rabobank structured the term loan to potentially be cash flow positive throughout the lifetime of the loan. Once the loan is repaid, the solar system is likely to create even larger savings for Lakeside Dairy.”

Agribusiness, Electricity, Energy, Solar

Sabine Biofuels Formed to Produce Biodiesel

Joanna Schroeder

A new venture was announced today between Endicott Biofuels (EBF) and Holly Biofuels, a subsidiary of Dallas-based petroleum refiner Holly Corporation. The two companies formed Sabine Biofuels LLC to build and operate a 30 million-gallon-per-year biorefinergy to produce biodiesel from inedible fats. The facility is currently under construction in Port Arthur, Texas.

“This joint venture will assist Holly in meeting its biofuel obligations under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard,” said George Damiris, senior vice president for Supply and Marketing of Holly. “We are looking forward to our partnership with Endicott on this venture, and possibly others in the future.”

Sabine Biofuels will employ patent-protected Davy technology and licensed to EBF in North America.

David Robinson, CEO of EBF added, “We are extremely pleased to join forces with Holly on this opportunity. Both of our companies understand the value of finding renewable, economic sources of transportation fuel to supplement traditional petroleum sources. We believe the combination of Endicott’s unique, proven process with Holly’s industry-leading petroleum refining, distribution and marketing capability will make Sabine Biofuels the absolute leader in biorefining.”

Biodiesel, biofuels