Movie Review – Deep Green

Joanna Schroeder

This week I watched the documentary, “Deep Green,” written and produced by Matt Briggs. The documentary takes the position that global warming is real and global warming is serious but, “We can fix this.” Using a combination of animation shorts such as “The Krill is Gone” along with interviews of leading global warming influencers, the documentary says that if we don’t cut out carbon emissions between 80-90 percent in the next few years, it will be too late to reverse its course and well, we’re doomed.

The documentary travels to nine different countries including Germany, Sweden, China and the U.S. to take a look at actions taken to solve global warming. The film features green building projects, renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar and highlights energy efficiency strategies. Briggs interviewed several environmental “who’s who’s” including Lester Brown, the founder of the Earth Policy Institute; David Suzuki, Co-Founder of The David Suzuki Foundation; James Woolsey, former CIA Director and founding member of Set America Free Coalition; Michael Pollan, author of Omnivore’s Dilemma; and Amory Lovins, Co-founder, Chairman and Chief Scientist of the Rocky Mountain Institute.

The documentary was well done and beautifully produced and did an excellent job on intertwining commentary, with interviews, with animated shorts, and solutions. And Brigg’s solutions are not presented as once and done, a strategy often undertook. He continues to lay out solutions over, and over so that you walk away with some solid personal actions you can take to mitigate your own personal carbon footprint.Read More

book reviews, Environment, global warming

POET Biorefining – Caro Receives Green Honor

Joanna Schroeder

POET Biorefining – Caro has received the 2011 Green Agri-Business Designation from the Michigan Agri-Business Association. The ethanol plant received the award for its efforts to integrate environmental practices into its operations. The award focuses on efforts by companies to protect Michigan’s natural resources, conserve energy and reduce impact on water land and air.

“The Michigan Agri-Business Association wants to shine a light on the many agricultural businesses that are doing the right thing, and keeping Michigan’s natural resources strong and healthy,” MABA President Jim Byrum said. “Conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency are a way of life for these Michigan businesses, saving both money and resources. These businesses are good for both our industry and Michigan’s future, and we want to highlight their efforts.”

To reduce water use while improving water quality, POET Biorefining – Caro uses a total water recovery system to eliminate wastewater discharge and a waste heat recovery system that recycles both heat and water. It uses the Load Toad DDGS loader to get more product onto each rail car and conducts a recycling program.

David Gloer, GM of POET Biorefining – Caro added, “We produce renewable fuel, so reducing waste and energy use is a natural focus for POET Biorefining – Caro,” General Manager David Gloer said. “It’s a great honor to be recognized by the MABA for those efforts.”

Company Announcement, Environment, Ethanol, water

Rapeseed Research to Help Optimize Plant Oil Production

Cindy Zimmerman

New energy department research is aiming to increase the use of plant oils as renewable resource by optimize the production of oil in the seeds.

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a computational model for analyzing the metabolic processes in rapeseed plants — particularly those related to the production of oils in their seeds. Their goal is to find ways to optimize the production of plant oils that have widespread potential as renewable resources for fuel and industrial chemicals.

“To make efficient use of all that plants have to offer in terms of alternative energy, replacing petrochemicals in industrial processes, and even nutrition, it’s essential that we understand their metabolic processes and the factors that influence their composition,” said Brookhaven biologist Jorg Schwender, pictured here on the left with research associate Jordan Hay on the right.

The scientists focused on the plant seeds, where oils are formed and accumulated during development. “This oil represents the most energy-dense form of biologically stored sunlight, and its production is controlled, in part, by the metabolic processes within developing seeds,” Schwender said.

The model they have developed is helping them to determine the effects of variables such as light and nutrients on oil production in plant seeds, and which genes and reactions are necessary for oil formation, and which make oil production most effective.

Read more here.

biofuels, feedstocks, Research

INEOS Says Advanced Biofuel Plant is on Schedule

Cindy Zimmerman

Contrary to recent media reports, INEOS Bio officials say the joint venture facility in Florida to produce advanced biofuels from waste will start on time next year.

“Things are progressing well and are on-track at the Vero Beach site,” said Peter Williams, Chairman of INEOS New Planet BioEnergy and CEO INEOS Bio, in a statement. “As is the case with all major projects as complex as this, elements will change but this does not change our expected start date. The plant remains scheduled to be commissioned in mid 2012. When completed it will produce eight million gallons of bioethanol per annum and six megawatts (gross) of renewable power from local yard, vegetative and household wastes.”

INEOS officials note that recent articles which have focused on a change in the phasing of recruitment for the project and the necessary administrative steps taken in respect of grant funding with Indian River County, should also have stated that this has no bearing on the completion of the project, which remains on-track to be complete in April 2012. The company, which received a $75 million government loan guarantee, officially broke ground on the new facility in February of this year.

advanced biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Recruiting for Biofuels Careers

Cindy Zimmerman

Development of next generation biofuels means companies like Novozymes are growing and creating jobs at a rapid pace. The key is finding qualified people to fill those roles.

Novozymes was one of the companies that participated in the AgCareers.com 2011 North American Ag HR Roundtable held this week at Purdue University.

Novozymes Recruitment and Employer Branding Manager Darlene Godsey says the company’s workforce has increased tremendously just in the last five years. “With the growth of biofuels specifically in the U.S., we grew substantially, doubling the size of our R&D team and trying to support the growth of the biofuels industry was what drove a lot of it,” she said. Godsey spoke to the roundtable of more than 150 agribusiness employers, professional organizations and college career counselors about what Novozymes is doing to recruit new “Zymers,” the term they use to describe their employees.

Godsey says they worked with a marketing company to develop special tokens that current Zymers could hand out to prospective Zymers. The token sends them to a special website that serves to introduce them to the Novozymes culture and help determine if they would be a good fit. “We wanted the experience for the employees and candidates to be reflective of how we work, that we do things differently, we are innovative and we challenge conventions,” she said.

The Zymer token program was just introduced in March and Godsey says they have already hired six people from that data base. “I have a target of 20 percent of our hires coming from the referral data base in the future,” she said.

Listen to my interview with Darlene here: Interview with Darlene Godsey of Novozymes

2011 AgCareers Ag HR Roundtable photo album.

biofuels, Cellulosic

Biodiesel Board Announces New Capitol Hill VP

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has announced a new vice president of federal affairs to serve the industry on Capitol Hill.

Anne Steckel, who will lead NBB’s Washington office, brings nearly 15 years of Washington experience to the job. Currently chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson of California, she has overseen legislative issues for several members of Congress, including U.S. Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin of Illinois. Steckel has also served as director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation and more recently with Growth Energy, a renewable fuels trade group.

“We feel very lucky and proud to have found someone of Anne’s caliber, background and expertise,” said Joe Jobe, CEO of NBB, the biodiesel industry trade association. “She is a real Washington pro and a leader in the renewable energy sector. I know that she will be an effective advocate for the biodiesel industry as we continue to grow and expand as America’s first Advanced Biofuel.”

Starting in late August, Steckel is arriving at a time when the biodiesel industry is on track for a record year of production. Her primary focus for the near-term will be urging Congress to pass a long-term extension of a tax incentive that is spurring new biodiesel production and sustaining thousands of good, American jobs.

“Biodiesel is boosting our economy, improving the environment and making the United States more energy secure,” said Steckel. “I am excited to help lead such a vibrant industry with so much potential for growth that improves the way we fuel our economy.”

Steckel takes over the position from Manning Feraci, who left NBB recently to lead government affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Biodiesel, NBB

Glencoe, MN to Host Ethanol Promotion

Joanna Schroeder

There will be a celebration at the Glencoe Coop on August 8th to mark the installation of the community’s first blender pump. The project was supported by a $6,771 grant from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) that was created in the 2002 Farm Bill. The program helps with the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements on farms and rural businesses.  President Obama’s administration has set a goal of installing 10,000 blender pumps across the country withing the next 5 years.

The station, located at Glencoe, Minnesota, will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, August 8th beginning at 10:45 am CST. Representatives from the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be on hand along with a number of other special guests. Following a brief presentation, a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) pump promotion will take place from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm sponsored in part by the American Lung Association of Minnesota. Fuel discounts during the promotion are as follows and mid-level blends of ethanol can only be used in FFV’s but everyone is welcome to come to the event to show their support for fuel choice at the pump.

  • · 85 cents off per gallon of E85
  • · 50 cents off per gallon of E50
  • · 30 cents off per gallon of E30
  • · 20 cents off per gallon of E20
blends, E85, Ethanol, Promotion

Peter Matrai Joins Butamax as COO

Joanna Schroeder

Peter Matrai has joined Butamax Advanced Biofuels as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO). He will be responsible for the development and implementation of Butamax strategy and business plan. He will also be in charge of leading the company’s global commercial team which is currently engaged in activities in the U.S., Brazil, Europe and Asia.

Prior to joining Butamax, Peter spent five years with BP Biofuels where he was as a Strategy Advisor in London. In this role he was a key contributor to the development and implementation of BP Biofuels’ global strategy. Most recently, he led the development of a sustainable and scalable ligno-cellulosic biofuel business opportunity for BP in North America. In addition, Matrai’s has substantial experience in finance, mergers and acquisitions, emerging market investments, asset management, diplomacy, and public-private partnerships.

“Peter has an impressive track record for development and execution of commercial strategy. His deep understanding of biofuels, coupled with his experience of building successful new ventures, make him a powerful addition to the Butamax management team,” said Paul Beckwith, Chief Executive Officer of Butamax.

biobutanol, biofuels, Company Announcement

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