ACE Conference 2026

SCS Offers Sugarcane Certification Program

Joanna Schroeder

The U.S. corn ethanol industry is not the only form of ethanol production often under fire. Brazil’s sugarcane industry is also accused of not producing the crop, nor the fuel, in a sustainable manner. As a result, the EU Renewable Energy Directive was created to address concerns including labor and environmental issues. In response, Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) has become an accredited body for the Bonsucro standard for sustainable sugarcane. The standard is supported by leading worldwide companies including Coca Cola, Kraft Foods, and Baccardi.

The Bonsucro certification standard addresses labor and environmental concerns that are often associated with sugarcane production and companies that ask for certified products can be ensured they are more sustainably produced. In addition, the standard includes criteria related to legal compliance, biodiversity and ecosystem impacts, human rights, production and processing, and continuous improvement.

Other companies driving change include the oil industry who is ramping up renewable energy production through the purchase and production of sugarcane ethanol. The Environmental Protection Agency has designated sugarcane ethanol as an advanced biofuel that lowers greenhouse gas reductions by more than 50 percent as compared to gasoline. How a feedstock is produced factors into a fuel’s carbon intensity score (the carbon reduction of the fuel as compared to 100 percent gasoline) and policy such as California’s low carbon fuels standard is driving agricultural production changes.

“Our Bonsucro accreditation fits perfectly with our history as a leading certifier of products with significant environmental and social benefits,” said Dr. Robert J. Hrubes, Senior Vice President of SCS.

Agribusiness, biofuels, Ethanol, feedstocks

NBB Testifies During EPA Hearing

Joanna Schroeder

Earlier this week, the Environmental Protection Agency held a hearing to discuss the latest renewable fuels proposal. One goal of the hearing was to determine if current 2011 mandates will be met by the obligated parties and to ensure the industry can produce enough fuel. Also under debate is whether the 2012 mandates are too high. Joe Jobe, the CEO of the National Biodiesel Board, was one of several industry leaders who testified during the hearing.

Jobe testified the EPA’s proposal represents a modest and sustainable level of growth in the biomass-based diesel program that is consistent with the availability of the diverse feedstocks used to produce biodiesel including used cooking oil, used waste grease and vegetable oil. Jobe also noted that biodiesel is the only EPA-designated advanced biofuel being produced on a commercial scale across the country.

“While we believe these are conservative targets for the U.S. biodiesel industry, we applaud the EPA for proposing a reasonable increase,” Jobe said in a statement after the hearing. “As America’s only EPA-designated advanced biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide, we are ready to meet the challenge.”

The biodiesel industry currently has more than 1 billion gallons approved with the EPA and is on track to achieve the EPA’s 2011 standard of 800 million gallons. This year, average production is nearly 75 million gallons per month with a high of 82 million gallons during May.

The proposed biomass-based diesel requirements for next year are set at 1 billion gallons and nearly 1.3 billion gallons for 2013. It should be noted that biodiesel not only qualifies, and makes up almost the entirety of the biomass-based diesel category, but it is also approved as an advanced biofuel. In fact, biodiesel made from corn oil has the lowest carbon intensity score of all commercial scale biofuels.

“We’re confident that we can meet these production goals. In doing so, we’ll help cure America’s oil addiction with a clean-burning renewable fuel while creating good-paying American jobs,” said Jobe. “This program was developed to wean the country off foreign oil with cleaner homegrown fuels, and we believe it’s working as intended.”

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, biofuels, Legislation, NBB

Is Ethanol Really Outpacing Feed Use for Corn?

Cindy Zimmerman

The latest USDA supply/demand forecast out this week says that corn use for ethanol will outpace livestock feed use for the first time, but some are questioning those figures and that interpretation.

USDAThe July 12 World Agricultural Supply Demand report increased corn beginning stocks by 150 million bushels, while total U.S. corn use for 2010/11 was lowered by 145 million bushels. The report increased ethanol use by 50 million bushels to 5.05 billion bushels, based on “larger supplies and improved ethanol producer margins,” which is 50 million more than the even 5 billion projected for feed and residual use.

For 2011/12, the report raises feed and residual by another 50 million bushels with larger supplies and lower expected prices, while corn use for ethanol is raised 100 million, doubling the spread between the two usage categories to 100 million bushels.

Matt Hartwig with the Renewable Fuels Association contends that saying ethanol is surpassing livestock feed use for corn is not exactly correct. “First, USDA is assuming more than 14.1 billion gallons of ethanol production for the 2010/2011 marketing year, based upon the industry average of 2.8 gallons per bushel and the USDA estimate of 5.05 billion bushels of corn. However, calendar year 2011 ethanol production is on pace for 13.7 billion gallons, according to the Energy Information Administration. USDA is either finding ethanol production EIA is unaware of, or they are using out of date ethanol yields. Based upon RFA calculations of corn use (RFA assumes a conservative 2.77 gallon per bushel yield), total gross corn use in ethanol production will be less than 5 billion bushels in 2011.”

In addition, Hartwig notes that the USDA estimate does not properly account for the one third of each bushel of corn entering an ethanol biorefinery that is returned to the livestock feed market in the form of distillers grains. “Even if USDA’s estimates are correct, which they likely are not, the total net corn use for ethanol is 3.3 billion bushels,” he says.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA, USDA

New Report Details Global Hydropower Markets

Joanna Schroeder

Global opportunities for hydropower are reviewed and analyzed in a new report, “The Hydropower Market 2011-2012,” by Visiongain. According to the report, the global hydropower market, as defined by spending on new hydropower projects as well as spending on upgrades and expansions, to be worth $56.61 billion in 2011. Today, hydropower currently contributes nearly one-sixth of all worldwide electricity, but the authors of the report believe it will play in increasingly important role in the future as the world shifts away from fossil fuel-based energy to renewable energy.

The report examines the hydropower market over the next decade and provides detailed market forecasts for each of the regional markets as well as offers in-depth analysis of the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. The report provides information on recently awarded contracts in more than 50 national markets and profiles the top 50 companies within the hydropower market.

In addition, the report highlights the most important technological changes withing within the industry as assesses their importance in the long-term growth of the industry. Also evaluated are various drivers and restraints of the hydropower market as a means to provide the industry with specific insights into the future direction of the market.

Electricity, Energy, Hydro

Alt Fuels & Vehicle Lecture Announced

Joanna Schroeder

The American Lung Association in Minnesota is offering a free lecture on alternative fuels and vehicles that are currently available in Minnesota. The event will be held on Wednesday, July 20th from 6:30-8:00 pm CST, at the American Lung Association in Minnesota’s building located at 490 Concordia Avenue, Saint Paul. The lecture is taking place in the Mississippi room. The focal point will be vehicles that can use cleaner fuels such as E85, biodiesel, propane or natural gas. This the the second lecture in the “Clean Air Choices” series focused on air pollution in Minnesota.

“Vehicle emissions are the single largest source of air pollution in the state of Minnesota, but we are also a leader in cleaner alternative fuels and vehicles,” said Robert Moffitt, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association in Minnesota. “Unlike many other parts of the country, Minnesota drivers have choices they can make that can reduce air pollution and the harm it causes to our health. The purpose of this lecture is to explain what these choices are.”

Parking is free, and light refreshments will be served. To reserve a spot, call Courtney at (651) 262-5084 or email Courtney.Blankenheim@lungmn.org.

Biodiesel, biofuels, E85, Education, Natural Gas, Propane

Hino Trucks Approved for B20

Joanna Schroeder

Hino Trucks has approved its product line of class 4 and 5 cab overs as well as class 6 and 7 conventional trucks for use up to a 20 percent biodiesel blend (B20). The company says all of its 2011 and 2012 model year trucks powered with its 3-Series engines are approved to use up to B20 blends that meet ASTM D6751 and D975 standards. In addition, B20 is also approved to fuel Hino’s new diesel-electric hybrid cab anticipated to be released this fall.

“It is our strong commitment to design and assemble trucks that are at the forefront of environmental friendliness and that help to reduce our overall dependency on foreign oils,” said Glenn Ellis, Vice President of Marketing and Dealer Operations for Hino Trucks. “By offering the class 4 and 5 market a diesel-electric hybrid cab over that can use up to B20 biodiesel, our customers now have an option for a commercially acceptable alternative fuel truck.”

According to Hino, they are the only company that offers class 6 and 7 conventional trucks to meet the 2010 EPA emission requirements without the use of credits. Hino trucks built prior to model year 2011 are approved to use B5 blends.

Biodiesel, biofuels

Siemens Secures Contract for Idaho Solar Project

Joanna Schroeder

Yesterday, I spent the day checking out what was happening in the global solar industry at the InterSolar North America conference held in San Francisco, California. With more than 20,000 attendees and nearly 800 exhibitors, there is proof that the solar industry is gaining traction.

One company making news is Siemens Industry, Inc. who announced they received a multi-million dollar order from Interconnect Solar Development to supply solar technology for the 20 MW Murphy Flats solar project located in Idaho. Once complete, this will be Idaho Power Company’s first commercial solar project integrated into its electricity grid. Siemens will be manufacturing the solar technology, that includes inverters, transformers and containers, will be manufactured at its plant in West Chicago.

“The Siemens team demonstrated a true understanding of our project objectives, and the team made a significant investment of their time and expertise to bring additional solar power to electricity customers in Idaho,” said Bill Piske, founder of Interconnect Solar Development, LLC. “Siemens Answers for Industry event first allowed our team the opportunity to learn about the integrated solutions provided by Siemens, as well as the company’s significant portfolio of PV project experience in utility applications.”

According to Siemens, their solar solutions will provide one of the lowest Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and their IGBT technology-based inverters are expected to deliver efficiencies greater than 98 percent. The Murphy Flats project will also feature Siemens PV-WinCC SCADA software.

Richard Myers, director of solar vertical market management for Siemens added, “We are proud that Interconnect Solar chose Siemens to be its partner for the Murphy Flats project. Additionally, our service and support will ensure uptime and plant efficiency throughout the project lifecycle by providing a 20-year customer service agreement.”

You can view photos from the InterSolar North America conference in my event photo album.

Electricity, Energy, Solar

REG New Owner of SoyMor Biodiesel

Joanna Schroeder

Renewable Energy Group (REG) is the new owner of the SoyMor Biodiesel LLC facilities located in Albert Lea, Minn. The purchase included SoyMor’s biodiesel plant as well as its soy lecithin facility. The 30 million gallon per year (mmgy) biodiesel plant has been idle since 2008 and REG is already in the process of hiring 20 full-time employees for the various positions including administration, plant operators and load-out staff.

“Renewable Energy Group is proud to add this production-proven, strategically-located facility to our network of owned and operated biorefineries,” said REG’s CEO Jeff Stroburg. “With nationwide demand for biodiesel growing steadily through implementation of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) and Minnesota’s continued biodiesel consumption leadership, we expect to quickly ramp up production at REG Albert Lea, LLC.”

REG is currently the country’s largest biodiesel producer and this addition brings the company’s annual biodiesel nameplate production capacity to more than 210 mmgy. Prior to the purchase of SoyMor, REG was the contractor and manager for the 30 mmgy refined vegetable oil feedstock biodiesel facility that began production in April 2005. As part of its strategy, REG will upgrade the plant’s technology to enable the facility to produce biodiesel from a multitude of feedstocks such as lower cost natural fats and oils including used cooking oil and inedible corn oil produced by corn ethanol plants.

Stroburg added, “With a foundation in agriculture and expertise in domestically-produced, renewable energy, REG is proud to bring green-collar jobs to this rural economy while supporting ag producers in Minnesota and across the Midwest. Our REG manufacturing team is already on-site at the facility to re-start the biodiesel process in order to have high quality, REG-9000® biodiesel available in the market very soon.”

Biodiesel, biofuels, REG

Codexis Scales Up Cellulosic Enzyme Production

Joanna Schroeder

Codexis has confirmed plans to scale-up the commercial manufacturing of its proprietary cellulase enzymes. These enzymes are manufactured to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars, and ultimately bioproducts including biofuels, biochemicals, and bio-based performance ingredients in household products such as laundry detergents and shampoos. The enzymes will be produced at the Fermic S.A. de C.V. facility located in Mexico City, Mexico.

Prior to this commercial launch, they produced the enzymes at 20,000 liter scale. This achievement represented the first time an enzyme product was manufactured and using their Codexis CodeXporter enzyme expression system. In addition, the cellulase enzymes were created using the Codexis CodeEvolver direct evolution technology and plans to use this product to support biofuel projects and their market expansion into biochemicals.

“High-performance cellulase enzymes will soon be in high demand for cost-effective production of renewable products from biomass,” said Alan Shaw, Ph.D., President and CEO “This is both an important commercial milestone for Codexis and a significant development for customers, who are responding to market demand for sustainable products.”

biochemicals, biofuels, Cellulosic, Energy

WM Commissions 1,000th Natural Gas Truck

Joanna Schroeder

This week, Waste Management (WM) commissioned its 1,000th natural gas truck. The company is the largest owner and operator of natural gas burning heavy duty trucks in North America. The truck was commissioned during a ceremony in Carson, California and on hand was Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster. The truck will be dedicated to picking up recyclable materials.

“This is a special milestone in our journey to develop the cleanest fleet of heavy duty trucks in our industry,” said Duane Woods, senior vice president at Waste Management. “We are pleased that we have so many natural gas trucks now in service, particularly in Southern California where clean air is such a critical issue.”

One third of WM’s fleet is now fueled by liquified natural gas (LNG) derived from the decomposition of organic waste delivered and processed at the Altamont Landfill located in Livermore, California. The plant began producing LNG in November 2009, and in this time has been generating up to 13,000 gallons of LNG per day.

WM says that LNG is a “virtually zero-carbon transportation fuel,” and with its current fleet, will displace nearly 8 million gallons of petroleum and 45,100 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.  In addition to its fleet, the company also has 17 compressed natural gas (CNG) and LNG fueling stations located at its facilities with more installations under development. The company also hopes to develop a new landfill-gas-to-LNG facility at its landfill located in Simi Valley, California, a facility that would be similar to its LNG facility at Altamont.

Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board, added, “I’m pleased to celebrate the opening of this new facility that’s quite literally turning trash into fuel, and helping us reach our environmental goals by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and creating a healthier atmosphere for all Californians.”

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied natural gas (LNG), Waste-to-Energy