More Wheeling & Dealing in DC on Ethanol

Joanna Schroeder

There is more wheeling & dealing on ethanol measures going on in DC today. Sens. Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced a bill that would repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) also known as the blender’s credit. Policy makers have been attempting to end VEETC for many years and made an unsuccessful, but down to the wire attempt last year.

In response, Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis said, “At a time when gas prices are rising due to our dependence on foreign oil, this is the wrong choice at the wrong time. Ethanol – produced right here in America – is creating jobs that cannot be outsourced, strengthening our national security and improving our environment today. In fact it is the only significant progress this nation has made in reducing our dependence on foreign oil since the OPEC oil embargo. Ethanol is currently ten percent of our nation’s fuel usage and we can do more with greater access to the market.

Buis continued, “The ethanol industry is fully prepared to reform and reduce the cost of current tax programs; I would suggest Sens. Coburn and Cardin introduce legislation requiring the oil industry to do the same. In fact, Growth Energy proposed last year, in its Fueling Freedom plan, reforming the ethanol tax program and adopting policies to benefit consumers at the pump. We stand ready to work with Congress and the Administration to accomplish these goals.”

Then later in the day Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), introduced an amendment that would strip amendments by Reps. John Sullivan, (R-OK), and Jeff Flake (R-AZ), from the House-approved Continuing Resolution that is now before the U.S. Senate. These amendments block the EPA from rolling out E15 and prohibit funds to be dedicated to install blender pumps and other build biofuel infrastructure.

“The Sullivan and Flake amendments would deprive America of an opportunity to break its addiction to foreign oil. Sullivan and Flake would harm our economy by erecting new artificial market barriers to ethanol, and blocking support for construction of blender pumps and ethanol storage facilities,” said Buis. “Sen. Nelson is standing up for our nation’s national and economic security by opposing the Sullivan and Flake amendments, which were a triumph for OPEC and a loss for America. It’s time we fought as a nation to lessen our dependence on foreign oil.”

Buis continued, “This amendment puts aside politics and lets the science speak for itself. EPA’s consideration of E15 was based on a more exhaustive study and collection of data than any of the 11 previously-approved petitions. No other fuel mix has been tested more.”

“Oil is predicted to stay above $100 a barrel, threatening the United States’ economic recovery and taking hundreds of millions of dollars out of Americans’ pockets each and every day. I applaud Sen. Nelson for opposing these job-killing amendments and supporting the only fuel alternative that is cleaner and more cost-efficient than gasoline derived from foreign oil,” he concluded.

Ethanol, Growth Energy, Legislation

POET’s Biorefineries Slash H20 Use

Joanna Schroeder

POET biorefineries have slashed water use through the utilization of the company’s Total Water Recovery technology. Across the board, the company’s plants have reduced water use by a total of 411 million gallons of water per year compared to 2009 levels. This savings means that on average, a POET ethanol plant uses 2.77 gallons of water per gallon of ethanol produced. The industry average is 3 gallons of water per 1 gallon of ethanol produced.

But this achievement is not near POET’s goal. With startup of systems at their biorefineries in Mitchell, S.D.; Ashton, Iowa; and Portland, Ind., the company is nearly halfway to its goal of saving 1 billion gallons of water annually by 2014, which would mean using 2.33 gallons of water per gallon of ethanol produced. POET’s water saving goal is one part of its company-wide sustainability initiative called “Ingreenuity.”

“I’m proud that in each of the 23 years we’ve been in business, we’ve been able to improve the environmental performance of ethanol production,” POET CEO Jeff Broin said. “Water is one of the most important resources on our planet. We will continue to find ways to maximize that resource and other resources in our ongoing work to be as efficient as we can be.”

Currently, 12 of POET’s 26 plants are running the system at full capacity, and another six are scheduled to come online this year. Total Water Recovery will also be running in their 27th plant, POET Biorefining – Cloverdale, which POET recently acquired and will start production later this month.

According to the company, in 2009, their plants used an average of three gallons of water per gallon of ethanol, which is an 80 percent decrease from when the company first produced ethanol in 1988. That average includes the alternative sources of water used at several POET plants. At POET Biorefining — Corning (Iowa) most of the water used for cooling comes from the Corning Waste Water Treatment Plant. One hundred percent of the water at POET Biorefining — Portland (Ind.) is recycled from a nearby quarry. POET Biorefining — Big Stone (S.D.) gets 80 percent of its water from the cooling ponds of an adjacent power plant and discharges it back to the power plant.

Company Announcement, Ethanol, POET, water

Researcher Makes Foam from Biodiesel By-Product

John Davis

A researcher from The Ohio State University has found a way to make a polyurethane foam from a by-product of biodiesel.

Yebo Li, a biosystems engineer with the university’s Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster, has found a way to turn glycerin into a renewable, cheaper foam:

“Polyurethane foam made with our bio-polyol is renewable, biodegradable and its quality is comparable to petroleum-based foam,” said Jeff Schultheis, chief operating officer of Mansfield-based Poly-Green Technologies, LLC, a start-up formed to commercialize Li’s invention. “And while other bio-polyols now in the market use virgin oils, such as castor bean or soybean, we use a true waste-stream. This makes our product 5-10 percent cheaper than petroleum-based or natural oil-based foams. So we are competing not just on being ‘green,’ but also on overall quality and cost.”

In fact, the bio-polyol developed by OARDC — the research arm of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences — has many other advantages over its competitors that make it an attractive investment: it doesn’t take away crops from food production; it can be used at 100 percent to make products such as insulation boards (other bio-polyols need to be blended with petroleum-based polyols to bring up the quality); and there’s an abundant supply of low-cost crude glycerin in the domestic and international markets.

“For every 10 gallons of biodiesel produced, there’s one gallon of crude glycerin left over,” explained Schultheis, an Ohio State alumnus originally from Zanesville, in southeastern Ohio. “In 2011, the U.S. biodiesel industry alone will be producing about 70 million gallons of crude glycerin. So there’s a lot of growth potential for this product, and we feel we will be able to enter into the polyurethane market very easily.”

Poly-Green Technologies officials hope to enter the market between July and September, a market that is worth more than $13 billion in the U.S.

Biodiesel, Research

Biodiesel, Ethanol Maker Signs ex-Oil Exec to Board

John Davis

A company that is producing ethanol and biodiesel from non-food cellulosic wastes has welcomed a former oil industry executive to its board of directors.

BlueFire Renewables, Inc. announced that Joe Sparano, a former President and, subsequently, Executive Advisor to the Chairman of the Board of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), as well as former president of Tesoro Petroleum’s West Coast Regional Business Unit, joined the California-based renewable fuels maker:

“We are excited to have Joe Sparano serve on our Board of Directors,” stated Arnold Klann, CEO of BlueFire Renewables, Inc. “Having a well-respected petroleum industry executive, such as Joe, agree to join our board provides BlueFire with strategic guidance as we seek to embark on new projects and solidify new and existing partnerships.”

“I am very pleased to join the BlueFire Renewables board and view it as an excellent opportunity,” said Sparano. “The Company has achieved major milestones over the last twelve months and has positioned itself as aleader in the biofuels space. I look forward to assisting in the future success of BlueFire Renewables.”

Sparano is retiring from WSPA at the end of March, after completing a fifteen month term as Executive Advisor to the Chairman of the Board of theAssociation, where he advised the Chairman and supported WSPA’s President on matters related to the trade organization’s operations and advocacy in six Western states – California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Oregon and Hawaii.

Sparano has held several positions with several different petroleum companies, including Exxon.

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Ethanol News, News

Kyocera Installs 2 Solar Systems at Phoenix Schools

Joanna Schroeder

Kyocera Solar has completed the installation of solar electric systems in two Phoenix, Arizona schools: Copper Ridge in Scottsdale and Cholla Elementary in Casa Grande. The solar arrays were installed in partnership with SolarCity and featured Kyocera solar modules. Combined, the two solar systems will produce 764 kilowatts (kW) of electricity.

The Copper Ridge School’s solar system is comprised of 2,387 Kyocera KD210 modules creating 500 kW of power. This is expected to produce 775,992 Kilowatt hours (kWh) each year and offset approximately 47 percent of the school’s energy usage. The school was able to add solar power in part through a solar service agreement (SSA) which helps to offset some of the initial costs of the system, while still being able to reap immediate cost savings to their electricity bills.

The Cholla Elementary School’s solar system is a 264 kW comprised of 1,260 panels. Their system is expected to generate 364,000 kWh each year offsetting 70 percent of the school’s energy use. The Casa Grande School District recently adopted an Energy and Water Conservation Plan, outlining energy-saving guidelines that included efforts for construction projects to follow LEED-certification processes. Their local utility company Arizona Public Service also provided a rebate to offset their solar installation costs.

“Solar energy provides a financially viable solution to offset rising electricity costs,” said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. “It is most gratifying for Kyocera to participate in this growing trend among academic institutions to convert to solar power — the Copper Ridge and Cholla projects, and the recent 806kW installation at Sedona Red Rock High School, represent the opportunity to promote sustainable alternatives — and to work with partners such as SolarCity who make it a viable energy solution.”

Electricity, Energy, Solar

Propel Fuels Hosts USDA’s Judith Canales

Joanna Schroeder

Propel Fuels hosted Judith Canales, Administrator for Rural Business and Cooperative Programs for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), yesterday at one of the fuel retailer’s stations in Oakland, California yesterday to promote the positive and economic and environmental impacts biofuels has on the US. Propel is the leading retailer in the US installing biofuel infrastructure for both ethanol and biodiesel to the 20 million renewable fuel-ready vehicles (with approximately 1 million on the roads in California) on America’s roads today. However, the majority of flex-fuel vehicle drivers don’t have access to the fuel.

Canales’ visit highlights the USDA’s plan to fund the build-out of 10,000 renewable fuel pumps across the nation in the next five years, and the industry anticipates that announcements are forthcoming within the next few weeks as to selected retailers that will receive initial funds to help them install E85 pumps and blender pumps across the country.

“Propel shares the USDA’s vision for quickly increasing consumer access to renewable fuels in order to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, boost local economies, and reduce emissions,” said Jim Iacoponi, Vice President of Operations of Propel. “Through a partnership between private investment and public funds, Propel will continue to build the critical link between California’s drivers and the next generation of fuels.”

In late 2010, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the USDA’s plan to help fund the installation of 10,000 renewable fuel pumps across the nation within the next five years. This plan, along with other departmental efforts, aim to support the further development of the domestic renewable fuels industry, creating jobs and economic growth, primarily in rural America, but to the benefit of all of America. The USDA is looking to partner with private sector infrastructure providers in order to quickly and efficiently roll out the 10,000-pump plan in coming years.

“The USDA is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America and we believe a strong renewable fuels industry, including convenient access to these fuels, is critical to this goal,” said Canales.

Propel’s stations are frequented by California’s greenest fleets including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) who showcased vehicles at today’s event. In addition to infrastructure, Propel’s education and outreach programs empower consumers and fleets to make the move to renewable fuels. Adoption of these fuels can provide immediate and significant CO2 reductions helping achieve California’s ambitious emission reduction goals.

Biodiesel, biofuels, blends, E85, Ethanol, Flex Fuel Vehicles

Novus Int’l Installs EV Charging Stations

Joanna Schroeder

Agri-business company Novus International has installed three electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its St. Charles, Missouri headquarters. The ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations were developed by Coulomb Technologies. Novus installed the charging stations as part of its efforts to become a Platinum LEED Certified building, a green environmental building designation. It is the fourth building in Missouri and one of only 150 in the entire United States to achieve this distinction. The ChargePoint stations will be used for workplace, customer and visitor parking. Sales and installation of the ChargePoint stations was completed by Lilypad EV and MicroGrid Energy via Coulomb’s Midwest/Chicago distributor Carbon Day Automotive.

“Novus International is an eco-conscious corporation that has invested wisely in the future of clean energy,” said Pat Romano, president and CEO at Coulomb. “Workplace charging is important for EV drivers that need a safe and available place to fuel during the day. The ChargePoint Network’s advanced solutions give Novus numerous options for their staff and future green fleet vehicles.”

Novus has installed three Coulomb Technologies Level I and II dual output ChargePoint stations. Two of these stations have been installed in the employee parking lot, covering four parking spaces, and one has been installed on the visitor parking lot, covering two parking spaces. The solar array on the roof of the headquarters facility, part of the original building design, was recently expanded to offset the electrical requirements for the charging stations.

“Novus is taking another step towards making all of our business practices more sustainable and environmentally responsible by installing charging stations for electric cars,” said Thad Simons, President and CEO of Novus. “Currently, there are numerous preferred parking spots for employees who drive low-emitting or fuel efficient vehicles, so these charging stations are a logical next step.”

Coulomb’s ChargePoint Network is open to all drivers of plug-in vehicles and all manufacturers of plug-in vehicle charging stations.

Agribusiness, Electric Vehicles, Electricity

GMO Crops Not Well Understood By Public

Chuck Zimmerman

It sure looks like we have a long way to go to help educate the general public on GMO’s! In answer to the question, “How much do you think the public understands about GMO crops?” an overwhelming 70 % say Majority know nothing. Wow. Only 22% or our readers say Some think they know. Only 4 % say People totally understand and 4 % say Most are well informed. This sure seems to suggest that there’s a real disconnect between consumers and science, at least in the minds of our readers. What do you think?

Our next ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What social network do you use most?” Let us know and thanks for participating!

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

ZimmPoll

Florida Companies Ink $18 Mil Grease for Biodiesel Deal

John Davis

Two Florida companies have signed a deal potentially worth $18 million to provide yellow grease for biodiesel production.

Freedom Environmental Services and Clean Fuel of Lakeland, FL, a Florida biodiesel producer, inked the three-year deal:

President and CEO Michael Borish stated, “We are excited to build on our relationship with Mr. Maher’s Clean Fuel companies by supplying recycled yellow grease to be used for renewable energy.” CEO Borish continued, “The biodiesel produced from this contract will be used to produce renewable electricity for Clean Fuel’s sister company, Solar Blue. We understand that Solar Blue has an exclusive 20-year contract to supply electric power for Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL.”

Mr. Lee Maher, Chairman and CEO of Clean Fuel companies and Solar Blue, Florida and Philadelphia-based renewable energy companies, is pleased with the sale of the yellow grease collection operation to Freedom Environmental Services and the long-term agreement reached, to purchase the collected oil for renewable energy. Mr. Maher states, “This redeployment of assets allows Clean Fuel and Solar Blue to focus on the production of renewable electricity for Central Florida and the expansion of their renewable energy opportunity with NFL stadiums, specifically the Philadelphia Eagles.” Mr. Maher’s “green companies” look forward to continued growth with the Freedom Environmental organization along the Atlantic Coast.

Biodiesel

Monsanto & Sapphire to Colloborate on Algae

Joanna Schroeder

Agribusiness company Monsanto and algae company Sapphire Energy have announced a partnership to “discover” genes that could be applied to agriculture particularly in the areas of yield and stress. As Sapphire works to bring algal fuels to commercial scale, the company is searching for traits that make a particular strain of algae better suited for fuel or other biochemicals. In this partnership, the technology that Sapphire uses with algae will be applied to to help identify genes that might positively affect other traditional crop yields.

“Sapphire’s expertise in algal research offers a novel platform that will allow us to screen and identify promising genes faster,” said Robb Fraley, Monsanto’s chief technology officer. “We face a common goal in looking for ways to improve upon an organism’s ability to achieve greater productivity under optimal and sub-optimal environmental conditions. Together with Sapphire, we can identify genes affecting such traits in algae that might also be applied to corn, cotton, soybeans and other crops.”

Fraley notes that algae is an ideal plant to research because they have a similar photosynthetic process to other plants but are simple and efficient to work with. Algae also can be grown, screened, tested, and selected with high throughput tools, which enables a relatively fast process for researchers.

“Monsanto has always been at the forefront of agricultural technology developments and innovation,” said Jason Pyle, chief executive officer for Sapphire Energy. “Through this collaborative partnership, we’ll focus our leading-edge research agenda on some of the biggest questions facing both agriculture and energy. By leveraging our algae platform and tools to improve crop yield and enhance crop performance, Sapphire will be able to accelerate our ability to produce a renewable crude oil replacement and reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil.”

Under the agreement, Monsanto will make an equity investment in Sapphire and the two companies will collaborate on algae-based research projects.

Agribusiness, algae, biofuels