ACE Conference 2026

Ethanol Supporters in DC

Cindy Zimmerman

Growth EnergyGrowth Energy today welcomed ethanol supporters from Missouri, Minnesota and North Dakota to Washington, D.C. for a series of meetings with members of Congress to raise awareness about ethanol and its role in keeping gas prices down, strengthening our nation’s energy security and creating jobs in rural communities.

The Missouri delegation includes Greg Krissek and Monique Garcia from ICM and Lifeline Foods in St. Joseph, Steve Murphy and Grover Gamm of POET Biorefining in Macon and Richard Hanson of Show Me Ethanol in Carrolton. The Minnesota delegation includes Rick Mummert of POET Biorefining in Glenville, Richard Eichstadt of POET Biorefining in Preston, and Chris Oehler of POET Biorefining in Lake Crystal. Growth Energy also welcomed Russ Newman, the CEO of Tharaldson Ethanol in Casselton, N.D. All have plans to visit with representatives in Congress from their areas.

“Ethanol creates badly needed jobs in rural America, provides an excellent return on taxpayer investment by keeping gas prices down, and contributes to our rural economies, and it is crucial that our representatives in Washington understand that,” said Krissek, who adds that the meetings will focus on Growth Energy’s Fueling Freedom proposal.

Ethanol, Government, Growth Energy

Record Corn Crop Forecast as Ethanol Exports Grow

Cindy Zimmerman

USDADespite flooding of farm land and delayed planting in many areas, USDA is forecasting a record corn crop for this year.

The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate for May represents USDA’s initial assessment of U.S. and world crop supply and demand prospects. The report projects corn production for 2011/12 “at a record 13.5 billion bushels, up 1.1 billion from 2010/11 as a 4.0-million-acre increase in intended plantings and a recovery from last year’s weather-reduced yields boost expected output. The 2011/12 corn yield is projected at 158.7 bushels per acre, 3.0 bushels below the 1990-2010 trend reflecting the slow pace of planting progress through early May.”

The report increases projected corn use for ethanol by 50 million bushels “reflecting slow expected growth in gasoline consumption and continued export demand for ethanol in the coming year.” Ethanol exports set another record in March, as 84 million gallons of product (denatured and undenatured, non-beverage) were shipped to destinations around the world, according to the latest data from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Through the first three months of the year, the U.S. has exported 201 million gallons of ethanol, equivalent to half of the amount exported in all of 2010 and almost twice the amount exported in 2009. Year-to-date exports have been equivalent to about 6% of total U.S. production.

Renewable Fuels Association Vice President of Research and Analysis Geoff Cooper says that export markets present real demand opportunities that the ethanol industry will continue to explore. “Artificially constrained markets in the U.S. and fears of instability in the policies that impact domestic ethanol production and use are forcing ethanol producers to seek other markets,” he said.

March was also a strong month for exports of the ethanol by-product distillers grains. Shipments totaled 686,098 metric tons, up 11% from February, but down 2% from March 2010 levels.

corn, Distillers Grains, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, USDA

Sapphire & Linde Announce Algae CO2 Deal

Joanna Schroeder

Sapphire Energy and The Linde Group have announced a multi-year partnership to co-develop a low-cost system to deliver carbon dioxide (CO2) to commercial-scale, open-pond, algae-to-fuel cultivation systems.  Linde, who is a leading supplier of CO2 in the US, will work with Sapphire to reduce the costs incurred when delivering CO2 for commercial-scale open pond algae cultivation. In addition, Linde will supply the CO2 for Sapphire’s commercial demonstration biorefinery in Columbus, New Mexico.  A single commercial algae-fuel production facility is estimated to require around 10,000 metric tons of CO2 per day, which is comparable to approximately 30 percent of the current merchant market for CO2 in the U.S.

“Producing fuel by algae using CO2 from large emitters like power stations and chemical plants is a very promising way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dr. Aldo Belloni, member of the Executive board of Linde AG. “We are delighted to be a key partner in Sapphire’s algae-to-biofuel activities. This is one of the many examples for innovative ‘clean energy’ projects that Linde is involved in.”

Sapphire has been developing propriety technology throughout the algae-to-energy value chain including biology, cultivation, harvest, extraction. Focused on green crude drop-in fuels such as jet, diesel and gasoline, Sapphire’s algal biofuels will be compatible with current infrastructure and engines. Algae is a good source of feedstock for biofuels and biochemicals in part because it grows in salty, non-potable water, uses lands not suitable for agriculture and requires only sunlight and CO2 to grow. Sapphire’s technology represents an approximate 70% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions compared to petroleum-based equivalents.

“The need for new sources of fuel as dependency on oil becomes more and more problematic is clear. To produce algal oil, or ‘green crude’ at the scale to meet growing demand, we need great partners who can supply sufficient and low cost access to CO2,” added Cynthia (C.J.) Warner, president, Sapphire Energy. “Linde has unequaled knowledge in how to efficiently manage the distribution process. Through this collaboration, we are closer to delivering a domestically produced, cost efficient source of algae-based green crude.”

I had the opportunity to visit Sapphire Energy on my San Diego Algae Tour last fall. Click here to see photos.

 

algae, biofuels

FUJIFILM Adds Solar Power

Joanna Schroeder

FUJIFILM has completed the installation of a 483,391 kilo-watt hours solar power system at its branch office in Hawaii. The installation was completed by 21st Century Technologies and is comprised of 1,455 Conergy PowerPlus modules. The solar power system will produce the equivalent amount of energy needed to power 66 average sized homes per year and is the first Conergy PowerPlus plant installed in North America and one of the top 10 largest solar power systems in Oahu.

“This project began in response to a corporate mission of energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction, but it also will help us realize significantly reduced energy costs. The combination of Conergy PowerPlus modules, along with 21st Century’s unique proposal, will make us virtually energy independent,” said Ray Hosoda, President and CEO, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “With the urgency and concern about saving the environment and resources, this project is especially important to FUJIFILM as we do our part in helping to preserve the lush, beautiful surroundings in which we work and live.”

The company will both save money on its current energy bill as well as utilize the local utility’s net energy metering program. Typically, these types of programs allow the extra power generated by the solar system to be sold back to the grid. The FUJIFILM installation is the first project under Conergy and 21st Century Technologies new strategic partnership.

“Hawaii is a world leader in alternative energy solutions, especially solar,” said Myron Thompson, CEO of 21st Century Technologies. “We chose the Conergy PowerPlus module because of its unique engineering and durability profile. We needed something really tough to stand up to Hawaii’s powerful winds and salt air. The Conergy PowerPlus panel fit the bill exactly. It has one of the best warranties on the market, and that was critical. We’re really excited about our new partnership with Conergy and the opportunities ahead.”

Carl Campagna, Conergy’s Regional Account Manager in Hawaii and Oahu resident, added, “Since Hawaii is leading the country in solar energy with the goal of reaching 70% of its energy needs through clean energy sources by 2030, Conergy is excited about our mutually-beneficial relationship with 21st Century Technologies. We are looking forward to experiencing future growth on the island.”

Electricity, Energy, Solar

FPInnovations Now Producing Lignin for Research

Joanna Schroeder

Canada’s first lignin plant is operational and producing lignin for Canadian researchers according to an announcement made during the 2011 BIO World Congress. The plant is owned and operated by FPInnovations who is working in partnership with the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE), Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) and AbitibiBowater. Lignin is a residual substance derived from the pulping process and in the biofuels process is broken down and converted into sugars, and ultimately biofuel.

The program partners are in the process of developing a black liquor and lignin evaluation centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario. At the core is the lignin demonstration plant that ties directly into the black liquor stream of AbitibiBowater’s Thunder Bay kraft pulp mill. When fully operational, this one of its kind demonstration plant will produce up to 100 kg of lignin per day, which will be shipped to a network of R&D labs across Canada that are developing novel uses for wood products. Also located in this facility is a lignin characterization lab.

Lakehead University and its Biorefining Research Initiative will be closely linked to the ongoing research and will be training students and postdoctoral fellows at the facility.

“It is with cutting‐edge technologies and strong partnerships such as this one that FPInnovations is contributing to building the future of forestry in Canada,” said Pierre Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer for FPInnovations. “The strong ties to Lakehead University are key to keeping technology and knowledge in the North. This only strengthens Lakehead’s Biorefining Research Initiative and other related science programs by creating linkages with labs across Canada.”

The is a huge potential market for lignin‐based products. It can be used as a green alternative to many petroleum‐derived substances, such as fuels, resins, rubber additives, thermoplastic blends, nutra‐ and pharmaceuticals, and more.

Doug Murray, General Manager of AbitibiBowater’s Thunder Bay Operations, added, “The lignin evaluation plant provides us an opportunity to move wood‐based products beyond traditional markets. We are pleased to have this innovative lab at our mill site and look forward to continued progress. We feel very fortunate to be part of this initiative.”

View pictures from the 2011 BIO World Congress in my flickr photo album.

BIO, biochemicals, biofuels, Biotech

Close Vote On Man Made Climate Change ZimmPoll

Chuck Zimmerman

I am not surprised by the results of our latest ZimmPoll. The question was, “Do you believe in man made climate change?” If this doesn’t show a divided viewpoint then I don’t know what does. We just wanted a simple yes/no without trying to get into arguments over what science is better than another. Fifty two percent said yes and forty eight percent said no. This also attracted one of the highest numbers of responses to a ZimmPoll. So, I just wonder why there seems to be such a big push to create legislation and regulations when there is so much disagreement on the issue. What do you think?

Our next ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “How many apps on your smartphone?” They don’t have to be “ag” apps, just any apps. I can tell you I’ve got more than 90 on my iPhone but I’m doubting I’m normal.

Feel free to post a comment on either the results of our last poll or on the new one. What smartphone apps are your favorites and why. Thank you for participating.

And if you have any questions you want to suggest for future ZimmPolls please let us know.

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

ZimmPoll

Florida Farm to Fuel Summit Postponed

Cindy Zimmerman

FL Farm to FuelFlorida’s annual Farm to Fuel Summit has been postponed.

adam putnamFlorida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam sent out an announcement today saying that a bill passed during the recently concluded Florida legislative session prompted the decision.

The Florida legislature approved the transfer of the State Energy Office from the Executive Office of the Governor to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services effective July 1, a move which is currently awaiting the governor’s signature. “In light of this potential transfer, we have decided to postpone the 2011 Farm to Fuel Summit,” Putnam said. “If the transfer is approved, we will immediately begin to plan a conference that takes a more comprehensive approach to energy policy in Florida and reflects the expanded role of the Department. We expect this conference will be scheduled for the fall of 2011.”

The 6th annual Farm to Fuel Summit had been scheduled for August 3-5 in Orlando.

biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Farming

Ethanol Potential in Giant Sweet Potatoes

Cindy Zimmerman

CAREnergy etuber At the International Biomass Conference and Expo last week, Dr. Janice Ryan-Bohac attracted a lot of attention carrying around a sweet potato the size of a newborn baby.

Ryan-Bohac is president of CAREnergy, Carolina Advanced Renewable Energy, located in South Carolina and dedicated to the development of dedicated energy crops for the southeast, such as the eTuber™ sweet potato and sweet sorghum. “We are looking at feedstocks for ethanol and other fuels for the southeastern states because corn is not a crop that does well in the southeast. So, what we want is a very efficient crop for water, nitrogen, very high yielding,” she said, and the eTuber meets those qualifications. “These are very dry sweet potatoes, these are not in the food market, it would be a dedicated energy crop,” she explained. “We would like to build or takeover a corn ethanol plant to show that these feedstocks work, in combination with sweet sorghum, which does very well in the southeast. We want to get in the ethanol game and create clean, green jobs in one of the poorest areas of the United States.”

Ryan-Bohac says the tubers can grow to be over 20 pounds, which would translate into enough starch to produce 1500-1800 gallons of ethanol per acre. “The longer you grow them, the bigger they get. This crop never dies until the frost kills it.”

Listen to my interview with Dr. Janice Ryan-Bohac here: Dr. Janice Ryan-Bohac, CAREnergy

biomass, Ethanol, Ethanol News, feedstocks

RFA Report Highlights Ethanol Feed Production

Cindy Zimmerman

The livestock feed generated as a by-product of ethanol production is enough to make 50 billion quarter-pound hamburgers each year, according to a new report from the Renewable Fuels Association.

RFAAccording to the report, America’s ethanol producers supplied nearly 35 million metric tons (mmt) of livestock feed in the 2009/2010 marketing year, which is greater than the total amount of grain consumed by all of the beef cattle in the nation’s feedlots. For the current 2010/2011 marketing year, feed production from the ethanol industry is projected at 39 mmt.

According to RFA, that amount is equivalent to the 4th largest corn crop in the world, enough feed to produce 50 billion quarter-pound hamburgers – seven patties for each person on the planet – or enough to produce one chicken breast for every American every day for a year

Read the RFA report “Fueling a Nation; Feeding the World.”

Distillers Grains, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA

ICM Spotlights Biomass Gasification at Conference

Cindy Zimmerman

The announcement by ICM last week on the commercial deployment of its biomass gasification system came just prior to the 4th International Biomass Conference and Expo in St. Louis last week, which gave the company much to talk about with attendees.

ICMThe technology has the capacity to covert 150 tons of biomass per day to a syngas that can then be used a a fuel for industrial power and heating applications and Dr. Bert Bennett, ICM Principal Scientist and Process Engineer, says they have been working on it for over three years. “We actually put it in development in 2007. We built the unit and put it into action in 2009 and have been operating for over two years,” he said. “We’re really pleased with how the unit’s performed and now we’ve officially begun to commercialize it.”

The system provides a new commercial platform to provide other energy sources for ethanol plants and other industries. “We’re interested in biomass, refuse-derived fuels, industrial processes – steam, heat, power, integrating our system into current plants and a broad base of power production,” said Bennett.

ICMICM tested more than 13 feedstocks and processed 7,000 tons of biomass over the past two years. “We put close to 4,000 tons of wood chips, that’s sort of the standard, a very easy fuel to do,” Bennett said. Other “hits” included refuse-derived fuels (RDF), tire chips, and corn stover. Some of the more challenging fuels they tested included manure, such as poultry litter.

In addition to producing syngas, ICM’s biomass gasification platform can co-produce biochar, a type of charcoal that can be used to lock carbon in the soil.

Listen to my interview with Dr. Bert Bennett here: Dr. Bert Bennett, ICM

biofuels, biomass, Ethanol, Ethanol News