Petroleum, Not Biodiesel to Blame in Heating Oil Issue

John Davis

Some recent issues with biodiesel-blended heating oil in the Northeast U.S. might be because of a bad batch of petroleum, not the biodiesel mixed with it.

This blog post from Biodiesel Magazine says that the issue came up at this week’s meeting of the Oilheat Council of New Hampshire, where some members of the group had issues with coking of burners and getting product that “looked like asphalt:”

[Robert Sculley, the council’s executive director] says initially the perception is that the problems were thought to be caused by the bio portion of the fuel, a common scenario when problems occur with biodiesel-blended fuel. However, there has been no determination as of yet as to what the problem really is.

Sculley said at the end of the meeting the question was still, “Is it the biodiesel or could it be a bad batch of petro fuel oil?” He said Advanced Fuel Solutions’ Paul Nazzaro, who also works with the National Biodiesel Board, was at the meeting. Over the next couple of weeks, fuel sampling and investigation of equipment will occur, and more definitive answers should be available soon.

We’ll post more when we get it. Stay tuned…

Biodiesel

Cobalt CEO: Biochems More Profitable than Biofuels

John Davis

The head of a company that produces biochemicals and biofuels says the chemical market, although smaller, is much more profitable than the renewable fuel market.

According to this piece from Biofuels Digest, during the recent BioPro Expo and Conference in Atlanta, Cobalt Technologies CEO Rick Wilson questioned the wisdom of focusing on biofuels when the better money is in biochemicals:

“Why make a $2 fuel when you can make a $5 chemical?” asks Cobalt CEO Rick Wilson, whose company was branded in the public eye as Cobalt Biofuels for several years, but has morphed towards “Cobalt Technologies” (its original name) and is squarely focused on the market for renewable chemicals for the time being. By any name, it’s a hot company, ranked #14 in the world in this year’s 50 Hottest Companies rankings.

“I’m not saying that any of the companies, including us, should not be pursuing fuels. The markets are huge and the molecules work. But the country has got all its priorities screwed up. Here we are chasing fuels, which is the hardest problem to solve, instead of incentivizing or supporting companies to get into business by solving some of the easier problems first, like chemicals or other bio-based products?”

“At our company, we produce n-butanol, normal butanol. That’s been produced for a long time, through the complex ABE process, using a lot of different traditional feedstocks. But the feedstocks are increasingly cost prohibitive. The usual barrier to using advanced microorganisms to produce biobutanol has been the rate of fermentation. In our process, we have dramatically overcome that, and accelerated the fermentation rate. Our fermentation time is four hours, compared to 72 hours with the ABE methods. So we have the opportunity to use low-cost feedstocks such as bagasse and wood biomass, to large-value markets where we have a significant cost advantage.”

Wilson admits the biochemical market is much smaller than biofuels, especially when you consider there’s $250 billion in jet fuel and nearly a $1 trillion in gasoline alone. But he says it’s a lot harder to turn a profit in biofuels.

biobutanol, biochemicals, biofuels

New Jersey Utility Installs Rooftop Solar Array

John Davis

New Jersey’s oldest and largest publicly owned utility has put in a 921-kilowatt rooftop solar at the power provider’s Central Division Headquarters.

With some help from Solis Partners, a leading developer and integrator of commercial solar power systems, Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) put in the U.S.-made SolarWorld flat, glass-plated crystalline panels and Solyndra thin film panels, part of a plan by PSE&G’s plan to invest $515 million on 80 megawatts of solar projects around the state between 2009 and 2013:

“With the hard work and commitment of key state legislators, the BPU and utilities such as PSE&G, New Jersey has become the sixth largest solar market in the world and a national leader in installed solar capacity — second only to California,” said Jamie Hahn, managing director of Solis Partners. “PSE&G’s Solar 4 All program has been key to that achievement. This project exemplifies PSE&G’s commitment to transforming underutilized commercial rooftops into clean renewable energy sources.”

Rooftop solar makes tremendous sense for New Jersey, which has more flat commercial rooftops per square mile than any other state, said Gary Weisman, director of sales for Solis, in remarks at the event.

“These underutilized rooftop assets are the perfect platform for deploying distributed solar generation facilities where power is most needed,” said Weisman. “Rooftop solar produces during the hours of peak demand, and provides power to the areas of the grid that need it the most — large commercial and industrial users.”

The special cylindrical panels from Solyndra are designed especially for flat rooftops, covering more rooftop area and capturing more light than traditional solar panels.

Solar, Utilities

US Oilseed Growers Protest EU Biofuel Requirement

John Davis

Oilseed growers, led by the American Soybean Association (ASA), have raised concerns with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk over the European Union’s (EU) Renewable Energy Directive (RED), particularly the part that is keeping American soybeans out of Europe for biofuel production.

The ASA is asking to meet with Vilsack’s and Kirk’s respective agencies to consider options for responding to the trade barriers:

ASA believes a highly coordinated effort is needed to identify and respond to the immediate, as well as longer-term, market threats resulting from RED implementation. “Trade reports indicate that, since the RED was implemented by Germany on January 1, 2011, U.S. soybean exports to that country have declined significantly, and soybean oil processed in the EU from U.S. soybeans is being re-exported out of the EU,” said ASA First Vice President Steve Wellman, a soybean producer from Syracuse, Neb. “As other Member States transpose the RED into national law, ASA anticipates the economic viability of exporting U.S. soybeans to the EU will be further eroded, and that a $1 billion market could be lost.”

In order for biofuels to qualify for EU tax credits and use mandates, the RED requires that biofuel feedstocks must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 35 percent by 2013, and by 50 percent by 2017, compared to petroleum diesel. Based on Brazilian production and transportation data, the EU set the greenhouse gas savings default value for soy biodiesel at 31 percent, short of the 35 percent reduction required. This disqualifies soy as a feedstock for biodiesel. EU-grown rapeseed however passed with a 38 percent value. Since virtually all of the soybean oil processed from U.S. soybeans in the EU is used in biodiesel production, disqualification jeopardizes $1 billion in annual sales of soybeans to EU markets.

The ASA cites a study funded by the United Soybean Board (USB) that shows American soy biodiesel actually reduces greenhouse gas emission by up to 52 percent.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Government, International, Soybeans

Finding Homes for Biofuels Alongside the Beaten Path

John Davis

While biofuels development and production have been a bit different, some of the latest efforts to find room to grow non-food feedstocks for biofuels are being found alongside the beaten path. In this case, we’re talking about using areas, such as ditches and medians along the nation’s highways, as good spots to grow the raw materials to keep the cars and trucks running on those highways.

In an interview with the USDA, Michigan State University extension’s Dennis Pennington says those highway right-of-ways and airport grounds can be ideal places to grow biofuel feedstocks.

“I think there’s a number of options we could look at in terms of different kinds of crop.”

Pennington tells the USDA that which crops are best for these non-traditional areas depends on who the grower is and the local market. Right now, they’re looking at switch grass and three different oilseeds crops, chosen also for safety factors, such as wildlife mitigation and sight hazards.

It’s estimated that there’s 10 million acres of available land just alongside our roads that have good potential for growing biofuel feedstocks. Pennington adds that the best matches for areas where biomass for energy production should be grown would be where there is also a local biofuel from biomass production capability because of the high cost of shipping large quantities of biomass.

biofuels, Research

1st Wind Farm in South Texas Holds Dedication Event

Joanna Schroeder

The Cedro Hill wind project, located in Bruni a rural south Texas town, went online in December 2010. Today, Edison Mission Group (EMG), a subsidiary of Edison International, officially dedicated the first wind farm in the Southern part of the state. When the conditions are favorable, the wind farm has the capacity to generate up to 150 megawatts (MW) of power, enough to meet the needs of nearly 40,000 average homes. All of the power produced by the Cedro Hill is being sold to CPS Energy of San Antonio, under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

“We are pleased to officially dedicate the first wind energy project located in south Texas,” said Pedro Pizarro, president of EMG. “Texas is an important state in the development of our renewable energy portfolio, and we look forward to generating clean, environmentally friendly power for the customers of CPS Energy.”

Cedro Hill is powered by 100 GE turbines with a generating capacity of 1.5 MW each. The wind farm spans nearly 20,000 acres. It interconnects to the electric grid at the La Quinta switching station and connects to CPS Energy through the 138-Kilvolt Lobo-Falfurrias transmission line. The total project investment was $300 million. For Webb County, where the project is located, the wind farm will provide the local economy with $100 million in property taxes and payments to local landowners over the next 20 years. In addition, the company will be contributing $250,000 to the Webb County Consolidated Independent School District for 10 years starting in 2013.

Richard Peña, CPS Energy senior vice president of Energy Development added, “Cedro Hill is a valuable addition to CPS Energy’s renewable energy portfolio, providing 150 megawatts of green energy to the residents of San Antonio and the surrounding area.

Cedro Hill is EMG’s third wind energy project in Texas, joining the 161-MW Wildorado Wind Ranch near Amarillo and the 149-MW Goat Wind project near San Angelo. EMG currently has 29 wind projects in 10 states with a total generating capacity of more than 1,800 MW of wind energy.

Electricity, Energy, Wind

“Oz Goes Electric” Tour Kicks Off

Joanna Schroeder

The Victorian government is participating in an Electric Vehicle Trial and as part of creating awareness about electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia the “Oz Goes Electric” tour is kicking off on March 16. The featured EV is the Tesla Roadster, an electric sports car, that will travel 3,000 kilometers along the Eastern coast of the country to demonstrate that electric is sleek, sexy and speedy.

The tour begins at the Sofitel Hotel in Melbourne with officials from the Victorian government and Department of Transportation. From there, the tour will head to Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. When the Tesla Roadster arrives in each town, not only will the EV be on display, but people will be able to participate in test drive events.

“The Victorian government’s Electric Vehicle Trial aims to improve awareness, understanding and acceptance of electric vehicles,” said Kristian Handberg, project manager for the Department of Transportation. “The trial is bringing vehicles, drivers, charging points, energy suppliers and other market participants together to build the foundations of Victoria’s electric vehicle market and make Victoria an EV-friendly place.”

According to Tesla, the handmade, carbon fiber Roadster is the only car that delivers supercar performance with zero tailpipe emissions. The Roadster is powered by the most energy-dense battery in the industry, and accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in less than 4 seconds while consuming no petroleum. It can travel 360 km on a single charge and plugs into nearly any electrical outlet. The Tesla Roadster holds the record for distance driven on a single charge in a production electric vehicle, which was broken driving 501 kilometers in Australia. The EV also requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars, requiring no oil changes or smog checks, and has no spark plugs or pistons to replace.

“This road trip is a milestone. It’s the first time an electric vehicle has traveled a significant distance in Australia, charging along the way,” said Jay McCormack, Australian National Sales Manager for Tesla. “Many Australians will be seeing an EV for the first time, and we want them to see with their own eyes that electric cars can perform just as well as conventional cars without the emissions.”

The Roadster is the only sports car in the world that can be fully charged with renewable sources of energy. Throughout the Oz Goes Electric Tour, the Roadster will charge using solar, wind, hydro and biomass energy provided by major utility AGL Resources. You can follow Tesla’s Australian adventure here.

Electric Vehicles, International

OriginOil Shifts to Commerical Stage Development

Joanna Schroeder

OriginOil has officially shifted from development phase to commercialization phase of producing algal fuels. As part of the company’s fast-track process, they have hired Paul Reep as the Senior Vice President of Technology, who will also hold a seat on the Board of Directors.

“OriginOil will continue to innovate, it’s in our DNA,” said Riggs Eckelberry, OriginOil CEO. “Meanwhile, a number of our technologies have matured to the point where we need to focus on fast-track commercialization. This includes seeking independent validations, combining with other systems in the process chain, aggressively developing our intellectual property, signing distribution partnerships, and the many other activities involved in commercialization of a new technology.”

Prior to joining OriginOil, Reep worked with the University of Southern California Stevens Institute for Innovation where he managed as many as 200 technology cases at one time. He also has experience managing government-private partnerships, including a major multi-agency technology transfer initiative with the Departments of Commerce, Energy, Interior, Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency where the bio-project is still underway.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to lead the OriginOil technical team in what is sure to be an amazingly productive time for the company,” Reep said.

algae, biofuels, Company Announcement

POET Opens 27th Ethanol Plant in Indiana

Cindy Zimmerman

The largest ethanol producer in the world got a little bigger today, and so did Indiana’s ethanol production capacity.

poet cloverdalePOET opened its 27th ethanol plant and fourth plant in Cloverdale, Indiana with a grand opening event that included ethanol industry and government leaders, area farmers, new team members and area residents.

The opening of POET Biorefining – Cloverdale represents an important milestone for Indiana, bringing total ethanol production to over 1 billion gallons, which was a development goal set by state leaders.

Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman said Indiana’s ethanol production has been good for the Hoosier economy. “Indiana is doing its part to ease our reliance on foreign oil,” Lt. Gov. Skillman said. “With the help of companies like POET, we will continue to create homegrown energy while giving an economic boost to rural Indiana.”

poet cloverdaleSkillman had the ribbon cutting honors at the grand opening, aided by other dignitaries, including POET CEO Jeff Broin, Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis, and plant General Manager Dave Brooks.

POET purchased the 90 million-gallon-per-year ethanol plant, which begins production next week, from Altra Biofuels in June 2010. Since then, the company has been busy installing about $30 million in upgrades, including BPX®, POET’s patented fermentation process that uses enzymes instead of heat and POET’s Total Water Recovery system that cuts wastewater discharge. That technology and other additions make POET Biorefining — Cloverdale one of the most energy and water efficient plants in the industry.

Ethanol, POET

Solazyme Files For IPO, Partners with Dow

Joanna Schroeder

Solazyme has announced that it has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a proposed initial public offering (IPO). Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Goldman, Sachs & Co. will act as joint book-running managers for the offering with Pacific Crest Securities and Lazard Capital Markets as co-managers. At this time, the number of shares to be sold has yet to be determined, nor has the offering price.

In other news, Solazyme has announced a partnership with the Dow Chemical Company (DOW) to further the development of Solazyme’s algal oils for use in next generation, bio-based dielectric insulating fluids, which are key to transformers and other electrical applications.

According to a press release, under the terms agreement, Dow will combine its extensive knowledge of specialty fluid formulations and dielectric insulation capabilities with Solazyme’s unique feedstock capabilities to develop of a new class of algal oils tailored for optimized performance and cost in dielectric insulating fluid applications. The non–binding Letter of Intent provides that Dow may obtain up to 20 million gallons of Solazyme’s oils for use in dielectric insulating fluids and other industrial applications in 2013 and up to 60 million gallons in 2015.

“Dow is a world-class organization with enormous research, production and commercialization expertise in a broad range of high-value and high-growth chemical sectors. In this initial joint effort Dow and Solazyme will work to tap into the >500 million gallon dielectric insulating fluids market with novel and breakthrough bio-based solutions,” said Solazyme Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Jonathan Wolfson. “In parallel we are working with Dow to explore the use of Solazyme’s algal technology and oils in a wide variety of products that Dow commercializes worldwide, to help provide high performance, environmentally sustainable and cost competitive solutions to a broad set of end users.”

Dow Wire & Cable General Business Manager Tim Laughlin added, “Solazyme is a leading company in the industrial biotechnology space and its renewable oil technology platform provides a unique opportunity to significantly improve the next generations of chemical solutions.”

algae, biochemicals, biofuels