ACE Conference 2026

Creating a Downstream Market for Algae Products

Joanna Schroeder

“When we embarked on this project three years ago, we thought by the time we reached commercial scale, like we have today, there would be plenty of demand for algae biomass to produce these products,” said Todd Becker, CEO of Green Plains Renewable Energy (GPRE) during the dedication of BioProcess Algae’s Grower Harvester bioreactors. This dedication signaled the last stage to commercialization for algae fuels and by-products as part of the partnership between the two companies that was forged several years ago.

“All we wanted to do was become the farmer of this product and grow and harvest algae. What we have discovered is that we’ve moved faster than the downstream markets have developed,” said Becker.

The event was held in Shenandoah, Iowa, the home of the only co-located first and advanced biofuels plant and also the former headquarters of GPRE before growing and moving to Omaha. Today, GPRE is publicly traded, is the fourth largest producer of ethanol in the U.S and owns and operates nine ethanol plants in six states. Directly employing nearly 600 people, the company expects revenues for 2011 to reach the $3 billion mark.

But maybe why GPRE is so excited about this project, is that they are demonstrating to the world that carbon has value. “What this represents is a true intersection between first generation technologies and advanced technology. What we are showing today to the world is not only does carbon have value, but carbon and other by-products from this ethanol plant, like warm water and heat, can create a product that will give Americans food, feed and fuel,” said Becker.

GPRE and BioProcess Algae have discovered as they reach commercial stage, that they will have to help create the markets for algae fuels and by-products. This month, they are beginning feed trails with Iowa State University that they hope will show the value of a high protein animal product for animal feed. In addition, they are looking to produce products for the food markets including antioxidants, pigments, Omega-3s, and protein. In the energy markets, they are looking at producing biodiesel, a biocrude product as well as producing ethanol from the algae.

So what is the vision of the project? Becker concluded, “It’s still very early days of the technology, but if successful, our vision is to create a process that captures carbon dioxide from every ethanol plant in the United States, use that input to grow and harvest algae, reduce the production plant’s carbon footprint from neutral to negative, and takes the output from the reactors, the algae, and produces next generation fuels, ethanol and energy.”

Click here to view the Flickr photo album from the BioProcess Algae/GPRE Grower Harvester event.

algae, biofuels, corn, Ethanol, Video

RFA Says Ethanol Helps Gas Prices

Cindy Zimmerman

RFAThe latest average cost for a gallon of gas nationwide, as reported by AAA, is $3.88, but it would already be $4.00 a gallon without ten percent ethanol.

According to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), based on current market conditions and federal renewable fuels policy, 10 percent ethanol blends (E10) are keeping gasoline prices $0.12 per gallon cheaper than they otherwise would be.

Ethanol Report PodcastI talked with RFA Association Vice President of Research and Analysis Geoff Cooper who explains the math behind that calculation (which you can also find on the RFA website) and how the 45 cent per gallon tax credit creates additional savings at the pump for consumers in this edition of “The Ethanol Report.”

Listen to or download the Ethanol Report on gas prices here: Ethanol Report on Gas Prices

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, RFA

Royal Wedding Car Runs on 85 Percent Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

The Dukemobile is an FFV!

dukemobileNever thought there would be a biofuels angle to the Royal Wedding, but as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left Buckingham Palace for the royal residence Clarence House, they drove off in a “convertible Aston Martin Volante DB6 MKII in Seychelles blue is owned by his father HRH The Prince of Wales” that runs on 85 percent ethanol.

“In June 2008, at the specific request of The Prince of Wales, who is keen that his cars should be run on sustainable fuel, the Aston Martin was converted to run on E85 bioethanol, made from English wine wastage,” reads the update on the Royal Wedding website.

They even have a Royal Wedding YouTube video of the couple leaving in the car:

E85, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Flex Fuel Vehicles, Video

Gevo & Mustang Engineering to Produce BioJet Fuel

Joanna Schroeder

Gevo has signed an engineering and consulting agreement with Mustang Engineering LP (Mustang) to convert Gevo’s renewable isobutanol to biojet fuel. The first step will be to focus on the downstream processing of isobutanol to kerosene (jet fuel) and from there to test the fuel in jet engines as well as in commercial planes.

“Our work with Mustang is another important step in the development of our biojet fuel business and Mustang is an ideal partner to advance our efforts in this important market,” said Dr. Patrick Gruber, CEO of Gevo.”Their refining and chemicals industries engineering and project management expertise will help us bring an integrated, turnkey solution to the refining industry.”

Gevo has also disclosed that its “fit for purpose” testing at the Air Force Research Laboratory continues and they anticipate releasing a final report in June. Once this “fit to purpose” testing has been completed successfully Gevo will begin jet engine testing with various engine manufacturers.

“The advent of the jet fuel carbon tax on international flights landing in the European Union is motivating the airline industry and fuel suppliers to seek cost-effective, renewable alternatives to petroleum jet fuel,” said Scott Baker, executive vice president of Mustang’s Process Plants and Industrial business unit. “Mustang is excited about this opportunity to further support Gevo in the development of the next generation of alternative fuels. The processing steps required to make this bio-jet fuel lend themselves well to integration into refineries and petrochemical facilities.”

biofuels, biojet fuel, isobutanol

Algaepalooza to Look for Green Source for Biodiesel

John Davis

Scientists in the St. Louis, Missouri area are hoping to get some help from local residents in finding the ideal algae to turn into biodiesel.

During the upcoming 2nd annual Algaepalooza, held Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 10am to 4pm in the Life Science Lab at the Saint Louis Science Center, people will be able to pick up algae-collecting kits as part of the Backyard Biofuels citizen science research project:

Last year, 1,000 families and individuals were given collection kits, and approximately 170 samples were cultured in the Life Science Lab to isolate individual algae species that produce oil. More than 100 of those isolated strains were sent to the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Institute for Renewable Fuels at the Danforth Plant Science Center, where they were tested for how much oil could be made and used for biofuel production. Those that showed promise are undergoing additional tests.

“Ten samples from last year’s algae gave high readings of oil production. Such encouraging results wouldn’t be possible without the help of citizen scientists.” said Matthew Stevens, senior lab technician at the Danforth Plant Science Center who conducts the research for the Backyard Biofuels program. “This year we have a goal to identify an algae species that boast better oil productivity than last year.”

And since folks will have the option of mailing in their collection kits, organizers expect more samples this year.

Algaepalooza gives visitors the chance to talk with the research scientists behind the project and learn why algae have the potential to be a sustainable source of fuel used to power cars, trucks and jet airplanes. More information is available at backyardbiofuels.org.

algae, Biodiesel

First Biofuel Flight Takes Air in Mexico

Joanna Schroeder

Interjet, Mexico’s domestic airline carrier, along with Airbus received praise today from The Consejo de Promocion Turistica de Mexico for the first successful test flight using biofuels. The test was conducted earlier this month with an Airbus A320 aircraft using a 30 percent biofuel blend produced from jatropha. The biojet fuel blend was made from locally sourced jatropha grown and harvested in Chiapas, a southern Mexican state. In the region, jatropha is also used by the indigenous Seri people of Sonora to make baskets as well as to tan leather.

Many countries around the world are looking to produce biofuels from jatropha including Mexico, the Philippines and Brazil. In 2007, these regions were cited as the best candidates for future biofuel production by Goldman Sachs. Although this was the first biofuel test flight in Mexico, it is anticipated that others will commence and Interjet and Airbus intend to speed up the development and commercialization of aviation biofuel in the country. This movement was spurred by the National Development Plan mandated by Mexican President Felipe Calderon Hinojosa. This plan calls for Mexico to include the environment as one of the elements for competitiveness, economic and social development.

“The test flight is the realization of a two year ambition for Interjet to develop a production chain for renewable biofuel, with the purpose of creating a Mexican platform for sustainable aviation bio-kerosene,” said Interjet President Miguel Aleman.

In addition to developing biofuels for the aviation sector, Mexico also expects to produce 100 million liters of biodiesel by 2012 from its biodiesel pilot plant in Chiapas.

Biodiesel, biofuels, biojet fuel, International

Solis to Build Rooftop Solar Array in New Jersey

John Davis

Builder of solar power systems Solis Partners, will put in a rooftop solar array able to generate 1.2 megawatts (MW) of electricity for Shore Point Distributing Company, Inc.’s corporate headquarters and central distribution location in Freehold, N.J.

This Solis press release says the array on top of Shore Point’s 267,000-square-foot facility will offset approximately 75 percent of the building’s annual electric load:

“We are proud to be actively improving the environment while maintaining our reputation as one of New Jersey’s premier distribution companies,” said Rick Lonardo, vice president of operations at Shore Point. “This project will help us continue to provide the freshest and best quality beer while strengthening our commitment to the environment, our suppliers and our customers.”

Designed, engineered and constructed by Manasquan, N.J.-based Solis Partners, the solar array will consist of Solyndra™ PV panels that are designed to optimize solar electricity production on commercial rooftops. The system will consist of 5,732 panels that will generate approximately 1,380,600 kilowatt hours of electricity and eliminate more than 1,891,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually.

“We’re delighted to be working with Shore Point.” said Jamie Hahn, managing director of Solis Partners. “As one of the leaders in the New Jersey beverage distribution industry, Shore Point’s solar initiative is sure to lead the way for companies that are interested in going solar. Their system will provide clean, low cost energy for up to 25 years, serving as a hedge against electricity rate increases.”

The system is to be completed this June. This follows Solis’ project I told you about back in March where the company put in a 921-kilowatt rooftop solar array for New Jersey’s Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G).

Solar

Time to End Oil Subsidies and Taxes?

Joanna Schroeder

As gas prices go “up, up and away” once again oil companies are on the hot seat as they announced massive profits. And while the renewable energy industry continues to be attacked for its subsidies and incentives, no one mentions the billions of dollars of subsidies the oil companies receive each year and have been for over a hundred years. Meanwhile, consumers are pinching pennies to buy everything from groceries to gas and the fear is that the U.S. economy will slow once again.

The high gas prices and high oil company profits have President Obama saying that in light of federal budget deficits and public anger over oil profits (not a new phenomenon by the way), they will work with Congress to cut the subsidies, tax breaks and publicly-financed giveaways that global oil companies receive.

Yet this statement has the ethanol industry asking, “Is there hope for that?”

In response, Growth Energy’s CEO said, “Profits are one thing, but when these companies are also raking in billions of dollars in federal subsidies all while Americans are suffering at the pump, something’s got to give. High oil prices are driving up gas prices, grocery prices – everything. Many Americans don’t realize that they are underwriting these profits in the form of tax breaks and subsidies. Speaker Boehner has opened the door to talking to President Obama about ending these needless giveaways to global oil companies and we encourage the House to follow their lead. At a minimum, we need to have congressional hearings.

Buis concluded, “It’s time we end the handouts to big oil companies. It’s time we take what are the hidden costs and put them out in the sunlight – let’s see what it really costs the taxpayer for our addiction to foreign oil.”

You can listen to additional comments from Tom Buis here: Time to End Oil Subsidies & Taxes?

biofuels, Ethanol, Growth Energy, Oil, Opinion

Largest School-Based Solar Project Honored

Joanna Schroeder

PsomasFMG was honored today for the completion of the country’s largest solar power project at a school. Linda S. Adams, secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA), has awarded the company a Certificate of Achievement in Sustainability for their public-private partnership project for the Antelope Valley Union High School District (AVUHSD). The $52 million, 9.6 megawatt (MW) design-build project covers 10 separate high schools.

“This project is an innovative green solution that serves as a model for other school districts and municipalities,” said Secretary Adams. “Congratulations to the Antelope Valley Unified High School District and to PsomasFMG for demonstrating that ‘going green’ can save money and create jobs while decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels.”

The project broke ground in August of 2010 and was constructed without any financial cost to the district. It is estimated that over the next 20 years, the school district will save $40 million in energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions nearly 250,000 tons. The system will provide 80 percent of the school districts electrical needs and their remaining needs will be purchased from Southern California Edison at a reduced rate.

Paul Mikos, executive vice president of PsomasFMG added, “It is enormously gratifying to receive recognition from the California Environmental Protection Agency for one of our first projects, which happens to be the largest school-based solar project in the United States. Moreover, our speed and agility in moving from concept to contract to power was exhilarating The success of this project shows that our model is an achievable solution for clients with long-term visions like the Antelope Valley Union High School District.”

Electricity, Energy, Solar

How Much CO2 Does an Electric Vehicle Emit?

Joanna Schroeder

Ever wonder how much carbon dioxide (CO2) you are emitting when you drive? How about when you’re driving an electric vehicle (EV)? Well, technically EVs don’t emit CO2 but there is CO2 emitted during the process of creating the electricity used to “charge up” the batteries.  There is an online tool helps people calculate their greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from flying, driving and home energy use. Now this tool created by TerraPass makes it possible to calculate your GHGs from driving all electric vehicles.

Using the U.S. EPA’s figures, the TerraPass calculator uses the “miles per gallon-equivalent” figure shown on vehicle sales stickers as an input to its calculations. Since EVs don’t use gasoline, a “gallon-equivalent” was determined to be 33.7 kilowatt-hours, the quantity of stored electrical energy equivalent to the energy stored in one gallon of gasoline. For example, the EPA rates the all-electric Nissan Leaf at 99 miles per gallon-equivalent.

Not driving an electric vehicle? The calculator also works for those driving all gas cars, ethanol or biodiesel fueled vehicles and even those running on compressed natural gas. In these situations, the driver enters the miles per gallon (or gallon-equivalent) from their own driving experience or from the numbers published by the EPA. They also drive the number of miles they drive each year, and walla, you know now have many GHG’s you’re spewing out.

The calculator update also provides emissions estimates for all 2011-model cars on sale nationwide. This makes the TerraPass calculator the most comprehensive U.S. vehicle calculator available. While many calculators use EPA data, the EPA’s public dataset contained substantial errors and omissions this year.

“For literally hundreds of car models, we went back to source data and either corrected or supplemented the EPA dataset,” said Erin Craig, TerraPass’ CEO. “Our customers were helpful in road-testing our calculator to make sure we got it right.”

Here is a quick look at a few of the most fuel-efficient vehicles provided the following figures (lbs of CO2 per year with 12,000 miles driven):

Toyota Prius: 4,661 lbs CO2
Lexus CT 200h: 5,549 lbs CO2
Nissan Leaf: 5,588 lbs CO2
Honda Civic Hybrid: 5,684
Honda CR-Z: 6,298 lbs CO2

Ready to try out your own vehicle? I did and the pic included is of my GHG emissions. Now try it for yourself.

Biodiesel, Electric Vehicles, Ethanol, global warming, Natural Gas