Biodiesel Part of Army’s Sustainability Scorecard

John Davis

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has released its fiscal year 2010 scorecard on sustainability and energy performance, and biodiesel is part of the goals in this scorecard.

This Army press release says the service is identifying the best ways to reduce pollution, improve efficiency, and cut costs, and testing the green fuel in the Corps’ floating plant fleet is part of that plan:

“This scorecard serves as an important tool to help us develop targets to reduce waste and increase efficiency in our operations,” said Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), USACE’s Sustainability Officer. “We are now armed with data to know where we are so that we can address areas needing improvement, and to expand on successes.”

USACE is on its way to meeting goals to decrease energy, potable water and fleet petroleum use; incorporate sustainable building practices; and increase renewable energy use at USACE-owned facilities. USACE’s progress thus far in meeting energy and sustainability goals includes: development of the USACE comprehensive Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventories for FY08 (baseline) and FY10; incorporating federal sustainability and energy metrics into the USACE Strategic Management System to provide commanders throughout USACE a dashboard tool to track their sustainability performance; apportioning of USACE Scope 1&2 GHG reduction targets so Major Subordinate Commanders have a clear understanding of the GHG reductions they are required to achieve; completion of biodiesel testing in several vessels in the USACE floating plant fleet; and completion of facility energy and water evaluations at five of the USACE’s most energy intensive facilities.

The USACE says it needs to increase the amount of renewable energy it uses. That can be achieved by implementing all Federal, DoD, and Army policies and regulations that promote green energy and by educating staff about environmentally friendly practices.

Biodiesel, Government

USDA & EPA Tour REG Biodiesel Plant in Newton, IA

Joanna Schroeder

Renewable Energy Group (REG) executives hosted USDA Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson as well as leaders from the ethanol industry at their REG Newton biorefinery to discuss the role of advanced biofuels in meeting the President’s energy independence goals. Also on hand for the event were representatives from Green Plains Renewable Energy (GPRE) and POET. Both companies have advanced biofuels projects located in Iowa and are working with REG to develop symbiotic efficiencies and products between the various forms of biofuels. Vilsack and Jackson along with local and regional members of their teams, engaged in both a briefing session highlighting the role biofuels play, including new technological advances in the industry, as well as a biodiesel plant tour.

REG President and COO, Daniel Oh, opened the roundtable discussion: “We applaud Secretary Vilsack and Administrator Jackson for their roles in implementing energy independence and clean air programs focused on enhancing advanced biofuels production and utilization. We appreciate our partners in the ethanol industry, Jeff Broin, CEO of POET, and Todd Becker, President and CEO of Green Plains Renewable Energy for joining us in highlighting the opportunities and challenges in the biodiesel and ethanol industries.”

The biofuel leaders highlighted the importance of continuous process advancement for creating new opportunities. As the group headed to see REG’s 30 million gallon per year biorefinery, Oh said, “Our production facility is proof that next‐generation advanced biofuel is commercially-available today. Our Newton biorefinery is supporting 23 full‐time green collar jobs, regional economic development and Iowa agriculture.

While on the tour, REG showcased the wide variety of raw materials it uses to produce biodiesel and highlighted one of the industry’s more recent feedstocks, inedible corn oil, which is an emerging co-product from the ethanol industry and also an emerging feedstock to create biodiesel. Less than two weeks ago, POET announced it’s new corn oil product, VOILA, and plans to install the technology at all 27 of its plants. REG has been working with corn oil since 2007.

While at REG’s facility, Jackson was impressed with how the biofuel industry has evolved. She noted the industry has not stood still and has continually adapted. She highlighted the biodiesel industry’s recognition that they needed to change and diversify its feedstocks and acknowledged their accomplishments in this arena.

Vilsack agreed and added that the industry has showcased continued success and continued innovation and commended both the agricultural industry and biofuels industry for always stepping up to plate. He concluded that the industry has never let the country down and will rise once again to meet the country’s and the world’s food, fuel and fiber challenges.

Click here to see photos from the USDA/EPA REG biodiesel plant briefing and tour.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Cellulosic, corn, Ethanol, REG, USDA

Dynamic Solar Completes PA Solar Project

Joanna Schroeder

The Philadelphia Water Department now has a 250kW solar system complements of Dynamic Solar, LLC. The solar company partnered with CETCO Contracting Services and Nucero Electric to design, engineer and install the ground mounted solar system. The solar array is located at the Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant and is expected to generated, per year, 330,000 killowatt hours of energy.

“This solar system will be producing clean renewable energy for years to come,” said Mike Perillo, President and CEO of Dynamic Solar. “The City of Philadelphia is setting an example for Pennsylvania in seizing this opportunity to meet the state’s growing demand for energy with solar.”

The Philadelphia Water Department system will displace approximately 220 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. This is equivalent to replacing 1,075 vehicles from Pennsylvania’s roads over the system’s 25-year warranted period.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter is expected to participate in a dedication ceremony on April 25, 2011.

Electricity, Energy, Solar

Cobalt & American Process Partner to Produce Biobutanol

Joanna Schroeder

Renewable energy companies Cobalt Technologies and American Process Inc. have partnered to build an industrial-scale cellulosic biorefinery to produce biobutanol. In addition, the two companies will jointly market a GreenPower+ Biobutanol product to biomass power facilities and other customers globally. According to Cobalt, GreenPower+ Biobutanol technology selectively converts part of a boiler cellulosic biomass feedstock into renewable biobutanol, a chemical that is used widely in paints and other coatings. In addition, as a fuel, it can be used in renewable jet fuel among other transportation fuels.

As part of the partnership, Cobalt will integrate its continuous fermentation and distillation technology, that is currently pending a patent, into American Process’ plant under construction in Alpena, Michigan. The Alpena Biorefinery should begin producing ethanol in early 2012 and then will switch to produce biobutanol in mid 2012. Once in production, the plant will produce 470,000 gallons of biobutanol per year.

“We are excited to be partnering with American Process to commercialize our technology,” said Rick Wilson, Ph.D., and CEO of Cobalt Technologies. “The American Process Alpena Biorefinery plant gives us a great opportunity to demonstrate our technology at a commercial scale and provides an excellent model for how GreenPower+ Biobutanol technology can add value to biomass power facilities. We expect to move quickly from running the Alpena plant to building multi-million gallon facilities.”

The API Alpena Biorefinery is being funded in part by an $18 million DOE grant along with a $4 million grant from the state of Michigan. The plant will convert hemicelluloses extracted from woody biomass, to fermentable sugars that can be used for production of ethanol. Cobalt’s technology will convert these sugars into butanol.

“This partnership will demonstrate that GreenPower+ Biobutanol is an attractive value-added technology for biomass power projects worldwide,” said Theodora Retsina, Ph.D. and CEO of American Process. “At American Process, our focus has been the production of fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic feedstocks and Cobalt’s participation in the Alpena plant validates that we are on the right track. Cobalt’s biobutanol technology is a perfect complement to our GreenPower+ technology and we believe that the combination will appeal to customers.”

biobutanol, biofuels

New Propane Autogas Website Launches

Joanna Schroeder

There is a new website available for fleet managers who are interested in using propane autogas. The Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program has launched www.usepropaneautogas.com. The program is funded through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities. The goal of the program is to work with fleet managers interested in converting to a cleaner burning fuel. Today, propane autogas is the third most used transportation fuel globally behind gasoline and diesel.

“We are excited to launch this website, which not only highlights our fleet partners and successes, but also serves as a resource for fleet owners and managers who are looking for unbiased information about propane autogas vehicles and fueling,” said Chelsea Jenkins, director of Virginia Clean Cities, whom is administering the program. “Autogas reduces greenhouse gas emissions and is domestically produced, so autogas fleets can feel good about their fuel choice while reducing their operating and fuel costs.”

Website features include:

·   Propane Autogas for Fleets

·   Fuel Savings Calculator

·   Fueling Station Information

The program, administered by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, in conjunction with Virginia Clean Cities, is hoping to convert more than 1,000 vehicles, both fleet and public, to run on propane. In addition, they plan to install 25 propane autogas fueling stations throughout the Southeast.

“With gasoline prices on a steady rise, there has never been a better time for fleets to learn the bottom-line benefits of clean fuel alternatives like autogas We encourage private businesses and government organizations with vehicle fleets to explore the new site and find out what autogas can do for their fleets,” concluded Jenkins.

Propane

Bay Area Fueler to Offer Local Biodiesel on Earth Day

John Davis

A San Francisco Bay Area biodiesel producer will offer its locally produced green fuel starting this Friday, April 22, Earth Day.

Sirona Fuels says the biodiesel will save consumers more than 25 cents a gallon compared to petroleum diesel, and local businesses that recycle their used cooking oil with Sirona Fuels, 20 percent of the sale price biodiesel goes to The Sirona Cares Foundation, which supports local education programs:

“With diesel prices at an all-time high, consumers and businesses are being crippled,” said Paul Lacourciere, CEO of Sirona Fuels and 20 year veteran of the energy industry. “Used cooking oil is considered a waste stream by many in the restaurant industry and as a local fuel producer we recognize its potential value through its conversion to ultra low-carbon fuel. We pass the saving on to consumers and businesses alike, enabling businesses to lower operating costs and create more local jobs while improving the environment.”

It is estimated that there are 10 million gallons of used cooking oil produced each year in the Bay Area, but less than 10% of that oil goes to the production of sustainable biofuels. Even those who do sell their oil for biodiesel production sell most of it to producers outside of the Bay Area or out of state. The vast majority of the cooking oil that goes into production at the Blue Sky refinery is collected in the Bay Area.

Biodiesel

33% of California Electricity to Come From Renewables

Joanna Schroeder

California has made yet another move for renewable energy. Last week, Gov. Jerry Brown (D-CA) signed S.B.2X. This new law requires 33 percent of all electricity generated in the state to come from renewable resources by 2020. Apparently concerns over the growth of renewable sources in the state mobilized last year under Prop 23 was not a deterrent to increase the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) from 20 percent by 2020 to now 33 percent by 2020. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) applauded California for passage of S.B.2X.

The bill was signed into law at SunPower/Flextronics solar manufacturing plant in Milpitas, Cali. During the event, Brown indicated that he thinks 40 percent renewable energy production is a feasible goal. In his signing comments, Brown said, “This bill will bring many important benefits to California, including stimulating investment in green technologies in the state, creating tens of thousands of new jobs, improving local air quality, promoting energy independence and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

He continued, “Our state has enormous renewable resource potential. I would like to see us pursue even more far-reaching targets. With the amount of renewable resources coming online, and prices dropping, I think 40 percent, at reasonable cost, is well within our grasp in the near future.”

The bill had some challenges to passage until it received a malleable target in Brown. According to an article in Solar Industry Magazine, S.B.2X was a bill that evolved from S.B.14 that was approved by California’s houses, but vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger who did not re-run last year due to term limits. A modified bill – S.B.722- was introduced in December 2010 with strong support, but not enough to pass before the session deadline. The current version, S.B.2X was authored by State Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto).

In a press release, Simitian said of his bill, “This bill establishes California as the national leader in the use and development of renewable energy. The new law will stimulate the economy and improve the environment, while protecting ratepayers from excessive costs.”

This new RPS will apply to all electricity retailers in the state including municipal utilities, independent sellers and investor-owned. All of these entities will ramp up their required use with 20 percent of all energy produced from renewables by the end of 2013 and 25 percent by the end of 2016 with the 33 percent requirement being met by the end of 2020.

Electricity, Energy, Legislation, Solar, Wind

Wind Industry Takes Step to Protect Wildlife

Joanna Schroeder

The wind energy industry has joined forces with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to develop a wind energy habitat conservation plan for the Midwest Region. Harm to animals, especially birds, has been a concern of people opposed to wind energy. Today, the group that includes the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), has signed an agreement to develop a plan that will outline measures to conserve threatened and endangered species that may be affected by wind farm developments. In particular, the plan calls for conservation of Indiana bats as well as other protected species in eight states including Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

“I believe this positive step will help the Service proceed on a scientifically sound basis to pursue the conservation of endangered species and facilitate the development of a renewable energy source at the same time,” said Tom Melius, the Service’s Midwest Regional Director.

John Anderson, AWEA’s Director of Siting Policy said, ”It is the industry’s expectation that development of the regional HCP will streamline the permitting process, allowing effective conservation of wildlife and easing the Service’s administrative burden, while also allowing for more wind energy to be deployed nationally. This is a shining example of how industry, the Service, states and other stakeholders can work collaboratively to develop an overall conservation strategy that is in the best interest of the affected species.”

Under the HCP, wind developers will acquire an Incidental Take Permit (“Take” in this instance means harming, harassing or killing endangered or threatened species), which will exempt otherwise lawful activities (i.e., construction and operation of a wind energy facility) from the prohibition of take under the Endangered Species Act. The Service has awarded states in the Service’s Midwest Region an Endangered Species Act grant of $3,362,364 to develop a broadly constructed HCP designed to address the potential impacts of wind energy with the wind industry’s commitment to provide 10 percent of matching funds.

The Conservation Fund, an environmental nonprofit, will lead the strategic conservation work accompanying the HCP.

Electricity, Energy, Environment, Wind

GROWMARK Terminal Provides Homegrown Fuels

Cindy Zimmerman

GROWMARK is providing more homegrown fuels for members and area businesses around central Illinois.

GrowmarkThe regional agricultural supply company bought the Menard Terminal from Magellan Midstream Partners in 2008 and today it handles gasoline, diesel, ethanol and biodiesel for FS members within a 120 mile radius, in addition to non-member companies like Casey’s and Thornton’s.

Terminal Manager Pete Nance says their market for renewable fuels continues to grow. “Right now we probably sell between 60-70 percent soy (diesel) and all of the gasoline that goes out is with alcohol,” he said during a recent tour of the facility, which is one of only two that GROWMARK owns.

GrowmarkGROWMARK has expanded into other areas of business besides agriculture to help their member companies continue to have the opportunity to grow. Lincoln Land FS Energy Marketing Manager Scott Long says they provide fuel for construction sites, asphalt companies and other non-agricultural clients to use their equipment and their people as efficiently as possible. “During the farming season we’re really busy, but during the other times of the year we need other income streams to support the farmers,” said Long. “We’ve grown about 70 percent in the last five years and most of that has been on the commercial side.”

Long notes that GROWMARK is one of the largest distributors of biodiesel in the nation and B11, or 11% biodiesel, is their most popular blend, for good reason. “In the state of Illinois, if you use an 11% blend, there’s no sales tax,” he said. “So it’s cost advantageous to the customers and it’s also a pretty good product to use to support our crops industry also.”

Listen to or download back to back interviews with Pete Nance and Scott Long of GROWMARK: Pete Nance and Scott Long

Audio, Biodiesel, GROWMARK

ABO Goes to Washington

Joanna Schroeder

The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) may be relatively young, having been formed in March of 2006, but they have made some significant strides in Washington, D.C. in lobbying for advanced biofuels such as algae, to play on the same field as cellulosic biofuels. I caught up with Mary Rosenthal, ABO’s executive director after her multi-day trip to D.C. to learn more about their efforts. While in DC, the 26 members met with 51 Congressional leaders from both houses. Compared to last year, Rosenthal said they doubled the amount of meetings and of those they met with, nearly 60 percent had a good base of knowledge about advanced biofuels and specifically algae. However, she noted that there was still some Algae 101 that needed to take place.

While on the ground, the ABO team had three main messages. Maybe the biggest issue is helping algal biofuels achieve parody with cellulosic fuels. Back in 2007, when the Renewable Fuels Standard was passed and since updated (RFS2), algae wasn’t really in the game. As a consequence, Rosenthal and her members are working hard to get algal biofuels included in the advanced biofuels category. In addition, cellulosic fuels currently receive a $1.01 per gallon tax credit but algal biofuels receive no tax credit. Therefore, the organization is lobbying hard to get the same tax credit extended to algae fuels. Bill HR 1149 was introduced in the Congress by Brian Bilbray (R-CA.) and this bill would give algal biofuels the same tax credit. Rosenthal said they expect a companion bill to be introduced in the Senate by Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Bill Nelson (D-FL).

“Let’s let innovation led the way. Let’s be technology agnostic and feedstock neutral. Let’s not pick winner’s and losers. Take out the 16 billion carve out for cellulosic and open it up to any type of advanced biofuels including algae,” said Rosenthal.

In addition to these two messages, ABO also spent time reinforcing that the industry is here to create jobs. “We have more than 20,000 jobs either directly or indirectly associated with the algae industry today and we feel we can grow that more than ten-fold in 10 years,” said Rosenthal. She also said an important message was that algae is a new agricultural crop that would help rural economies.

Listen to my interview with Mary Rosenthal here: The Algal Biomass Organization Goes to Washington

I asked Rosenthal how long it would be before we see commercial scale algal biofuel production. While it’s hard to know for sure, Rosenthal is excited about the technology breakthroughs that are happening and she believes we’re about 5 years away. She has the opportunity to see what’s in the pipeline before others and she’s really excited about what’s coming next. Rosenthal participated in BioProcess Algae’s dedication of their Grower Harvester bioreactors on April 15 and she said more major technology breakthrough’s will be announced during their 5th Algae Biomass Summit October 25-27, 2011 in Minneapolis, Minn.

The next step for the group is to continue monitoring HR 1149 and its companion bill and they will also be paying close attention to the upcoming farm bill. She believes that policy makers are now aware of algae and open to its benefits and as a result, anticipates that algae will be included in energy and agricultural policy moving forward.

advanced biofuels, algae, Audio, Legislation