TetraVitae Announces n-Butanol Production Milestone

Joanna Schroeder

Butanol is not just for fuel. Today, TetraVitae Bioscience announced that it has successfully demonstrated its process to produce renewable n-butanol in a corn dry-mill pilot plant. The company says this is a major milestone for them in creating economically competitive renewable n-butanol for the coatings, plastics, personal care, and packaging industries.

“With this achievement, TetraVitae has shown that producing renewable n-butanol in a commercial scale corn dry-mill will be a reality very soon,” said Jay Kouba, CEO of TetraVitae. “Corn dry-mills offer the most direct, capital efficient, and low-cost route to large-scale production of renewable chemicals in North America. The industry has built a successful business based on fuel ethanol. TetraVitae is offering dry-mill operators a way to make higher value products using their existing capital base.”

For the demonstration phase, TetraVitae worked with The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) to retrofit NCERC’s fully integrated corn dry-mill pilot plant to operate using their technology. The technology performed and successfully produced n-butanol as well as acetone and distillers grains at a competitive cost.

Working with the University of Texas in Austin’s Separations Research Program, the pilot phase of the program also demonstrated product purification. TetraVitae took raw chemical products produced at NCERC and produced purified n-butanol and acetone in a continuous distillation that met all standard chemical industry specifications for solvents.

“n-Butanol and acetone are high value chemicals with many applications in the coatings, plastics, personal care, and packaging industries,” said Kouba. “TetraVitae is creating partnerships with companies across these value chains that will result in economically competitive renewable products that consumers use every day.”

biobutanol, biochemicals, biomaterials, bioplastics, Company Announcement

Domestic Fuel Bill for National Security

Cindy Zimmerman

The “Domestic Fuel for Enhancing National Security Act” has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) introduced the bill which would authorize the Department of Defense to continue its leading role in helping to commercialize next generation biofuels by extending the multi-year contracting authority for advanced biofuels from 5 years to 15 years. In his speech introducing the legislation, Inslee quote Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who recently commented that the Defense Department uses 300,000 barrels of oil every day. “”The energy use per soldier creeps up every year. And our number-one import into Afghanistan is fossil fuel.” Admiral Mullen understands how critical an energy supply is to a combat troop; but how safe are our troops if this oil comes from overseas? Our defense sector should adopt more sustainable fuels, which can be produced here in the United States; for the security of our troops.”

Brent Erickson with the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) says the bill would help scale up advanced biofuel production in the United States. “Expanding the military’s ability to engage in long-term contracts could provide leading companies and potential investors the certainty they look for before committing capital to large-scale biofuel production,” said Erickson. “The Department of Energy, for instance, has been asking for long-term off-take agreements as an eligibility requirement for its loan guarantee program.”

Erickson notes that the Department of the Navy recently established goals to cut petroleum use in the commercial fleet in half by 2015 and ensure 50 percent of its total energy consumption comes from alternative sources by 2020. “In order to reach the Navy’s goal, there needs to be a dramatic scaling up of advanced biofuel production in the United States. Investment in environmentally responsible technologies lessens dependence on imported fossil fuels,” he said.

BIO, biofuels, Government

What Do Oil Spills, Education & The Volt Have in Common?

Joanna Schroeder

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is far from over and but when it is, just what do you do with all that waste? In the case of the oil-soaked, plastic absorbent booms that floated in the Gulf of Mexico, they are ending up as parts for the Chevy Volt. This according to General Motors who is telling their story today during a radio media tour. GM estimates that they will save more than 100 miles of boom material off the Alabama and Louisiana coasts from landfills and create enough parts to supply the first production run that is now underway.

“Creative recycling is one extension of GM’s overall strategy to reduce its environmental impact,” said Mike Robinson, vice president of environment, energy and safety policy at GM. “We reuse and recycle material byproducts at our 76 landfill-free facilities every day. This is a good example of using this expertise and applying it to a greater magnitude.”

Heritage Environmental collected the boom material and then Mobile Fluid Recovery used a massive high-speed drum to spin the booms until they were dry. This process eliminated all the absorbed oil and wastewater. Then using its patented process, Lucent Polymers turned the booms into the physical state necessary for plastic die-mold production where finially, GDC converted it into auto parts. The components, which aid in vehicle air flow and water deflection, are typically comprised of post-consumer recycled plastics and other polymers, and recycled tires from GM’s Milford Proving Ground vehicle test facility. Now, 25 percent of the composition includes the boom material.

In case you’re wondering, who was the very first consumer owner of the Chevrolet Volt? Rick Henderson, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, has purchased the first Volt for $225,000. All proceeds from the online auction, which closed on Dec. 14, will benefit science, math, engineering, and technology education initiatives through the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.

Company Announcement, Electricity, Environment, Oil

Engine Makers Challenge EPA Over E15 Ruling

Cindy Zimmerman

A newly formed group of engine manufacturers is challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to grant a partial waiver approving the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E-15) for 2007 model year and newer passenger cars and light trucks.

The Engine Products Group, made up of several automobile, marine and small engine manufacturing organizations, filed a petition today specifically challenging whether EPA’s “partial waiver” approval for E-15 fuels violates the federal Clean Air Act provisions.

“The partial waiver for E-15 sets a bad precedent of how to introduce a new fuel. This partial waiver would allow fuel to come on the market with inadequate testing, inadequate misfueling controls and without a dedicated legacy fuel for use in those products for which E-15 was not approved,” said Kris Kiser, Executive Vice President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.

Growth Energy, the ethanol organization which filed for a waiver in March 2009 to allow up to 15 percent ethanol in gasoline, disagrees with the engine manufacturers. “Concerns about misfueling are premature, as EPA is drafting a robust labeling rule and will conduct a vigorous public education campaign, and we are confident that the process will be successful,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis.

The Renewable Fuels Association noted that EPA could avoid potential market confusion by simply allowing the use of E15 for all cars and light duty pickup trucks. “The only way to meet the nation’s energy, economic and environmental goals as put forth in the Renewable Fuels Standard is to increase ethanol consumption. Allowing for the use of E15 blends is a safe and appropriate step toward meeting these goals. The RFA will continue to press for the safe and effective use of higher level ethanol blends in both conventional as well as flexible fuel vehicles.”

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Growth Energy, RFA

BYO Ethanol Blending Solutions Webinar

Cindy Zimmerman

BYOPetroleum marketers and fuel station owners are invited to attend an ethanol blending solutions webinar for the new year.

The Blend Your Own Ethanol Campaign is kicking off 2011 by helping retailers learn how blender pumps can be the answer to dealing with all the variables surrounding ethanol in the year ahead, including new infrastructure programs, new regulations, and the opportunity of a large expansion of the flex-fuel vehicle fleet.

The webinar, sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), will be held on January 19, 2011 starting at 1:00 pm central time. More information about the webinar and how to register can be found at byoethanol.com.

ACE, blends, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Retailers, RFA

REG Starts Pumping Biodiesel at Chicago Terminal

John Davis

Biodiesel from Iowa-based Renewable Energy Group is now flowing at a major Chicago area fuel terminal.

The company has announced that REG-9000/1 biodiesel is now available for convenient splash blending or truck-load pick-up at Kinder Morgan’s Argo, Illinois facility:

This new terminal location combines the quality of REG-9000 biodiesel, the industry experience of REG and the convenience of the Chicago terminal site. Multiple biodiesel pricing options are available for REG customers through the Kinder Morgan terminal. on Friday, Dec. 17, 2010. Petroleum distributors may pick up REG-9000TM biodiesel 24/7 at the terminal located at 8500 West 68th Street Argo, Illinois after setting up a Kinder Morgan account.

REG says it is making several pricing options available for customers.

Biodiesel

Ethanol Stakeholders Attend Tax Bill Signing

Cindy Zimmerman

President Obama held a public signing ceremony for the tax bill passed by Congress this week that delivers early Christmas presents for everyone. Among those in attendance at the signing were some 150 members of Congress, administration officials and key stakeholder and advocates who worked to pass the bill, including representatives from the ethanol industry.

Both Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen and Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis were in the audience at the bill signing. “The Obama Administration today reaffirmed its commitment to America’s ethanol industry,” said Dinneen in a statement. “Extending these tax incentives prevents America from backtracking on the gains it has made in energy security and jettisoning the economic opportunity domestic ethanol production has brought to hundreds of rural communities all across the nation.”

At the ceremony, Buis presented the President with a letter thanking him for his support on behalf of the American ethanol industry. “We write today to express our deep appreciation and thanks for your leadership in delivering a common-sense ethanol tax policy. This legislation provides the certainty we require as our nation transitions to the debate over reforming our long-term national energy policy,” the letter reads. “Every year, our addiction to foreign oil drains $1,000 for every man, woman and child out of our economy. That is money we should invest in Des Moines, not Abu Dhabi – Columbus, and not Caracas.”

The biodiesel industry was not represented at the signing, but they were no less enthusiastic in their praise and gratitude for the bill which retroactively renews the biodiesel tax credit that expired at the end of 2009. “Reinstatement of this proven incentive helps provide the policy framework needed to meet the nation’s renewable goals, and the NBB sincerely appreciates the bipartisan cooperation and support that made extension of this worthwhile incentive possible,” said Joe Jobe, National Biodiesel Board CEO.

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, Growth Energy, NBB, RFA

IPF Releases Economic Report of 31 Energy Projects

Joanna Schroeder

The Iowa Power Fund released a report today that details the economic impact of 31 projects from 2008 through September 2010. Each of the projects has received monetary funds from the program. One project that has received funding from the Iowa Power Fund is Project LIBERTY, POET’s project to develop cellulosic ethanol from corn cobs and light corn stover. The report estimates that Project Liberty could generate as much as $37.8 billion in economic activity over 20 years and could employ more than 2,800 people.

The report was conducted by Impact DataSource of Austin, Texas and estimates the short and long-term effects of these projects on the state of Iowa and on the nation. The scope of the report included the economic output, employment and workers’ earnings during the term of the project and possible economic impacts resulting directly from the project.

The analysis of Project LIBERTY in particular included three scenarios of low, medium and high long-term impacts from the project and replication of the technology at other Iowa ethanol plants.

“Project LIBERTY will not only employ people at the plant, it will add revenue to farmers’ incomes through biomass harvesting and add local jobs through increased economic activity,” Project LIBERTY Director Jim Sturdevant said. “When that technology is replicated at other plants in Iowa, those benefits will increase many times over.”

The Iowa Power Fund released the full report at a press conference in Des Moines, Iowa Thursday and you can click here to download a full copy of the report.

Cellulosic, Energy, Ethanol

Victory on the Hill

Joanna Schroeder

The solar energy industry has a reason to smile this morning as the Congress passed the tax bill with amazing speed late last night. Today, the Solar Energy Industries Association’s (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch said of the passage of the one-year extension of the Treasury Section 1603 program, “After a year’s worth of effort, we are now close to getting the 1603 Treasury Grant Program extended. I’d particularly like to thank Representatives Holt, Blumenauer and Thompson for providing leadership and vision in support of the renewable energy industry and the 1603 program.” Resch is calling for swift action from President Obama in signing the bill.

SEIA has been a vocal advocate of the amount of jobs that the program has successfully created in all 50 states for blue collar workers who have been hit hard by the worst recession in 80 years. Fortunately the growth of industries like solar are putting them back to work in better paying green jobs. A major component of this bill is the extension of unemployment benefits for those millions who remain out of work.

While the solar and wind industries have been watching the progress of the incentives closely in D.C. neither industry has been saying much and are waiting until President Obama signs the bill which is expected soon. Once this happens, the bloggers of DomesticFuel will bring you the stories.

Solar, Wind

Protec Fuel Opens First E85 Station with Imaging

Protec Fuel announces the opening of an E85 pump at 5264 New Jesup Highway in Brunswick, Georgia. Offering the clean burning, alternative fuel, Mr. Pete’s is the first station to have Protec Fuel’s imaging on their dispenser.

E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent petroleum and can be used in over 8,000 FFVs across the area. The alternative fuel has been proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the nation’s dependency on foreign petroleum.

Mr. Pete’s used Protec Fuel’s turnkey program which included designing and managing the equipment conversion and fuel supply. “We are pleased to be assisting this station with their E85 infrastructure and supply of fuel,” said CEO of Protec Fuel, Todd Garner. “Mr. Pete’s is a prime location for Protec’s roll-out of new E85 dispenser imaging and we look forward to seeing additional sites with our specialized branding.”

The E85 site is also the first of its kind in the area. Located just north of Jacksonville and south of Savannah, the owner is excited to begin selling the product. “I’m looking forward to see how many green vehicles will use our new fuel,” noted owner of Mr. Pete’s, Al Coty. “I’m proud to carry the fuel – it’s keeping the money in this country and helping our economy.”

Mr. Pete’s and Protec Fuel have teamed up with the Clean Fuels Foundation through their National Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) Awareness Campaign to help market the station and gain additional exposure. “Support from the state government, a strong Clean Cities program, in-state 1st and 2nd generation ethanol production, and a strong existing refueling infrastructure placed Georgia on our key market list in this partnership,” said Burl Haigwood, Clean Fuels Foundation and Project Manager for the National FFV Awareness Campaign.

Mr. Pete’s is open seven days a week. The site offers a convenience store and pay at the pump option.

E85, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Facilities, Flex Fuel Vehicles, Miscellaneous, News