NAABB’s Algal-Based Biodiesel Meets ASTM Standards

Joanna Schroeder

According to the National Alliance for Biofuels and Bioproducts (NAABB), a considerable breakthrough has been made with the production of biodiesel using oil extracted from algae. The consortium’s algal biodiesel is meeting fuel specifications set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

The algal oil was provided by Eldorado Biofuels, and the oil was converted to biodiesel by Catilin, Inc., using their commercially available T300 solid catalyst. Whereas conventional conversion methods use highly caustic materials such as sodium hydroxide, Catilin’s technology produced the algal biodiesel that both meets ASTM standards more efficiently and economically while at the same time produced a highly purified glycerin. Glycerin is a highly valuable byproduct that is used by the food and pharmaceutical industries.

“We are very pleased to have demonstrated that our catalytic process is effective for algal oil feedstocks. Not only are the conversion costs reduced relative to the conventional process but the quality byproducts produced in the process will open additional markets,” said David Sams, vice president, business development for Catilin.

Eldorado Biofuels CEO Paul Laur noted that his company is happy they could provide the algal oil to help move the algae biofuels industry forward, and Jose Olivares, NAABB’s executive director said, “This step represents a major success and illustrates the high level of interaction between members which is a good sign that we are starting to reap the benefits of the consortium concept.”

The consortium’s next step is to distribute samples of the ASTM algae based biodiesel among members for the follow-up analyses necessary for engine emissions testing.

algae, Biodiesel

E85 for 85 Cents on Saturday

Joanna Schroeder

For those lucky residents of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, you have a chance to kick off the Thanksgiving celebration with food and fuel this Saturday, November 20, 2010. Flex-fuel drivers (FFV) will have the opportunity to fill up with E85 for 85 cents per gallon from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Woodman’s Market located at 8131 S. Howell Avenue, Oak Creek.

During a time when many Americans are going hungry, promoters are also encouraging the community to bring a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Oak Creek Salvation Army food pantry.

But that’s not all. A special guest will also be on hand during the promotion – Guinness Book of World Records holder and Wisconsin resident Scott Dillman and his motorcycle. He recently completed the longest journey, 479 miles, on a pocket motorcycle running only on E85. The record took two attempts to succeed. He traveled from his home in Lamartine (Southeast of Fond du Lac) then onto Reedsburg, through Wautoma, Wisconsin Rapids, Thorp, Baraboo, Portage, and Beaver Dam. From there he headed home breaking the old record by 29 miles.

“The American Lung Association in Wisconsin recognizes E85 as a Clean Air Choice for its role in reducing harmful tailpipe emissions that cause lung disease,” says Jolene McNutt, clean fuels coordinator and a sponsor of the promotion. “Widespread use of E85 in flex fuel vehicles is one way to improve air quality for all residents of Wisconsin, especially the Milwaukee area where air quality play a large role in the health of our communities.”

For more information about the promotion, to determine if you drive an FFV and to learn more about the sponsors, click here.

E85, Ethanol, Promotion

Biodiesel Board Elects First Producer Chairman

Cindy Zimmerman

The soybean farmers got it going, but producer members are now assuming the leadership at the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).

Gary HaerNBB members elected their trade association leadership today, including Gary Haer with Renewable Energy Group (REG) as the first producer to take the chairman role. Members also elected four returning governing board members and three new members to serve on the leadership committee. Other officers include: Ed Ulch, vice chair, Iowa Soybean Board (Farmer); Ron Marr, secretary, Minnesota Soybean Processors, (Producer); Jim Conway, treasurer, Griffin Industries (Producer).

“The National Biodiesel Board has forged the way for biodiesel to become America’s first advanced biofuel. The unanimous selection of our new chairman shows the unity among the different entities that make up the governing board and the NBB,” said Ed Hegland, past chairman and Minnesota farmer.

“The industry is transitioning over to a biodiesel producer organization that recognizes the importance of the investment that the soybean industry has made to get it started,” said Haer in an interview today. “Now we’re on a pathway to commercialize the industry and take that investment and bring it on to more commercial reality.” The NBB was founded in 1992 by state soybean commodity groups, who were funding biodiesel research and development programs.

Haer says it’s hard to predict if the biodiesel tax credit can be reinstated, at least in the lame duck session, but it is very important. “It’s complimentary to the Renewable Fuels Standard that EPA implemented July 1, 2010,” he said. “It gets our industry to a more mature level where we will be able to sustain ourselves without any incentives.”

Biodiesel is considered to be an advanced biofuel under the RFS2 which provides great opportunity for the industry. “We’re going to be doing a lot of communications and outreach to let people know that we are their solution for their advanced biofuels obligations and requirements,” said Haer.

Listen to or download an interview with Gary here: NBB Chairman Gary Haer

Audio, Biodiesel, NBB

Largest Solar Project in Tennessee Begins

Joanna Schroeder

Jackson, Tennessee is about to become the home of the state’s largest solar farm. The new solar project is located at the American Drive Business Center and when completed in December of 2010, will consist of 4,914 Sharp solar modules manufactured at their Memphis facility and become the second 1 megawatt (MW) solar project within the seven-state Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) region. In addition to the 1 MW, the project will also have a 47 kilowatt (kW) solar installation.

The renewable electricity created by the solar farm will go to the Jackson Energy Authority grid and be purchased by TVA. The energy produced from this solar array is enough to power more than 250 average-sized homes, and the power from the 47 kW solar array will be sufficient to power a portion of the operations at the Business Center.

“Tennessee is becoming a regional leader in clean, efficient solar power,” said Eric Hafter, Senior Vice President, Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group. “Sharp is delighted to contribute to the growth of Tennessee’s solar industry with our Memphis plant and with our ongoing involvement in solar projects such as this one in Jackson.”

The solar farm was designed and is being installed by Efficient Energy of Tennessee (EETN) and this project is their second of this magnitude in the state. EETN’s first solar farm project, that went online in July of this year, is located in Knoxville and also uses Sharp solar panels.

“This project is a terrific example of what private industry can do with the support of innovative state and utility based programs” said Robbie Thomas, President of Efficient Energy of Tennessee. “We’re so pleased to work with companies like Sharp to create jobs, stimulate the state’s solar industry, and help bring the benefits of clean, renewable energy to the people of our state.”

Electricity, Solar

Sweet Sorghum for Ethanol Collaboration Announced

Joanna Schroeder

Two major organizations have announced that they will collaborate on key issues moving forward. The National Sorghum Producers (NSP) and the Sweet Sorghum Ethanol Association (SSEA) will begin working together to develop and expand the sweet sorghum industry. Sweet sorghum is currently a feedstock of interest for many researchers and companies in the quest to develop new feedstocks for biofuel development.

While SSEA will provide organizational support, NSP will focus on developing and implementing a legislative advocacy program. According to a press statement, the two organizations will share communication among their memberships and will explore future opportunities and synergies for joint conferences and other membership events.

“Sweet sorghum has become an important segment of our industry,” said Gerald Simonsen, NSP chairman. “We are excited about the opportunities our collaboration with SSEA will create for sorghum as we continue our push for the inclusion of sweet sorghum in the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2).”

Currently, NSP is working with the EPA to certify sweet sorghum as an advanced biofuel feedstock under RFS2 and Hal Debor, SSEA president, said they are pleased to be working as a team to achieve an advanced biofuel designation.

Steve Vanechanos, chairman of EPEC Biofuels Holdings Inc. and chairman of SSEA’s NSP Collaboration Committee concluded, “Elevating awareness of sweet sorghum’s vast potential as a biofuel feedstock is a precondition to building a sweet sorghum ethanol industry. By collaborating with NSP, we will be substantially increasing the decibel level of sweet sorghum advocacy.”

biofuels, Ethanol

Ethanol Industry Watches Closely As Lame Duck Session Kicks Off in DC

Joanna Schroeder

The lame duck session has kicked off in Washington and the ethanol industry continues to point out to legislators who are reviewing the ethanol and biodiesel tax credits, that the failure to renew these credits will cause thousands of biofuels workers to lose their jobs. The ethanol industry is scheduled to visit the White House on Thursday along with several other national ethanol and ag organizations, and today, in anticipation, the group submitted a letter to Congressional leaders.

In the letter, sent to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the groups encouraged the extension of two ethanol related tax polices: the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC), and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Credit. In addition, they asked that the definition of the cellulosic ethanol producer tax credit be expanded to include emerging feedstocks such as algae.

“The ethanol industry has been an essential component of our nation’s effort to achieve energy security and improve our environment,” the groups wrote in the letter. “The volumes of ethanol produced domestically have been uniquely successful in reducing our dependence on foreign, imported oil, and have helped to reduce our nation’s emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. In addition, the ethanol industry has helped to revitalize our nation’s rural and farm economies by providing a value added market for agriculture, and supported the creation of hundreds of thousands of non-exportable, high-paying green jobs.”

On VEETC:
“Without VEETC, ethanol blending will become less economically attractive to refiners, resulting in a substantial decline in discretionary blending, and upward pressure on consumer gasoline prices. As a consequence of reduced demand, ethanol plants will close. One analysis concluded that as many as 118,000 jobs could be lost if Congress fails to extend this important incentive.”

On the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Credit:
“Today, there are approximately 160,000 retail fuel outlets around the nation; however, only 2,300 are fitted with equipment able to dispense E85, and just a few hundred that can offer mid-level blends. It is essential that there continue to be incentives to develop the infrastructure needed to make the ethanol blended fuels available to consumers.”

On Cellulosic Ethanol and Other Advanced Biofuels:
“We believe that as we look to extend incentives for ethanol and incentives to support infrastructure, we must continue to support efforts that help the next generation of ethanol overcome commercialization hurdles. To this end, we call on Congress to pass legislation expanding the cellulosic biofuels producer tax credit which includes a broader range of eligible advanced biofuels including algae, and the ability to allow developers to elect a refundable 30 percent investment tax credit.”

The groups concluded, “Not only are these incentives necessary to provide certainty in the marketplace as we work collaboratively to reform the Federal tax structure for renewable energy, but they are also essential if we, as a nation, are intent on continuing our goals of achieving energy security, creating green jobs, and revitalizing rural communities across the country.”

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, politics

Ethanol Report From NAFB

Cindy Zimmerman

"RFAThere were lots of ethanol issues to discuss at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting annual Trade Talk event in Kansas City last week. The topics included the lame duck session of Congress, importance of renewing biofuels tax incentives, doing more to invest in cellulosic ethanol, labeling for E15 at the pump, just to name a few.

Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen says it is one of his favorite events of the year. "I think farm broadcasters are doing a lot of hard work trying to make sure that Americans understand the important debates that are going on in DC," Dinneen says. "I love these folks and I love being here."

"EthanolThis edition of "The Ethanol Report" comes from the NAFB meeting and Bob comments on all of these important issues facing the ethanol industry. He says he is optimistic about getting biofuels tax incentives extended. "I think that there's an opportunity to extend the ethanol tax incentive, the Bush tax incentives and also the biodiesel tax credit and other important tax incentives that need to be addressed before the end of this year." RFA joined with several other ethanol and agricultural organizations in writing a letter to Congressional leaders about the need to address extension of the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) and the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Credit, and to broaden the definition of the cellulosic ethanol producer tax credit to include additional feedstocks like algae.

Dinneen spoke at the Cellulosic Biofuels and Biorefineries Summit in Washington, DC today to stress the importance of encouraging investment in cellulosic ethanol. "I'm strongly supportive of a refundable investment tax credit, because you've got to do some innovative things to free up capitol and allow cellulosic ethanol to move forward," he says.

Listen to the Ethanol Report here: "Ethanol

Nevada Supreme Court Allows Seizure of Casino’s Assets in Dues Dispute.

Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News April 11, 2002 By Ed Vogel, Las Vegas Review-Journal Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News Apr. 11–CARSON CITY, Nev.–The Supreme Court Wednesday lifted its order blocking the Fremont Street Experience from seizing $1.9 million from the cage of Binion’s Horseshoe. here fremont street experience

In a 3-0 vote, the court said it should not intervene in the case at this time. The justices said the Horseshoe could secure a cash bond to avoid attachment of its assets to cover payments due to the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian mall.

Because adequate remedies exist for the casino, Justices Miriam Shearing, Bob Rose and Nancy Becker denied the Horseshoe’s request to block the attachment of its assets.

Pat Riley, an attorney for the Fremont Street Experience, said it is trying to reach a settlement with the Horseshoe and will not move immediately to attach the money. go to site fremont street experience

“There is a possibility we can work this out amicably,” he said.

The court on Feb. 8 temporarily voided an order by District Judge Gene Porter that allowed the seizure of Horseshoe assets to cover its share of the mall’s dues.

Horseshoe officials had said a seizure would jeopardize the casino’s ability to stay open. Removal of $1.9 million from the cage would have placed the casino below the state-required minimum of $1.2 million cash on hand.

Riley estimated a cash bond to cover the debt could be secured for little more than $20,000 and the Horseshoe could avoid talk of shutting its doors.

A Horseshoe lawyer did not respond to a call for comment Wednesday.

While the court decision allows the Fremont Street Experience to take the due payments, the Horseshoe still has a pending District Court case challenging the Fremont Street Experience’s operating agreement.

Its lawyers claim that the Fremont Street Experience’s actions violate federal antitrust law, state law and city ordinances. They also claim the hotel-casino’s dues are unfairly large compared with those paid by competing downtown properties.

“We haven’t won the case yet,” Riley said. “This is all about security on a debt.” In court filings in February, the Horseshoe said it would lose $260,000 in daily revenues if forced to close.

The company employs more than 1,700 employees and has an annual payroll of $38 million.

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, RFA

Chevy Back on Track in IndyCar Series

Joanna Schroeder

After a six year absence in the IndyCar Series, Chevrolet will be back on track with a new twin-turbocharged direct-injected V-6 racing engine powered by E85 for the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series. The new engine is being developed by GM and Ilmor Engineering and to date, Team Penske is the first and only team to commit to the new engine for the 2012 season. Team Penske previously tallied 31 open-wheel victories with Chevrolet engines, including four Indianapolis 500 wins.

“Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been a proving ground for manufacturers since Louis Chevrolet, our co-founder, first raced here in 1909,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “Our return to IndyCar as Chevrolet enters its centennial year is natural. At the same time this engine program will be a showcase for the efficient and powerful engine technologies that parallel new Chevrolet vehicles like the Camaro, all-new Cruze compact and Equinox crossover.”

Chevy engines last raced in the IndyCar Series between 2002-2005 when Honda came on board and developed the engines that first used E100 in racing. Since the historic IndyCar ethanol announcement in 2005, and the first race with ethanol blended fuel in 2006, many other racing leagues have made a switch to ethanol, the most recent being Nascar.

The Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 will have a displacement of 2.4 liters and the powerplant will have an aluminum block and cylinder heads, and will be a fully stressed chassis member supporting the gearbox and rear suspension. However, specific technical details and specifications will be released at a later date. Also, per IndyCar rules, all teams have the opportunity to compete with the new engines but are not required. Teams may also continue racing with their current Honda engines.

“We are excited to have engine manufacturer competition again in the IZOD IndyCar Series, beginning in 2012,” said Randy Bernard, CEO, IndyCar. “Chevrolet brings a strong passion for racing, technology, relevance and innovation, which is a great fit for our new car platform. We are excited about the future of IndyCar racing with the addition of Chevrolet.”

E85, Ethanol, Indy Racing

Iowa Power Fund Awards Three Energy Projects

Joanna Schroeder

The Iowa Power Fund has awarded three energy projects in the state more than $4.2 million. The decisions were made yesterday during the board meeting which took place at Grand View University. When combined, the three projects will generate an additional $21 million in leveraged funds. To date, the Iowa Power Fund has awarded more than $47 million to 37 projects focusing on energy research and development, early stage commercialization and education.

Ames-based AmbroZea was awarded $1.5 million for its work in the ethanol industry. The company will be applying high-protein expression biotechnology to further optimize multi-tasking yeast for commercial deployment.

Boone-based Avello Bioenergy, Inc. was awarded $2.5 million to help the company build a demonstration scale biomass plant, using local “farm-raised” feedstocks. The company is partnering with both the private industry and academics on the facility. The grant also include an educational component to reach out to researchers and students at Iowa State University and the Iowa Farm Bureau to benefit farmers.

The third award was given to Des Moines-based Indigo Dawn to focus on energy efficiency in renovated buildings.

biofuels, biomass, Energy

Ethanol Industry Testifies at EPA E15 Hearing

Cindy Zimmerman

Growth EnergyGrowth Energy CEO Tom Buis and organization founding member Dave Vander Griend of ICM were the first to testify at a public hearing today in Chicago on EPA’s proposed label for 15 percent ethanol fuel at the pump.

Buis stressed that the country has gone through fuel changes before, such as the transition to unleaded, and he is confident the transition to higher ethanol blends can be made. “Our recommendations for the label – be fair, inform and educate, don’t scare and alarm people. Consumers are smart and informing them is the goal here.”

Vander Griend noted that there has been very little confusion among consumers who are using blender pumps in Kansas. “For nearly three years, we have successfully demonstrated our ability to inform consumers with the appropriate label,” he said. “We do not believe that large, onerous warning labels are necessary for identifying an E15 fuel blend.”

Several sensible suggestions for making the label less scary and confusing include replacing the word “Caution” with “Attention” and listing Flex Fuel Vehicles first in those approved for use of the fuel.

Listen to Buis and Vander Griend opening comments here.
Tom Buis and Dave Vander Griend

Audio, Ethanol, Government, Growth Energy