Micro Bird G5 Debuts Using Liquid Propane

Joanna Schroeder

Micro Bird has launched the new G5, a ROUSH liquid-propane powered E-450 Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) Cutaway vehicle, during BusCon, the largest show dedicated to the bus industry. During the show, the Micro Bird G5 will be on display in the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) booth at the Navy Pier in Chicago.

The new bus has a 25 passenger capacity, uses the Ford 6.8L, V-10 engine converted to run on liquid propane, sports a fuel capacity of 43 gallons and depending on driving conditions, has a range of 320 miles. Vehicles using propane have no additional weight added to the vehicle; therefore, stopping distance and brake wear will be similar to a traditional gasoline or diesel fueled vehicle. In addition, propane fueled vehicles have no loss of horsepower or torque and emit lower emissions than traditional fuels.

“This product delivers on a need that the shuttle bus, school bus and delivery markets have been asking for. Through the use of propane, fleets will significantly reduce their operating costs as well as the carbon footprint for those that adopt this liquid propane technology without compromising any of the key vehicle attributes such as horsepower, torque, weight, or the space available for passengers or cargo,” said Todd Mouw, ROUSH vice-president of sales and marketing.

Mouw continued, “We are excited to partner with Micro Bird on a Class A school bus that utilizes this Dual Rear Wheel and liquid propane injection conversion system. Nothing speaks louder about safety and reduced emissions than putting children, our most precious cargo, in a propane-powered vehicle like the Micro Bird G5.”

The Micro Bird G5 will be available nationwide in the first quarter of 2011 and will be sold exclusively through Blue Bird dealers.

Company Announcement, Propane

Biodiesel Bouncing Back with Help from RFS & REG

John Davis

After having a couple of tough years, biodiesel could be poised for a bounce back … even if the $1-a-gallon federal tax credit is not renewed.

This article from Biofuels Digest says another federal program, the Renewable Fuels Standard, and technology from Iowa-based Renewable Energy Group are contributing to a revival of the biodiesel industry in the U.S.:

Optimism began to return this year when the EPA finally issued rules for the revised Renewable Fuel Standard, which called for a rapid expansion in biodiesel blending, and also qualified biodiesel as an advanced biofuel, since it easily satisfied the 50 percent emissions improvement required under RFS2.

Something most interesting happened this year with the RFS. The EPA waived down the cellulosic ethanol mandate when it was cleat that production capacity was not availability. But the standard as a whole was not waived down, and a main reason was the availability of biodiesel to fill the gap.

Not every gallon can come back. Estimates range from 750 million to 1.5 billion gallons in terms of the actual potential to revive production capacity in the US. With the delays in cellulosic ethanol, there is the chance that even more production capacity from biodiesel will be called for as the RFS bites deeper and deeper into the US fuel supply over the next ten years.

The article goes on to talk about how REG has been buying up idled biodiesel plants, building up the company’s capacity. In addition, REG has been using high FFA stripping technology, which allows the company to take in low-cost, high-volume feedstocks that are usually tough to convert into biodiesel because of the trouble stripping out the free fatty acids (FFA) that are the root of the problem. The oils from this process are homogenized and turned into biodiesel.

In addition, the EPA says as long as there is sufficient biodiesel production capacity in the country, the overall RFS mandate will stay in place, even if cellulosic ethanol or other advanced biofuels have trouble getting financing and getting off the ground.

Biodiesel

Groups Call for EPA to Deny E15 Waiver

Joanna Schroeder

As the date draws near for the announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the E15 waiver, a group of ethanol opponents have called for the EPA to deny the request. The 23 member coalition includes environmental, consumer, food, auto, and other industry organizations that believe there is not enough research to warrant the approval of any “mid-level” ethanol blend, including E12 another blend being considered as part of the E15 Waiver, for use in conventional vehicles. In a letter to EPA Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy, the groups claim that increasing levels of ethanol in gasoline could pose a danger to consumer safety and could harm engines and the environment.

Many of the groups that are attempting to stop the movement to higher ethanol blends include the “usual suspects,” groups which routinely oppose ethanol measures, especially those that are favorable to corn-based ethanol. The usual suspects include the Natural Resources Defense Council, National Consumers League, Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, National Marine Manufacturers Association, and Grocery Manufacturers Association.

In response to the letter, RFA spokesperson Matt Hartwig said, “EPA has all the data and authority it needs to approve the use of E12 today. For that matter, EPA has all the data it needs to approve the use of E15 for all vehicles instead of this ill-advised bifurcated approach it is pursuing. I suspect these groups would oppose a resolution in support of Mothers Day if the mothers agreed it was time to develop renewable fuels. Simply saying no isn’t a solution, but it is increasingly clear they are not in the business of solution. Their goal is to continue America’s reliance on oil despite the dangers to our economy, our environment and our security that it poses.”

Many of the organizations that are opposed to the E15 waiver have been participating in a campaign called “Say NO to Untested E15.” It is important to note that the E15 waiver does not mandate that 15 percent ethanol (E15) be blended into the fuel, rather it gives consumers the choice at the pump to use a mid-level ethanol blend without the need for a flex-fuel vehicle. Part of the consternation of the opposition to this waiver are those that say it will be too difficult to label the pumps in a way that won’t confuse consumers, and the result will be engine problems for those unapproved cars that fill up with E15.

However, the ethanol industry has been working with the EPA on proposed labeling measures. In addition, dozens of studies have been conducted on the use of E15 in conventional vehicles and the majority of them have concluded that there will be no engine problems.

blends, Ethanol, RFA

E85 Station Opens in Doraville, GA

E85 is now available in Doraville, Georgia. The new Shell Nirvana Food Mart E85 station is located at 6400 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. This station will serve FFVs for commuters on Hwy 141.

The facility is part of a partnership with Protec Fuel and the Clean Fuels Foundation through their National FlexFuel Vehicle (FFV) Awareness Campaign.

“Nirvana Food Mart is driven to provide our customers with a clean American fuel. Our customers have the ability to make a difference after watching numerous oil rigs and pipelines pollute our nation,” said Sheikh Rashed, owner of Nirvana Food Mart.

Steve Walk, Executive Director at Protec, said, “Protec is proud to work with Mr. Rashed and other retailers throughout the United States to expand the availability of E85. These E85 stations will be critical for consumers who will want a choice when oil prices continue to go up after our economy starts to rebound and who would rather keep their dollars in the United States.”

Burl Haigwood of the FlexFuel Vehicle Awareness Campaign said, “Many retailers are responding to the growing consumer demand for low carbon renewable fuels by installing E85 dispensers. It is important to now support these station owners by making sure that the FlexFuel vehicle (FFV) owners are aware that they now have a fuel choice and where they can get E85. FFV owners literally hold the key to meeting the goals of the national renewable fuel standard and they need to know they will personally reap the economic, environmental, and national security benefits from using higher blends of ethanol like E85.”

There are currently 39 E85 outlets in the state of Georgia.

E85, Ethanol, Ethanol News, News

Biodiesel Board to Host Bioheat Webinar

John Davis

New York City has been a successful example of how to use Bioheat … a mix of biodiesel and heating oil … to keep residents warm while cutting the city’s global warming emissions. In hopes of spreading that success, the National Biodiesel Board will be hosting a webinar for the media entitled, “How to Green and Clean Buildings with Bioheat—A New York Case Study,” this Thursday, September 30, 2010 from 2:00 – 2:45 pm EST:

Biodiesel, an advanced biofuel for diesel engines and boilers, reduces America’s dependency on foreign oil, improves air quality and protects the environment. Bioheat is a mixture of biodiesel and heating oil.

New York City is already the nation’s largest municipal user of biodiesel. This free webinar will examine why New York has now approved an air quality bill that ensures cleaner burning Bioheat® is used for heating homes and buildings in this City that uses 1 billion gallons of heating oil annually.

The webinar will feature New York City Council 24th District located in Queens James F. Gennaro, who sponsored the New York City Bioheat legislation and chairs the Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection. In addition, you’ll also be able to hear from Peter M. Iwanowicz , New York State Deputy Secretary for the Environment.

For more information and to register for the webinar, please visit https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/445903385. More information on Bioheat is available at www.bioheatonline.com.

Biodiesel, NBB, Webinar

NEC Announces Student Scholarship Program

Joanna Schroeder

The Renewable Fuels Association is giving six college students the chance to attend the 2011 National Ethanol Conference: Building Bridges to a More Sustainable Future, for free. The ethanol conference (NEC) will be held in Phoenix, Arizona February 20-22, 2011 and is one of the longest running ethanol conferences in the country. The NEC is known for delivering accurate, timely information on marketing, legislative and regulatory issues facing the ethanol industry, which makes it a perfect arena for college students interested in renewable fuels to network with ethanol industry leaders, policymakers and experts.

“America’s energy security will one day rest in the hands of our country’s youth,” said Mike Jerke, RFF Chairman and General Manager of Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company. “We encourage students to attend the National Ethanol Conference to network with industry leaders and learn how important alternative fuels like ethanol are to our independence on foreign oil and our economy.”

The scholarships will cover the cost of the NEC registration fee – a $775 value – enabling winning students the opportunity to attend the event at no cost. Recipients will be responsible for all other costs associated with travel to/from the conference, including airfare, hotel and non-conference meals. Additional financial assistance to offset travel expenses may be available at the discretion of the RFF/RFA.

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must explain in detail how this scholarship will assist them in achieving their academic and/or career goals – all in 500 words or less. In addition, students must provide two letters of recommendation, a current resume and an official school transcript. This scholarship opportunity is open only to those students attending a U.S. institution of higher learning and enrolled in an approved ethanol-related program. All applications must be submitted by November 30, 2010. Click here to download the application and to learn more about next year’s NEC conference.

conferences, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, RFA

Mansfield Oil Adds DENCO II to Ethanol Portfolio

Joanna Schroeder

C&N Companies continues to add to its growing ethanol marketing portfolio and has announced the addition of DENCO II. C&N Companies is Mansfield Oil Company’s ethanol division. The DENCO plant, located in Morris, Minneapolis, was recently purchased, and when it is brought back online, it will employ up to 30 people and produce 25 million gallons of ethanol per year. Energetix, LLC has partnered with the investment group to oversee the business and facility operations at DENCO II.

“We are very excited to have an opportunity to partner with the investors in Morris and look forward to implementing management, energy efficiency, technology and operational improvements that will bring the plant long term success. C&N Companies is a key strategic partner that will allow us to accomplish our goals at DENCO II,” said Energetix Managing Partner Jason Jerke.

Jerke continued, “C&N is a perfect fit for the risk management strategy that we have implemented at DENCO II. They bring the experience, market knowledge and transparency to ethanol marketing that allow us to manage our corn, DDGS and ethanol positions daily.”

Mick Miller, Energetix President and former DENCO Manager, will serve as the General Manager for DENCO II. “I am very happy to be back in the Morris area to assist the DENCO II team in bringing long term success to the new owners. DENCO II is looking forward to the opportunity to work with C&N on bringing unique marketing strategies to the new business.”

C&N Companies’ biofuels production and marketing includes production from 11 plants throughout the U.S.

Ethanol, Ethanol News

Sharp Expands U.S. Solar Business

Joanna Schroeder

Sharp Electronic Corporation is growing it’s presence in the U.S. solar market. Last week, the company announced that it has acquired San Francisco-based Recurrent Energy. Recurrent Energy develops and markets solar-based power generation projects and has a multitude of projects underway with utilities in both the U.S. and around the world. The acquisition was a strategic move by the company to expand its solar business from just production of solar panels to that of a power company’s partner in renewable energy projects.

In a company statement, Sharp said of the deal, “It is essential for Sharp to function as a developer in the photovoltaic field, in order to further expand its business in this area.”

In addition, it was just announced that Sharp has won a contract to provide 45 MW for the largest solar photovoltaic project ever to be built in not only California, but the world – known as Avenal. The project consists of three sub-projects, Avenal Park, Sun City and Sand Drag, that will all be built in Kings County, Cali.

“This project is one of the largest solar power installations in the world, and one of the largest Sharp has supplied to date. It also marks a significant step forward for California’s renewable energy efforts and we are proud that our cutting edge thin-film modules will help deliver clean power to the residents of California,” said Eric Hafter, senior vice president for the Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group. “Together with Eurus Energy America and NRG Solar, we are turning land that once used photosynthesis to convert the sun’s rays to produce food for our communities into a farm that uses photovoltaics to convert the sun’s rays into clean energy for the same communities.”

According to a company press release, the Sharp thin-film solar panels utilized for the project feature Sharp’s tandem-junction design that captures a wider part of the solar spectrum and will be manufactured in the Sharp plant in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Thin-film solar cells used in the panels have a structure in which thin layers of silicon are deposited onto a glass substrate, enabling a dramatic reduction in the amount of silicon used. The production processes are simpler, thereby lowering production costs.

The Avenal solar project will begin construction immediately and should be in full operation sometime in 2011.

Company Announcement, Electricity, Solar

Renewable Energy Market Conference Close at Hand

Joanna Schroeder

In it’s 15 year, the Renewable Energy Market Conference is set to kick off in Portland, Oregon on October 19, 2010. But it’s not too late to register and join hundreds of marketers, policymakers, purchasers, utility representatives, and more in learning about where the renewable energy market is heading. Speakers will also discuss ideas and strategies to improve your business, obtain new customers and help promote clean energy.

Here are some highlights of the conference:

1. Take a Seat at the Power Table. The opening session includes a roundtable discussion with industry leaders: Portland General Electric President/CEO Jim Piro; Pacific Power President Pat Reiten; Commissioner John Savage of the Oregon Public Utilities Commission; Whole Foods Market’s Global Leader for Energy Kathy Loftus; and NextEra Energy Senior Director Rick Anderson. PLUS: Keynote Speaker Steve Chalk, Chief Operating Officer for U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

2. Learn the Basics of Buying Green Power. Best practices for buying green power for your home or business.

3. Master the Fundamentals of Markets and Trading. An overview of REC markets, players and their motivations, trading, contracts, and back office support systems that make these markets work.

4. Measure Your GHG Footprint and Find Profitable Solutions. Learn the latest on federal policies for carbon disclosure, accounting practices and the added value of renewable energy.

Don’t miss out on the chance to see over 80 speakers in 30+ sessions over the course of three days while learning everything you need to know about the future of renewable energy and the drive to clean energy will help your business thrive. Click here to register.

conferences, Electricity, Solar, Utilities, Wind

Show Me Ethanol Joins Growth Energy

Cindy Zimmerman

Show Me Ethanol, LLC has become the newest plant member of Growth Energy. With the addition of Show me Ethanol, Growth Energy’s total plant membership rises to 65. Growth Energy also has 43 Associate Members and more than 29,000 individual Growth Force Members.

title=“We feel that membership in Growth Energy is important to the future growth and stability of the ethanol industry as a whole,” said Show Me Ethanol General Manager, Richard Hanson. “We believe that it takes a combined and aggressive effort to teach the population the benefits and value of ethanol.”

Show Me Ethanol, LLC began production in 2008, and is a 55 million gallon a year ethanol plant located near Carrolton, Mo. The plant employees 37 workers and also produces 180,000 tons of dried distillers grain annually.

Ethanol, Growth Energy