White House Reaffirms Ethanol Support

Joanna Schroeder

Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Policy Heather Zichal addressed the annual gathering of Renewable Fuels Association members yesterday. During her talk, she reiterated the President’s commitment to the ethanol industry regardless of feedstock or technology used.

More specifically, Zichal addressed some of the current policies in place designed to expand the ethanol industry and the need to recognize that the White House and the industry share a vision for the continued evolution of the biofuels industry.

Addressing the ethanol tax incentive directly, Zichal said: “The message I want to bring to you today is that we want to and look forward to engaging with the industry and the Hill as we look at options for reform. We want to make sure that it’s guided by a recognition that the existing program does work – we’re certainly not looking to upend a program that works, as occasionally happens in Washington. We want to make sure that we are all on the same page as we move forward and have these discussions.”

In addition, Zichal spoke of the Administration’s desire to see both current ethanol producers as well as next generation technologies succeed. “To be clear, this administration is working to provide continued support for first-generation corn ethanol, which we believe is a critically important renewable fuel source,” Zichal said. “At the same time, we’re also looking forward and are working to accelerate the creation and rapid deployment of advanced biofuels, which we think will ultimately become one of the nation’s most important industries in the years to come.”

Zichal also expressed appreciation for the thoughtful participation of the RFA and its members in constructively seeking solutions to issues currently before the industry. “We certainly welcome RFA’s willingness to advance new ideas about how to tackle these policies,” Zichal said. “The administration has had a strong partnership with RFA and we certainly look forward to continuing that.”

Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA

Energy Awareness Month Puts Focus on Biodiesel

John Davis

It is the first and only domestically produced advanced biofuel produced in the U.S., so it’s no wonder biodiesel is being highlighted during October, Energy Awareness Month.

The green fuel’s biggest advocate, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), is taking this month to draw attention to biodiesel and its role in “POWERING AMERICA: We’re On Target,” the theme for the next 31 days:

The theme depicts how, across the nation, Federal agencies continue to zero in on energy targets to:

* Stimulate the economy
* Lower operating expenses
* Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
* Achieve long-term energy and economic security

The U.S. Department of Energy first recognized October as Energy Awareness Month in 1986.

“As a fuel, biodiesel achieves virtually all of the goals set forth by DOE for Energy Awareness Month,” said Joe Jobe, National Biodiesel Board CEO. “The use of biodiesel greatly reduces greenhouse gases, stimulates the economy and helps America move toward its goal of energy security.”

Biodiesel is the only domestically produced, advanced biofuel available in the U.S. It also has the highest energy balance of any commercially available fuel in the U.S. For every unit of energy it takes to make biodiesel, 4.5 units of energy are returned.

Missouri is considered a leader in renewable energy and a natural home for the NBB. The Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program … dedicated to reducing the amount of non-renewable petroleum … says the biodiesel industry really practices what it preaches, as does the NBB itself. A few years ago, the Biodiesel Board renovated an old building in Jefferson City putting in automatic lighting, high efficiency appliances and reusable dishes. The building makes the maximum use of natural light and even uses recycled carpet and nontoxic paint … a truly green building for a truly green fuel.

Biodiesel, Government, NBB

Ohio Unveils State’s Largest Rooftop Solar Array

Joanna Schroeder

The Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority (RTA) unveiled the largest solar rooftop array in the state of Ohio today. RTA’s new solar rooftop on the RTA bus garages at METRO’s headquarters is rated at 488 kilowatts DC, and is expected to produce around 486,760 kilowatt hours of solar power a year. The $2.5 million project was installed by Ohio-based Third Sun Solar of Ohio and the array is comprised of 2076 of Sharp 235-watt solar modules. A portion of the cost of the project was provided by funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“In collaboration with Third Sun Solar, we are so pleased to be helping Akron Metro reach its goals of sustainability by harnessing the power of solar energy.” said Eric Hafter, senior vice president, Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group. “This project contributes to the same mission as Akron Metro in helping reduce the use of fossil fuels. Akron Metro reduces emissions by transporting people using efficient public transportation and now adds emission-free power to provide energy for their operations.”

Sharp has also been selected to provide solar panels for an additional phase of the project which will begin construction in late 2010. This phase, a second roof array on the same complex, will supply another 355 kilowatts DC and utilize an additional 1477 Sharp panels and will also be installed by Third Sun Solar. Sharp’s solar panels are designed to withstand rigorous operating conditions, while offering high power output per square foot of solar array.

“Taking public transportation has always been a great way to reduce your personal carbon footprint. But Akron Metro goes way beyond encouraging Akron residents to leave their cars at home,” said Robert Pfaff, Executive Director at Akron Metro. “In addition to solar power, we also use diesel/electric hybrid and natural gas buses in our fleet, and we recycle rainwater for use in landscaping and restrooms. We’re so proud that Ohio’s largest rooftop solar array is right here in Akron,” he said.

Using calculations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the new project will prevent 350 metric tons of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of 39,322 gallons of gasoline.

“We are pleased to help Akron Metro further their commitment to protecting our natural resources by investing in the energy solutions of tomorrow,” said Michelle Greenfield, CEO at Third Sun Solar. “Investments like this one in alternative energy solutions are helping drive the transformation of Ohio’s economy to clean, renewable energy and creating new green jobs,” she said. Twenty-nine green jobs were created or retained in Ohio as part of the Akron Metro solar project.

News, Solar

VeraSun Creditors Drop Corn Repayment Suit

Joanna Schroeder

Back in August, dozens of corn growers who sold corn to bankrupt VeraSun plants across the country in 2008 received letters asking them to repay the money. Should the farmer not comply, the letters threatened to take legal action but stipulated that they would accept payment to 80 percent of what the farmer received for their corn sales to VeraSun. The deadline for response was today and with the help of the National Corn Growers Association along with state corn groups, farmers were encouraged to tap into legal resources prior to responding.

Today, these same farmers received good news – attorneys are dropping their questionable claims for payment.

“This is great news for farmers at a time when we need to focus on bringing in our crops,” said National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Darrin Ihnen. “We’re glad the lawyers saw the light and realized they had no legal justification to go after us. We had an excellent team working on this to make sure we had the right information, and to present our case.”

NCGA explained that because of bankruptcy law, attorneys representing VeraSun creditors were able to seek repayment from farmers and others who received money from VeraSun within 90 days prior to the bankruptcy filing. Ironically, the farmers who were asked to repay the money were not “given back their corn”.

In strongly worded correspondence sent Tuesday to the law firms demanding payment, an attorney assisting NCGA insisted that the lawyers withdraw their demands.

“We believe that many of the foregoing demands were made without any legal and factual foundation and, as such, constitute an impermissible effort to collect alleged debts that are clearly not owing,” wrote attorney David Lander of Thompson Coburn. “They appear to have been made without the inquiry reasonable under the circumstances. Moreover, we believe that the claims asserted in the vast bulk of these letters are not warranted by existing law or a non-frivolous argument for the extension, modification or reversal of existing law or the establishment of new law.”

corn, Ethanol, NCGA

Early Bird Deadline for Biodiesel Conference Approaches

John Davis

Time is running out for exhibitors to take advantage of the early bird discount to the upcoming National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, February 6-9, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. Our friends at the National Biodiesel Board have sent out a friendly reminder that you can save $200 on your booth space reservation if you book it by this coming Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010:

The annual National Biodiesel Conference & Expo is the only event that gathers biodiesel decision-makers from all around the United States and the world. Opportunities abound for attendees and exhibitors to network, connect and learn. This event will explore the topics of governmental policy, technical issues and marketing trends in the biodiesel industry.

2010 has been an extremely tough time for our industry. The uncertainty surrounding the biodiesel tax credit and the implementation of the RFS-2 has made 2010 one of the most challenging years in the industry’s past. Our hope is that this conference will be the springboard to greater opportunities for our industry. 2011 is shaping up to be a banner year for biodiesel production and industry growth.

NBB officials point out that conference attendees are the high-level decision-makers in their respective areas. You won’t want to miss this true “meeting of the minds!”

Attendee registration is coming soon. For more information on getting your booth, click on the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo website. See you in Phoenix!

Biodiesel, Biodiesel Conference, NBB

Key Vote in US House Moves Forward Algae Biofuels

John Davis

A key vote in the U.S. House of Representatives has moved forward a measure that will help the nation’s algae biofuels industry.

Passage of H.R. 4168, the Algae-based Renewable Fuel Promotion Act, garnered praise from Sapphire Energy for two key Congressmen, Reps. Harry Teague (D-NM) and Brian Bilbray (R-CA) whose bi-partisan support lead to the bill’s passage:

Congress took the extraordinary action this week to give algae-based fuel technology federal incentives similar to those for other biofuels, leveling the playing field for this promising technology. This move will serve to hasten the pace of development of these fuels, addressing our nation’s energy independence goals sooner.

”The many tireless months of effort made by Reps. Teague and Bilbray show their belief that algae-based fuels, like our Green Crude, have a crucial role in solving the nation’s and the world’s crippling energy challenge,” says Jason Pyle, CEO, Sapphire Energy. “These policies are essential to truly grow green fuel at scale; we need the same tax structure that oil and gas get today. Passage of this bill is the first step in that direction.”

The bill now moves to the Senate.

algae, biofuels

Alternatives Key Part of Navy Energy Security Forum

John Davis

The U.S. Navy will be hosting this year’s Navy Energy Forum, Oct. 12-13 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

This yearly forum, this time entitled “Seapower Repowered: Energy as a Force Multiplier and Strategic Resource,” brings military, government, and industry leaders to talk about energy and the warfighter:

Distinguished Navy speakers include the Honorable Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, and Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations. Guest speakers include Former Senator John Warner (R-Va), Dr. George Friedman, international affairs expert and chief executive officer of STRATFOR, and Dr. Daniel Yergin, chairman of Cambridge Energy Research Associates and Pulitzer Prize winner for his bestseller, “The Prize.”

Building on a year of progress toward the Secretary of the Navy’s energy goals announced in fall 2009, participants will focus on policies, partnerships, technologies, and culture change needed to move these goals forward. Issues such as reducing lifecycle energy costs, grid security, and alternative fuels will be addressed. The forum will also address the “Navy Energy Vision for the 21st Century,” which identifies the Navy’s way forward for increasing energy security.

Navy officials say energy is a national security issue.

More information about the conference is available at http://www.ndia.org/meetings/1600/Pages/default.aspx.

Government

Arizona Provides $2 Mil for Algae to Biofuel Development

John Davis

The state of Arizona is providing $2 million to support research and development of alternative fuels, especially the development of algae into biofuels.

KPHO-TV in Phoenix reports Gov. Jan Brewer made the announcement during this week’s Algal Biomass Organization’s national conference in Phoenix:

“Our state has the potential to be a national and global leader in algae research and biotechnology, reducing America’s dependence on fossil fuel while increasing opportunities in a new industry that will create promising new jobs for Arizonans,” Brewer said.

The project will be paid for through the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, according to Brewer’s office.

Brewer called on Science Foundation Arizona to lead the state effort in support of a new Arizona Center for Algae Technologies and Innovations, or AzCATI.

“Science Foundation Arizona funded early state work in algal research; now combined with excellence at ASU, our state will build on this important research and commercialization opportunity,” Brewer said.

“This infusion of funding to the AzCATI will go a long way toward moving Arizona into the forefront for ‘green’ technologies research and development, eventually bringing these products to market,” said William C. Harris, president and CEO of Science Foundation Arizona. “Arizona has the potential to become the hub of all sustainable industries, particularly when there is this type of public support.”

The article goes on to say that work at Arizona State University has focused on developing new methods to extract oil-rich algae strains and turn it into biodiesel.

algae, Biodiesel, biofuels

Biodiesel Board Urges Tax Credit Passage Before Break

John Davis

It won’t be long before Senators and Representatives go back home to do what they seem to do best, or at least, the most: work on getting re-elected. But before they head out of D.C. for the break (right now, scheduled for October 8) before the November elections, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and the Advanced Biofuels Association (AFBA) are asking them to do some real work and extend the biodiesel, renewable diesel and alternative fuels tax credits, according to this article in Biodiesel Magazine:

In a letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Senate Committee on Finance Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and ranking member of the Committee on Finance Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, the two advanced biofuel groups noted the “urgent” and “noncontroversial” need to reinstate the incentives. The letter states, “We respectively ask that you expeditiously act to retroactively extend the biodiesel, renewable diesel and alternate fuel tax incentive through 2011 prior to adjourning for November elections.”

“Before the Senate goes home to campaign,” Manning Feraci, vice president of federal affairs for the NBB said, “it should do the right thing and seamlessly reinstate the biodiesel tax incentive.” The joint-effort between the NBB and the ABFA is relatively new, but Feraci noted that both “share the opinion that Congress should pass an extension of these biofuel incentives before they adjourn for the year.” Passing a retroactive tax incentive would not only restore several jobs lost from the expiration of the tax incentive, but also allow entrepreneurs and producers the ability to access capital needed to produce advanced biofuels, the letter also stated.

ABFA officials urged Congress to act soon and not put the country’s energy and economic security on hold.

Biodiesel, Government, Legislation

OriginOil Launches Service to Help Algae Oil Industry

John Davis

California-based OriginOil, Inc. has launched a new service that lends the company’s expertise to other potential algae oil producers.

The company announced its professional “expert services” at the recent National Algae Association meeting in Houston, Texas:

“For the past three years, hundreds of large companies, entrepreneurs, development agencies and investors have asked for our help in launching their algae programs,” said OriginOil CEO, Riggs Eckelberry. “With our own products now hitting the market, our veterans in production, processing and commercialization can help this global industry achieve its very real potential to overtake petroleum.”

“Analyzing it ahead of time so you can make informed judgments as to what direction you’re going to go to… that makes a lot more sense than doing it by experimentation,” said Paul Hoar, President of AgriFuels LLC. “We and our customers are just getting into the algae business right now; I would certainly consider OriginOil for bringing its services to the table.”

“There’s a recognition by OriginOil that there are certain products and services that the algae industry needs,” commented Doug DiLillo, a marketer of industrial bio technology at Pall Corporation (NYSE:PLL). “To take the cumulative knowledge that the company and its members have, and then to use that knowledge to help guide those in the industry that have projects, is a very worthwhile way to position the company.”

OriginOil has several new executives hired to handle the new business. The company will be offering several services, from initial feasibility studies, through full launch planning, to commercialization help for existing algae players.

algae, Biodiesel, biofuels, Video