Obama Touts Electric Vehicles, Jobs at KC Plant

John Davis

Pres. Barack Obama made a stop at a factory that makes all-electric trucks in Kansas City, Missouri today to tout those type of vehicles and the Stimulus Bill money that is helping build up the plant’s capacity.

The White House says the $32 million grant for Smith Electric’s new factory, coupled with $36 million in private funds, has help the company expand to being able to build 500 all-electric trucks:

While he was there, the President also had the pleasure of announcing the company was hiring its 50th worker at the plant. By September, that number is expected to grow to 70, and at the project’s peak, Smith tells us the project will create more than 220 direct and indirect jobs. As the President said:

[T]he reason I’m here today is because, at this plant, you’re doing more than just building new vehicles. You are helping to fight our way through a vicious recession and you are building the economy of America’s future.

The story of Smith’s factory shows the direct and measurable impact of the Recovery Act. Smith’s factory is re-purposing an 80,000 sq. ft. jet engine overhaul facility at the Kansas City International Airport, a space that was not being utilized or creating jobs is now a fully operational plant.

Officials say the factory helps show that electric-drive cars and trucks are legitimate, and fleet customers such as Coca-Cola and AT&T will soon put them to the test. The federal money helps cut the number of years it might have taken to develop the technology relying solely on the private sector.

Electric Vehicles

OriginOil to Harvest Hydrogen from Algae

John Davis

OriginOil, Inc., a company that has developed technology to extract oil from algae to be a competitor with petroleum, has invented a process that will be able to get hydrogen from the living algae.

This company press release says the new Hydrogen Harvester will use little or no external energy inputs, requires no sulfur deprivation or other “stressing” of the algae, and no genetic modification:

“One of the primary challenges for algae production is to achieve the best-possible energy balance,” said Riggs Eckelberry, OriginOil CEO. “By harvesting hydrogen from algae we are able to increase the energy output of virtually any algae production system. The result is a photosynthetic technology platform that yields energy in the form of oil, biomass, and hydrogen.”

Algae already create oxygen through photosynthesis. Recovering hydrogen provides the necessary ingredients for electricity generation using fuel cells. The energy can be used to offset the electricity requirements of algae cultivation, harvesting and downstream processing.

Dr. Brian Goodall, OriginOil’s new CTO, commented: “The co-generation of hydrogen at the algae production site is a critical development for the realization of a completely integrated algal biorefinery. All routes from algae to ‘drop-in’ fuels such as renewable diesel and jet fuel require hydrogen and hydrotreating. The Hydrogen Harvester technology would eliminate the need for hydrogen pipelines and dependence on existing refineries which are typically far removed from ideal sites for algae growth.”

The press release goes on to say that the Hydrogen Harvester is becoming part of OriginOil’s stable of algae growth technologies.

algae, Biodiesel, Hydrogen

America’s Slippery Slope of Support for Renewable Energy

Joanna Schroeder

Our country is quickly sliding down a slippery slope. Not too long ago, we were the leaders in renewable energy – wind, solar, biofuels. Today, not only have the major technological advancements come from overseas, our manufacturing facilities, entrepreneurs and investors are going, or have gone overseas as well.

Where are they going? Brazil. India. China. Why? Because these countries have the winning recipes for success: cohesive energy policy, long-term incentives and private investors. These are the exact three things we do not have in America.

We have other problems. We have states like California, that purport leadership in green policies and renewable energy, who make it nearly impossible to get permits for projects to meet its “green” initiatives.

Yesterday, Martifer Renewables Electricity dropped its plans to build a 107MW hybrid solar-powered biomass plant in California. The reason? After nearly 2 1/ 2 years, they have yet to obtain permits. Another company run out of California due to difficulty in obtaining permits, Blue Fire Ethanol – a next generation bioenergy company.

It may not be too late to head back up the hill but there are some things that must be done. Read More

biofuels, biomass, Commentary, Opinion, Solar, Wind

Solar Powered Plane Completes 26 Hour Flight

Joanna Schroeder

The world’s longest solar flight landed safely today. The solar plane, HB-SIA, dubbed Solar Impulse, completed a 26-hour test flight above Switzerland this morning and now holds the record for the longest solar-powered flight ever. However, what might be the coolest thing about the journey – the plane took off at night.

Solar Impulse took off from the Payerne airbase at 06:51 with André Borscherg, CEO and co-founder of the Solar Impulse project, at the controls. During the flight, the plane reached an altitude of more than 28,000 feet above sea level and reached speeds of 68 knots.

The plane features 12,000 solar panels built into its enormous 63.4 meter wing. It also holds 400-kilogram battery pack, which were fully charged during the plane’s decent.

“During the whole of the flight, I just sat there and watched the battery charge level rise and rise! Sitting in a plane producing more energy than it consumes is a fantastic feeling,” said André Borschberg, CEO and co-founder of the Solar Impulse project from the cockpit.

Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and President of Solar Impulse added, “This is a highly symbolic moment: flying by night using solely solar power is a stunning manifestation of the potential that clean technologies offer today to reduce the dependency of our society on fossil fuels!”

This test flight is a precursor to the real goal of flying around the globe using only solar power and not a drop of fuel. You can follow the journey at www.solarimpulse.com.


News, Solar

Ethanol’s Economic Impact in Indiana

Joanna Schroeder

Yesterday, Indianapolis Colt tight-end Dallas Clark joined Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy and Gen. Wesley Clark, Co-Chairman of Growth Energy to tout the local economic benefits of Indiana’s ethanol industry. The presentation was given during the Indiana Ethanol Forum, an event that focused on the economic impact and importance of ethanol to the state as well as to the U.S. As part of their remarks, the group stressed the need for federal lawmakers to include support for domestic ethanol in any Congressional debate over clean energy and job creation.

“During this Independence Day recess, we are urging Congress to bring an energy bill to the floor that promotes America’s fuel,” said Tom Buis. “In these tight economic times when we are sending billions of dollars overseas to fund the economies of foreign countries, we need legislation that will keep that money right here in America. Domestic ethanol is the only commercially viable, renewable fuel that creates American jobs while cleaning our air and strengthening our economy and national security. Now, more than ever, ethanol must be at the heart of this debate in Congress.”

Clark continued by stating, “What we’re seeing in places like Indiana and elsewhere around the country is that people want to have a choice at the pump – and they want domestic ethanol to be one of those choices. The more domestic ethanol we produce, the less foreign oil we need. And every gallon of domestic ethanol creates U.S. jobs, cleans the air and strengthens our national security. Today we’re asking Congress to hear the people of Indiana and include provisions to level the playing field for domestic ethanol in the July energy debate.”

Prior to breaking for the July 4th holiday, Congressional leaders indicated they would take up legislation for energy and green jobs upon their return. Growth Energy believes there are several specific measures that should be included in the legislation that will build out infrastructure for biofuels including a flex-fuel vehicle mandate and federal support for the installation of blender pumps. Both of these initiatives would empower consumers with choices at the pump.

Ethanol, Growth Energy, News

Ethanol Report on Motorcycle Rally Partnership

Cindy Zimmerman

Ethanol Report PodcastThis edition of the “Ethanol Report” with Renewable Fuels Association Director of Market Development Robert White talks about their sponsorship at the 70th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, August 6-14 in Sturgis, SD.

RFA Sturgis Fueled with Pride 2010Robert, who is an avid motorcyclist himself, says this is the second year they have elected to have a presence at this event, partnering with the Legendary Buffalo Chip campgrounds which is the main venue for the rally. “More than 100,000 people a day trek through this campground,” he said. “Across the campground, we’ll have banners, educational material and promotional giveaways like koozies at all the local watering holes.”

This may seem like an unusual place to promote ethanol, but Robert says it’s really a great American event for them to reach out to a large number of people in a wide demographic range. “We like the opportunity of having that many people in one small area to educate consumers about ethanol,” said Robert. They will be able to talk with them about the safety of low level ethanol blends up to 15 percent for motorcycle engines, as well as the availability of E85 and mid-level blends for the flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) they may have at home.

Listen to more from Robert in this Ethanol Report podcast. Sturgis Ethanol Report

You can subscribe to this twice monthly podcast by following this link.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, Promotion, RFA

Loss of Biodiesel Incentive Killings Plants, Mandates

John Davis

It’s been more than six months since the federal $1-a-gallon biodiesel tax incentive was allowed to expire, and more refineries … and even some mandates … are in serious trouble.

This story from News14 in Charlotte, North Carolina says Patriot Biodiesel in Greensboro is in danger of closing because of the loss of the credit:

“People aren’t buying biodiesel, not because they don’t like biodiesel but because the price is too high, much higher than the price of diesel now,” [Gabe Neeriemer, co-owner of Patriot Biodiesel] said. “Our price stays the same, no matter what’s going on with the price of diesel, and the price of diesel has dropped considerably.”

Add to that a $1 federal tax credit that wasn’t renewed and this local business is struggling to survive. “We don’t rely on the tax credit to be profitable,” Neeriemer said. “But we use the tax credit to offset the government regulations and taxes already placed on fuel.”

“Every biodiesel company in the nation is struggling right now,” he said. “Most have closed their doors, 80 percent of biodiesel refineries have shut down and the 20 percent that are still open are operating under 50 percent capacity. Most are operating under 20 percent capacity, just enough to keep the doors open.”

Meanwhile, Biodiesel Magazine reports that Massachusetts’ biodiesel mandate is being suspended indefinitely:

Dwayne Breger, director of the renewable energy division for the department said that the Clean Energy Biofuels Act provided the commissioner with several outs, or possible reasons to suspend the mandate, “and price impact was one of them,” Breger said. “The expiration of the federal tax credit would cause the full brunt of the extra cost to be borne by the Massachusetts consumer.”

Breger said without the $1 per gallon federal blender credit on the books, the added cost of a B2 blend would be around 3 cents per gallon.

The article goes on to say that some in the industry worry that the damage by the loss of the incentive could be irreversible at this point and set a bad precedent for other states that are considering their own mandates or with pending ones.

Biodiesel, Government, Legislation

School Buses to Run on Liquid Propane

Joanna Schroeder

Many school-age children spend quite a bit of time riding the bus. Unfortunately, many reports have indicated that the emissions from buses are extremely harmful, especially for those children with health issues such as asthma. Today, ROUSH Performance Products and Micro Bird, Inc. have announced that they have integrated the ROUSH Liquid Propane system into the new 30-passenger Micro Bird by Girardin, a Type A School, Multi-Function School Activity Bus (MSFAB) and Commercial Bus. One of the biggest benefits – significantly reduced tailpipe emissions.

“Propane is a perfect alternative fuel option for school districts that must reduce their operational costs as well as lower their emissions,” said Jack Roush, motorsports legend and chairman of ROUSH Enterprises. “Historically, propane trends 30 to 40 percent less than diesel which helps the school districts to stretch their fuel budget considerably further, and there is no question that the emissions are much cleaner.”

On the emissions front, ROUSH says that propane burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, with up to 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, 24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and fewer particulate emissions when compared to gasoline. They also promote the cost-savings benefits of the fuel.

“We are excited to partner with an industry leader like Micro Bird,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH. “We have spent four years perfecting this liquid propane injection technology and this partnership will show that propane is the best alternative fuel for school districts and shuttle operators across North America.”

Bill Danner, Blue Bird vice president of sales, North America concluded, “We are thrilled by the introduction of the new Propane-Powered Micro Bird as it extends Blue Bird’s offering of affordable green solutions into all school bus vehicle segments.”

The buses will be sold exclusively by Blue Bird Dealers throughout North America. Sales will begin in July with production scheduled for late 2010.

News, Propane

RFA Disputes Dead Zone Tie to Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

An article in the San Francisco Chronicle this week blames ethanol production for the so-called “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico, which it compares to the oil disaster currently facing that body of water.

Renewable Fuels Association LogoThe article prompted a response from Renewable Fuels Association president Bob Dinneen, who starts off a letter to the editor by saying, “it is clear the San Francisco Chronicle has a dead zone of its own where facts die and science is buried.”

Dinneen notes that scientific study of hypoxia in the Gulf, which creates what is called a “dead zone” where oxygen is depleted, has failed to find any one cause. Dinneen quotes one researcher who says, “credible evidence shows that [excess] nutrients [in the Gulf] may also be derived from atmospheric deposition, sewage and industrial discharge and fertilizer runoff from residential areas. Nutrient runoff from suburban areas roughly equals that of agriculture lands.” That would include things like golf courses, residential lawns and office parks.

As to ethanol contributing to an increase in Gulf hypoxia, Dinneen says, “The facts dispute the very basis of the article. U.S. cropland has not expanded because of ethanol. There are fewer acres of corn today in the U.S. than there were in the 1920s-1940s. Corn acres topped 100 million acres several times in the late 1920s/early 1930s. Compare that to this year’s corn acreage of 87.9 million. In fact, corn acres have fallen 6% since 2007.”

Read Dinneen’s letter here.

Environment, Ethanol, Ethanol News

UK Trains to Use Biodiesel Additive

John Davis

Just yesterday, I told you how International Fuel Technology had just recently finished testing on a couple of its fuel additives that make biodiesel run better with more miles per gallon.

Now, the St. Louis-based company has announced that East Midlands Trains in the United Kingdom, which were the test trains for DiesoLiFT 10 in its light rail, diesel multiple unit (DMU) operations, will continue to use the additive and could save about 92,000 gallons of diesel fuel a year:

“The fuel economy improvement realized by East Midlands Trains in the recently completed in-service field demonstration is consistent with fuel economy improvements we have achieved in numerous other in-service and test bed rail engine demonstrations,” said Gary Kirk, IFT’s Director and Sales and Marketing. “Use of DiesoLiFT 10 will reduce fuel consumption and harmful emissions. We are excited to work with a company committed to cost effective green technologies.”

Matt Browne, East Midlands Trains’ Environmental Manager, said, “We are extremely pleased to be the first train operator taking part in this in-service field demonstration with IFT. The results are already demonstrating that by using the fuel additive, DiesoLiFT 10, we are improving our fuel efficiency and cutting our carbon emissions. Trains are already one of the most environmentally friendly forms of transport, and use of DiesoLiFT 10 is helping us make our trains even greener.”

Trains in the UK use around 317 million gallons of diesel a year. DiesoLiFT 10 could save 16 million gallons of fuel annually.

Biodiesel, International