$11 Mil in Grants for Propel Biodiesel, Ethanol Stations

John Davis

Propel Fuels, a west coast retailer of ethanol and biodiesel, has received $11 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and the California Energy Commission to build and operate 75 self-serve alternative fuel stations across the state over the next two years.

This article in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal says the effort will reduce the amount of non-renewable oil used and greenhouse gases given off, while putting more people to work:

The statewide station project, or the Low Carbon Fuel Infrastructure Investment Initiative, has the potential to create more than 450 jobs, while displacing 39 million gallons of petroleum and 187,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, according to Propel.

About 7 million of funding for the project was awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s petroleum reduction program. Another $4 million was granted through the state of California’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology program. California has the largest fleet of alternative fuel fleet vehicles in the country.

Propel said it will match the grant funding with $16 million in private investment to speed up the build-out of Propel’s network of fueling stations.

“This grant brings a new choice to Californians looking to do their part to reduce our nation’s dependency on imported oil and help meet the state’s emission reduction goals,” Propels chief executive officer Matt Horton added in the release. “As advanced biofuel production facilities prepare to break ground in the state, this fueling infrastructure is a critical link between California’s citizens and the next generation of low carbon fuels.”

California Energy Commission officials say this will help bring the needed next generation of biofuels to nearly half a million flex fuel vehicle owners in the Golden State.

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, News

E85 Promotion in Waseca, MN

The Sportsman Stop at 1818 State Street North in Waseca, MN will be offering E85 Frenquent Fuel Cards beginning tomorrow, Sept. 1. The first 50 flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) owners will receive the card where, if they purchase E85 four times, they will receive $10 off their 5th E85 purchase.

Recently, Kelly Marczak, director for the American Lung Association in Minnesota’s clean fuel and vehicle technologies stated, “The State of Minnesota is serious about its stated goal to reduce its petroleum consumption. In [the first six months of the year], the state’s use of E85 in 2010 prevented more than 1,745 tons of lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions and harmful pollutants from entering our air.”

This promotion is supported by: the Waseca County Corn & Soybean Growers, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, American Lung Association in Minnesota, and members of the Minnesota Clean Air Choice team.

Minnesota is the home of 358 E85 fueling sites — this is more than any other state in the nation.

E85, Ethanol, Ethanol News, News

Ethanol Groups Dispute Petroleum Industry Claims

Cindy Zimmerman

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is using findings of a new report to try and dissuade the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from making a decision on the use of increased levels of ethanol in gasoline anytime in the near future.

The Sierra Research report commissioned by the national trade association that represents the oil industry found that “multiple regulatory and legal requirements remain and must be met before higher ethanol blends can be legally marketed for commercial introduction.” The report lists nine different requirements that must be met before the ethanol blend level can be increased from the current 10 to 15 percent. Those requirements include such things as a Clean Air Act waiver; registration of the fuel with EPA; changes to EPA Reformulated Gasoline regulations; and changes to EPA Gasoline Detergent Additive regulations.

Matt Hartwig with the Renewable Fuels Association agrees that those actions need to be taken before the fuel can be marketed, but disagrees that EPA should wait until they are all complete before it can approve the use of increased ethanol blends. “Those things need to be done and we’re already working on them” said Hartwig. “They can attempt to drag their feet until the cows come home but it won’t change the fact that E15 is a safe and effective fuel for vehicle use. Instead of constantly referring to the few challenges that can easily be overcome, it would be far more effective for Big Oil to work with ethanol producers to address them in a timely fashion – that is assuming they truly want to act in the best interests of American consumers.”

Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis says approval by EPA is the first step needed for the process to move forward. “In order for state laws and regulations regarding fuel specifications to be updated, the fuel must first be approved by the EPA,” said Buis. “We are not surprised that the people profiting from the status quo want to keep it that way. We have been dependent on foreign oil for 40 years- sending $300 billion a year overseas to other countries’ economies – and these delays will only perpetuate our addiction. The Growth Energy Green Jobs Waiver was accompanied by a sound body of science that overwhelmingly supports the use of E15 in existing vehicles. In fact, there has been more testing of E15 than there has been of any other fuel additive in the history of the EPA waiver process.”

API says some of the necessary requirements must occur prior to the initial sale of a new transportation fuel but some can be subsequently addressed. The period of time they estimate to be required for the completion of all of the above changes is “on the order of several years.”

Read API’s report here.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Growth Energy, Oil, RFA

New Process for Sorghum Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

A Cincinnati-based advanced biofuel technology company has announced the development of its next generation, sugar-based fuel ethanol process.

According to AdvanceBio LLC, the process is capable of utilizing sugars derived from sugar cane, sweet sorghum, sugar beet and other similar crops as feedstock for the production of fuel ethanol and green power while generating zero liquid waste.

SorghumWhen built in conjunction with the sugar milling operation, plants employing AdvanceBio’s sugar-based ethanol process will have the same, low-greenhouse gas footprint found in Brazil’s existing cane-based fuel ethanol industry. “The facilities will be extremely self-sufficient. In addition to eliminating costs associated with outside sources of fossil fuels, power and process water, our technology eliminates the need for extensive waste treatment processes and the cost of transporting large volumes of liquid vinasse back to the cane fields. These ethanol production facilities will also meet stringent U.S. pollution and occupational safety regulations,” said Dale Monceaux, Principal.

AdvanceBio envisions that producing fuel ethanol by processing cane and sweet sorghum feedstocks will serve to supplement corn as the country transitions to cellulosic ethanol and beyond. Currently, U.S. legislation establishes a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requiring the production of 36 billion gpy of renewable fuels by 2022. Of this total, 15 billion gpy is designated as a cellulosic ethanol requirement.

Read more here.

biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, sorghum

Drag Racer Donnie Bowles Wins on Propane

Joanna Schroeder

Donnie Bowles has become the first member of the ROUSH Drag Team to take a liquid propane-powered Mustang to victory circle. The win was achieved during the August 29, 2010 elimination rounds of the 4th Annual NMCA Muscle Car Nationals at Milan, Michigan Dragway.

While things started out well, the biggest drama of the event came during the third round when the team discovered a crack in the wishbone. The team was able to recover in time for the next round and ultimately Bowles captured the win by only 0.01-second.

“It was very satisfying to get the first win for the ROUSH Powered by Propane Drag Team. My teammate Susan (Roush-McClenaghan) and I have both gone to final rounds this year, but haven’t quite been able to close the deal until this weekend at Milan. It required a total team effort, as we faced our share of challenges on Sunday,” explained Bowles.

Bowles currently leads the NMCA Open Comp point standings and races a 2005 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang which was converted during the off-season to run on liquid propane. This car, along with a 2010 ROUSH Stage 3 driven by teammate Susan Roush-McClenaghan, are an offshoot of the kits that ROUSH Performance uses to convert gasoline-powered Ford pickups and vans to run on propane.

Both cars use an all-aluminum 5.4L, V-8 Ford engine that was originally designed for the Ford GT supercar. This engine is naturally-aspirated with a 12.5:1 compression ratio. Several other changes were required to run on liquid propane, including CNC ported cylinder heads, high performance camshaft and valvetrain, and a wet sump lubrication system, all of which helps these liquid propane-power engines to generate in excess of 700 horsepower.

Propane, Racing

Midwest Wind Summit Focuses on Policy, Infrastructure & Smart Grid

Joanna Schroeder

This year has marked the first year in several that wind installation in the U.S. is on the decline. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reported in July in that only 700 megawatts (MW) of wind energy were added in the second quarter of this year. This is down 57 percent from 2008 and 71 percent from 2009 levels. One of the reasons cited for the decline is a lack of investor confidence in the long-term viability of the industry. This could be overcome, in part, by the passage of a federal Renewable Electricity Standard (RES).

So, how should the industry go about overcoming this issue and others? They can learn this very thing during the inaugural  Midwest Wind Summit & Expo October 4-6, 2010 in Brookings, SD. The event will be headlined by Cascadia Capital Chairman and CEO, Michael Butler, who will provide a keynote address focusing on energy policy and future demand for transmission. These two key issues will set the foundation for more investment, new financing and mergers and acquisitions in the industry.

“Although the wind sector is forecast to have a turbulent 2011, we believe that local content requirements, investment by the turbine manufacturers in the U.S., and the reopening of the U.S. capital markets present opportunities for those who understand the changing dynamics of the U.S. market,” said Michael Butler, chairman and CEO of Cascadia Capital. “The Midwest Wind Summit will dissect key trends in wind investment and finance to help industry leaders understand how the market will evolve and what steps companies can take to stay at the forefront of the sector.”

The event will bring together leaders from the wind and solar industry, federal and state government, academia, trade groups, environmental leaders, and research centers to address the opportunities and urgency to develop more investment and expansion in wind, solar, transmission capabilities, and a smart grid for the Midwest and the nation.

“We are excited to present an all-star program at the Midwest Wind Summit, which will focus on several key issues including investment and finance, energy policy and regulations, said Randy Stratton, Summit Co-Chairman. “With Michael Butler, Susan Sloan from AWEA, along with PUC Commissioners Dusty Johnson-SD, Tony Clark-ND and Dr. David Boyd-MN, we will get a clear understanding of what is next for the wind industry and for transmission developments in the region.”

Registration is now open. You can learn more about the conference including the speaker line-up and agenda as well as register online by visiting the Midwest Wind Summit & Expo website at www.midwestwindsummit.com.

conferences, Wind

Ohio Utility Seeks Biodiesel for Power Production

John Davis

An Ohio utility is looking to buy biodiesel to help it produce power and meet that state’s alternative energy requirement.

This story from Biodiesel Magazine says American Electric Power Co. has opened up bids to supply biodiesel for one or more of its coal-fired plants in the state:

According to AEP spokeswoman Melissa McHenry, the company is investigating the use of biodiesel-blended fuel oil as a possible compliance strategy to meet Ohio’s alternative energy requirements. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio adopted rules to implement its alternative energy portfolio in April 2009, which requires 25 percent of electricity sold within the state to be generated from alternative energy. In addition, at least half that amount must come from renewable energy resources, including wind, biomass, hydro or fuel cell. Electric utilities and service companies are able to use renewable energy credits to satisfy all or part of their renewable energy requirements. According to McHenry, the standard allows renewable energy credits to be generated through the use of biodiesel-blended fuel oil.

The biodiesel-blended fuel oil would replace petroleum fuel oil used for flame start-up and flame stabilization. Pulverized coal plants have large boilers, which McHenry said are essentially large boxes with flame in them that are lined with tubes containing water. The water is flashed to steam, which then fuels the generator. “If a plant shuts down and you need to restart it, you have to start that process flame with fuel oil,” McHenry said. “Then you blow in pulverized coal to keep the flame burning. They also sometimes use fuel oil in the process to maintain the flame to ensure that you are getting the most efficient flame, so you are getting the most efficient transfer of water into steam.”

The utility is looking to acquire three different blends of biodiesel, depending on the time of year it is used: B99.9 for use between April 15 to Oct. 14, B50 for Oct. 15 through Dec. 14, and B30 from Dec. 15 to April 14. AEP officials believe 1.4 million gallons of fuel oil could be replaced. Quotes are due to AEP by 5 pm on September 23.

Biodiesel

Advanced Biofuel Payments to Foreign Owners, Non-Rural Plants

John Davis

It might be green and renewable, but it won’t necessarily be DOMESTIC fuel. This article from Biofuels Digest says the Obama Administration will allow advanced biofuels plants owned by foreign companies and those plants in non-rural areas Advanced Biofuels Payments:

In Washington, the (USDA’s) Rural Business-Cooperative Service Agency announced that it is amending the rules for the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program. Now, foreign-owned companies and production of biofuels in non-rural areas are eligible for the assistance. The Agency is requesting applications from advanced biofuel producers producing eligible advanced biofuels at non-rural biofuel facilities and at foreign-owned biofuel facilities.

The article goes on to say that USDA will provide advanced supplemental payment will equal 25 percent of the payment that the applicant would have received pursuant to the agency’s March 12, 2010 notice.

I understand the concept of supporting advanced biofuels and even will sign on to letting our city brethren participate in green fuel production. But I think we might be missing the boat a bit on allowing the foreign ownership. Isn’t part of the point to get us off of foreign oil? Replacing oil with foreign-made and/or financed fuel seems to defeat the purpose.

biofuels, Government

Future Scientists Support Biodiesel

John Davis

A group of college students who will be the next generation of scientists have joined together to support biodiesel.

This press release from the National Biodiesel Board, which is leading the effort with support from the United Soybean Board and soybean checkoff, says 28 students scientists from across the country have signed on to the new Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel initiative:

Lucas Ellis of Dartmouth, pursuing his Master of Science in Biochemical Engineering, is one of four co-chairs of the effort. “In college there is an eagerness to become an advocate or have a cause, and mine was the environment, science and educating others about sustainability,” Ellis said. “Biodiesel combined all of those and became my passion.”

Since then, his passion has led him to create biodiesel education projects in three states, including organizing laboratories to teach students about the chemistry of biodiesel. At West Virginia University, he created a biodiesel organization that today hosts biodiesel events to help recruit kids into studying science.

Ellis is just one of many such stories of student engagement. Selected by the National Biodiesel Board, the other co-chairs of Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel are:

– Bernardo del Campo, Iowa State University (Biorenewable Resources and Technologies)
– Mikkel Leslie, Oregon State University (Environmental Engineering)
– Jason Strull, University of Nevada – Reno (Material Sciences and Chemical Engineering)

“We’re bringing the next generation of scientists together with biodiesel, the only advancedbiofuel commercially available in the U.S.,” said Joe Jobe, NBB CEO. “Cementing supportamong future energy thought leaders is important to biodiesel’s future.”

NBB has created a forum where students who support biodiesel can collaborate and share ideas. Any student scientist can sign up at www.biodieselsustainability.org.

This idea is modeled after the NBB’s Scientists for Biodiesel campaign, which has 125 scientist members of its own and is also supported by the United Soybean Board and soybean checkoff.

Biodiesel, NBB

Charles Bronson “It’s Going to Work”

Joanna Schroeder

“I think people are going to catch on. That this thing is real and it going to work,” said Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles A. Bronson during an interview about Farm to Fuel. One of Bronson’s long-term goals has been to turn Florida into an alternative energy leader in areas such as biofuels.

This year marked the fifth year of the Farm to Fuel Summit, where academia, growers, investors, distributors and everyone in between came together for three days in Orlando, Florida “cut deals” that will grow the states biofuels industry.

“From the beginning we decided we wanted to include all potential sides of the alternative fuels business,” said Bronson. “Every single meeting we’ve had, a deal has been put into place. Every year we’ve had at least one big deal to come out of these meetings.”

Bronson believes that interest in biofuels has grown, in part, because people have become more informed. He also believes that the alternative energy revolution is going to happen. He stressed that new technologies will be more efficient and said, “We’re going to be growing crops that will be 8-10 times more efficient than corn ethanol production.”

While Bronson is in all the way for biofuels, he is not in for the reason that many may suspect. “I’ve never been a global warming theorist but I do believe in weather patterns,” said Bronson. “And sooner or later, we’ll run out of oil.”

You can listen to Bronson’s interview here with special thanks to Southeast AgNET. Bronson Discusses Success of Farm to Fuel

Audio, biofuels, Farming, feedstocks