Biodiesel Board Posts Fire Safety Tips

John Davis

nbbfirevideoA spectacular fire over the weekend at the Minnesota Soybean Processors (MnSP) biodiesel plant in Brewster, Minnesota (no, that’s not a picture of the fire on the left… that’s from a NBB training video) has prompted the National Biodiesel Board to offer those in the industry and local fire officials of some tips on how to handle the rare fires at biodiesel production facilities.

This NBB press release says the board and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) have cooperated for more than a year to prepare and distribute safety training materials:

“With a flash point of 200 degrees, biodiesel is the safest fuel to handle, store and use,” said NBB CEO Joe Jobe. “MnSP is certified as a BQ-9000 producer, the industry’s voluntary quality control program, so they were very well prepared to handle any safety issue.”

NBB has posted the new “Biodiesel: Response Considerations” safety resource on its web site and is mailing copies to NBB producer members to work with their local fire departments. The IAFC will distribute 2700 copies to fire departments and at events, like the International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference held this week near Baltimore.

“The Biodiesel Response Considerations training program provides the critical information First Responders and Haz Mat Response Teams need for a safe and competent response,” said Captain Steve Hergenreter of Fort Dodge, Iowa. “It includes information on the chemicals involved in production, along with information on the properties of biodiesel. Whether preplanning a facility or responding to one, understanding these chemical and physical properties ensures a response based on facts, science and circumstances.”

Along with training tools, such as a PowerPoint presentation, the NBB has a video available on its YouTube channel.

Just a point that needs to be made about the fire in Minnesota: while the nearby town of Brewster was evacuated, it was only a matter of precaution, and there were no serious injuries… thanks to good planning and training like this.

Biodiesel, NBB

Farm Foundation Seeks Solutions For Food, Fiber & Fuel

John Davis

30-yearchallengeOur friends at Farm Foundation are always looking for answers to the challenges facing farmers around the world. And part of that search includes bringing in diverse points of view to make sure that real solutions are found. That’s why the Foundation has issued its 30-Year Challenge Competition.

Farm Foundation officials are handing out $20,000 in cash prizes for the best ideas to address the challenges agriculture may face in providing food, feed, fiber and fuel over the next 30 years. But you need to get your ideas in by close of business Monday, June 1:

The competition is open to anyone with an interest in the public policy issues outlined in the Foundation’s report, The 30-Year Challenge: Agriculture’s Strategic Role in Feeding and Fueling a Growing World. That report discusses challenges in six areas: global financial markets and recession; global food security; global energy security; climate change; competition for natural resources; and global economic development.

“We encourage all segments of the food system–from producers to consumers–to contribute entries with their ideas and proposals,” says Farm Foundation President Neil Conklin. “Agriculture and the food system today face diverse and complex issues. Farm Foundation believes that without a civil and broad-reaching discussion respectful of all stakeholders opinions, we will be unable to develop the policies that agriculture and the food system need to deal with the challenges before us.”

Entries can be submitted that address issues in one of the six challenge areas, or multiple areas. For each of the six challenge areas, judging will be done by an independent three-member panel selected by Farm Foundation. Prize winners will be announced in September 2009.

More details about the 30-Year Challenge is available on the Farm Foundation Web site.

The 30-Year Challenge project is directed and led by Farm Foundation. Contributing financial assistance to the project are: the Alliance for Abundant Food and Energy, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Corn Growers Association, the National Pork Producers Council, and the United Egg Producers.

Farm Foundation

Ethanol Teams with Veterans on Memorial Day

cfdc_memorialdayThe Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC), the Ethanol Across America education campaign, and the Flexible Fuel Vehicle Club teamed with Veterans of Underage Military Service (VUMS) with a procession of ethanol and hybrid vehicles in the national Memorial Day parade to highlight the role of energy and national security.

Capping a weekend of national remembrance for America’s fallen soldiers, the parade through the streets of the nation’s capitol featured hundreds of veterans with a crowd of more than 250,000 in attendance. The VUMS group represents the highest degree of dedication as it is comprised of veterans who enlisted despite being underage. Marine Lt. Col. (ret) William C. Holmberg, a VUM and a nationally recognized environmentalist and proponent of renewable energy like ethanol, conceived the idea several years ago to team the VUMS with groups promoting domestic alternatives to imported petroleum.

“Our slogan is There is no National Security without Energy Security,” said Holmberg. “Groups like CFDC, Ethanol Across America, and the Flexible Fuel Vehicle Club work every day to increase that awareness. Marching together in the shadow of the Washington Monument, the Capitol, and the memorials helps people get the connection that much the unrest around the globe has links to oil,” he said.

The procession included the CFDC/Ethanol Across America FlexFuel Chevy Avalanche, the Flexible Fuel Vehicle Club’s Chrysler Van, and several hybrid vehicles.

“Under any circumstances it would be an honor for us to be part of the salute to all those who have served. Our generation sees the loss of jobs, wealth, and military cost of importing more than 60% of our oil, and we have an opportunity to do something about it,” said Durante. “If reducing our dependence on oil keeps us out of one less conflict, and keeps young Americans from having to be memorialized, then we should all be working toward that goal.”

According to Flexible Fuel Club President Burl Haigwood, the parade provided an opportunity to increase public awareness that we can do something about it, right now. “With more than 7 million flex fuel vehicles on the road today, if we ran those vehicles on clean, domestic fuels like ethanol we could reduce our reliance on unstable regimes and reduce the military costs of protecting our oil interests,” said Haigwood.

Col. Holmberg’s concluded the days events stating, “Alternative fuel, high-mileage vehicles and ethanol are our front lines in securing a more secure energy future for America, and, by the way, major artillery in our climate change battles.”

Energy, Environment, Ethanol

EPA Opens Comment Period on RFS

Cindy Zimmerman

epaThe Environmental Protection Agency has officially opened a 60-day comment period for proposed changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The comment period will be open until July 27.

In addition to seeking comments on the proposed rulemaking announced earlier this month, EPA is also conducting peer reviews of critical aspects of the lifecycle methodology used to determine the greenhouse gas emissions of various fuels.

EPA has also announced a public hearing to be held for the proposed rule which will be held in Washington, DC on June 9.

Environment, Ethanol, Government

Solazyme Testing BlueFire Ethanol Cellulosic Sugars

Joanna Schroeder

bluefirelogoSolazyme, Inc., a company that develops technologies for renewable oil production, is in the process of testing sugars that are produced through a patented process designed by BlueFire Ethanol Fuels, Inc. The goal of the technology is to test the compatibility with Solazyme’s renewable oil process to produce the oil cost effectively and at commercial scale production. The sugars used in the process are produced through non-food cellulosic waste.

Arnold Klann, CEO of BlueFire Ethanol Fuels forecasts great results. “Our technologies are a great fit for each other,” he said. “Our patented acid hydrolysis process allows BlueFire Ethanol to utilize a variety of non-food feedstocks to produce sugars that can be used to make a variety of different types of fuels and chemicals. Supplying these low cost sugars to Solazyme’s technology provides them with the option of creating a variety of oils for the renewable energy industry and beyond.”

BlueFire Ethanol is currently focused on developing its first ethanol biorefinery in Lancaster, California. The Lancaster facility will use post-sorted cellulosic wastes diverted from landfills in Southern California to produce 3.9 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol per year. The company was also awarded $40 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for construction of a second plant in Southern California, and has received the first installment of funding from the DOE for the development of the BlueFire Mecca, LLC plant in Southern California.

In addition to the production of renewable oil, Solazyme is also a leading algal synthetic biology company.  The renewable oil produced from algae will not only be used as a replacement for fossil fuels, but also in cosmetics and cleaning supplies that have traditionaly used petroleum as an ingredient.

biofuels, biomass, Cellulosic, Company Announcement

PetroAlgae Opens DC Office

John Davis

petroalgae2President Obama has put the emphasis on renewable energy, and the buzz in the nation’s capitol… and the country… has been about turning algae into biodiesel.

To that end, PetroAlgae is opening a Washington, DC office and has sent three of its best folks there to work closer with the Obama Administration, Congress, non-profit groups, and the business community:

The three new appointments are Andrew Beck, who has joined the company as vice president of public affairs; Michael Gale and George Lyons, who have both joined the company as vice presidents of government relations.

“One of the most effective responses to the challenges of restoring our nation’s economy and responding to our climate and energy crisis is a green recovery,” said Dr. John Scott, Chairman of PetroAlgae. “These three talented individuals will lead PetroAlgae’s discussions with the Obama Administration, Members of Congress and others in the Washington to help educate the country on the ability of clean-energy to help create new jobs and contribute to the nation’s economic recovery.”

Beck, a veteran of the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA, will manage PetroAlgae’s strategic communications, public outreach and media relations operations. Gale was the president of Government Relations and International Trade Strategies and will now manage PetroAlgae’s interactions with government officials with a focus on energy, environmental, tax and international issues. Lyons, who will now manage PetroAlgae’s interactions with government officials with a focus on energy, tax, appropriations, and state issues, was a principal at the Gimga Group.

algae, Biodiesel

Vancouver to Host Hydrogen/Fuel Cell Event

John Davis

hfc2009canadaSome believe the future of renewable energy is with hydrogen. If that’s true, the future… and the world… will be coming to Vancouver next week for Hydrogen + Fuel Cells 2009… billed as Canada’s premier international hydrogen and fuel cell event.

Organizers say the event, which runs from May 31 – June 3, will “showcase Canada’s leadership in commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technology:”

“Today, customers and end-users around the world are validating the benefits of hydrogen and fuel cells,” said John Tak, Chair, Hydrogen + Fuel Cells 2009. “There is increasing momentum behind the commercial adoption of this technology, propelling the growth of an industry that provides high-value green jobs and a legacy of innovation.”

Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and ensure secure and reliable energy. Made-in-B.C. applications of these technologies in market today include forklifts, stationary power generation, fuelling, back-up power and portable products.

More than 1,000 international delegates are expected to attend Hydrogen + Fuel Cells 2009, taking place June 1-3 at the new green-designed Vancouver Convention Centre. The conference will feature international experts profiling the latest developments in research, business and government policy, with the opening keynote session featuring addresses from the governments of British Columbia.

Officials say a convoy of hydrogen-powered electric vehicles will be driving from San Diego, California and will arrive in Vancouver on June 3.

Hydrogen + Fuel Cells 2009 is jointly organized by the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association and the Province of British Columbia. Sponsors include Air Liquide, The Linde Group, German Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Network, Air Products, Ballard, Enbridge, AECL, BC Hydro, Canadian Nuclear Association, Daimler, GM, Hydrogenics, IMW, Plug Power, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Iwatani, National Research Council Canada, Natural Resources Canada and BC Transit.

Hydrogen, International

Organization Promotes Advanced Biofuels

Cindy Zimmerman

A Maryland-based organization is promoting the education, acceptance and use of advanced biofuels.

advance biofuels“The goal of Advanced Biofuels USA is to show the American people, decision-makers and opinion leaders that US farmers and researchers together can produce sustainable and economical biofuels that will directly replace all types of transportation fuels including gasoline and jet fuel.” said founder Joanne Ivancic.

Advanced Biofuels USA was founded last year and earlier this year decided to concentrate the organization’s focus on educational rather than lobbying activities. “We want to make sure the public hears the stories of farmers, foresters, processors, and researchers involved with advanced biofuels,” Ivancic says. “Development of advanced biofuels is not only essential to meeting the challenge of ‘20 by 20’ but more important, is critical to rebuilding the US economy.”

The organization has developed a three-part Advanced Biofuels Primer, available on their website, that provides simple explanations of what advanced biofuels are, why they are important, what key laws and regulations have been passed and implemented to encourage and promote the development of advanced biofuels, and much more. The primer even provides information for teachers and students to use for school projects, as well as advanced research suggestions.

biofuels, biomass, Cellulosic

Green Plains Buys Two Former VeraSun Plants

Cindy Zimmerman

GPREGreen Plains Renewable Energy will acquire two former VeraSun ethanol plants located in Nebraska, to make it the fourth largest ethanol producer in the U.S.

Addition of these plants will increase the Company’s ethanol production capacity by 45%, from 330 million to 480 million gallons per year.

“The acquisition of the plants in Central City and Ord lowers our cost of production and improves our ability to compete in the industry,” said Todd Becker, Green Plains’ President and Chief Executive Officer. “These plants are in excellent locations. Within the 14 contiguous counties surrounding Ord and Central City, there are over 300,000 cattle on feed and approximately 300 million bushels of corn grown annually.”

Sale of the facilities are expected to close in June and Green Plains plans to have the plants fully operational within 30-60 days of the sale closing.

Ethanol, Facilities

Florida Biodiesel Plant Set to Go On Line

John Davis

The first biodiesel plant in Southwest Florida could soon go on line… although some of its first fuel will be sold a loss.

The Fort Meyers News-Press reports that a site for FL BioFuels LLC’s three-million-gallon-a-year plant should be picked in the next couple of weeks, and one of its first customers will get a substantial discount on the fuel it buys:

The plant is capable of producing 3 million gallons of biodiesel in its first year, said Roy Benton Jr., one of the company’s four owners, and that could bring in more than $5 million. As a result, FL BioFuels’ owners hope doing business with Lee County will pay off.

The county agreed in April to give the company $500,000 from a government grant for the plant. The commission is expected to discuss the grant and biodiesel at its meeting Tuesday.

FL BioFuels is contracted to produce 500,000 gallons of biodiesel a year for the county’s vehicles. The company was required to match the approximately $1.60-a-gallon price the county pays for its truck fuel. The company’s owners say the venture will cost them money because their biodiesel is about $1 more expensive per gallon, costing them about $500,000 per year.

“It’s not a big contract with the county,” Benton Jr., said. “What is does is give us tremendous credibility.”

The feedstock for the biodiesel will be leftover restaurant grease, which is why one of FL Biofuels’ owners… the owner of a Hooters franchise… is involved. Plus, the county is currently buying biodiesel from Malaysia, which clears rain forests to grow the palm oil for its biodiesel.

When it is opened, it will be Florida’s third biodiesel plant.

Biodiesel